“Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings.’’ – Chris Kramarae
A feminist is a person who realizes that there’s a problem with gender. The concept of feminism was brought up as a result of decades of suppression, ignorance, humiliation and discrimination. A difference in perspectives of how boys and girls should be raised gave birth to the issue of women being inferior to men in every way. Rather than recognizing who we are, gender makes us obsessed with the differences that are expected of the behaviors of a man and woman.
Men and women are different biologically. However, the idea of male superiority arose when physical strength was the most important attribute for survival. The world has changed today but the idea of gender is almost primitive. The earth today is ruled by creative, innovative and intelligent minds that women are as likely to have as men.
Women are equally as human as men. Culturally, men and women being equal is not a much supported point of view, but it is now our duty to change the conservative beliefs of the community.
Laws have been enforced implying that gender equality is a principle largely considered, but all in vain and only on paper. An unprecedented result of raising our sons and daughters in different ways is that women grow up developing an inferiority complex to men. Girls are raised in such a way that they are expected to take life decisions keeping in mind that the most important one is marriage, while we teach boys to hide their emotions and exhibit masculinity. A concept was once developed that feminists are women who are unhappy because they cannot find husbands. However, the truth is that even men can be radical feminists.
The fact that men and women are only biologically different and women are more powerful than ever considered to be is essential to bring about revolutionary changes in the field of feminism. Respect, all these years, is something a woman always gives to a man and receives none in return. To appreciate a woman for who she is, and to feel that she deserves respect is a quality that everyone should understand. It is high time to raise our sons and daughters in a similar way so that people stop underestimating the powers and value of a woman. If this changes and a feeling of respect inculcates, it will surely become a better place to live in, this world!
Aditi is an undergraduate student of Development Studies at National College.
Can men be feminists?
