Let’s take this step by step. Let’s start with “what is feminism”? When a woman desires to be a capable, strong individual with equal rights, opportunities, and freedom as a man, it is called ‘Feminism.’
It means the liberation of women, in which women are given the rights to education, freedom of their own choice of career, not forced into marriage, and not being obligated to work inside the house.
Feminism, in its purest form, advocates for gender equality and empowers individuals to break free from societal constraints.
However, the landscape of feminism has evolved, and today, it is not uncommon to come across various expressions of this ideology.
In this article, we will explore the stark differences between real and fake feminism, understanding their implications on society and paving the way for true empowerment and equality.
Here is where it gets a little complicated.
What if you (a woman) and another man have the same opportunities. But, because you’re smarter and better, you become more successful. In that sense, you are a superior woman. But that does not mean you can bring other women or men down.
So What Is ‘Fake Feminism’?
This is when the idea of feminism is misinterpreted and twisted in order to serve one’s purpose. Fake feminism: when one claims to be a feminist and ignores the prevailing point of feminism; equality.
We believe in the liberty and equality of women. What creates this idea of ‘fake feminism’ are specific actions people do in the name of feminism that doesn’t match equality’s goal.
We have all encountered fake feminists. Nowadays, being a feminist has become mainstream culture.
It is viewed as something’ cool’ or something that makes you better and more of a forward thinker than anyone else.
The Beginning – First Wave Feminism
Let’s talk a little about how it all started. The Suffrage movement happened during World War One and included overcoming complex political challenges, such as the right to vote.
The outcome of this movement was that women started to be seen as capable of making decisions and working hard.
Women started to gain importance during that time. Since the men were at war, people were needed to provide for the families they left behind.
So, women took the step and started working at factories and doing the ‘manly’ labor-heavy jobs. This was the first wave of feminism when women gained political rights.
Second Wave
The second wave of feminism happened between 1960-1980. This wave primarily focused on sexuality, family, and reproductive rights. But the most important thing women were fighting for in this was the idea of equality.
Third Wave
This is still being fought for. The third wave consisted of fighting to remove biases against women in the workplace, slut shaming, victim-blaming, body image issues, and mental health. Around the third wave, we also started to see the rise of some radical feminists.
Here is where you can read about the different types of feminists: https://www.redletterpress.org/feminism101.html
Achieving Equality
Each country’s socio-economic level is different; therefore, every country in the world is at a different developmental stage right now. How much they can focus on issues like feminism depends on the socio-economic level.
This goes hand in hand with the education provided in certain countries because the predominant way to make a long-term change is to weave it into the school curriculum from a young age. Hence, children understand these issues and prevent them when they grow up.
Real Feminism: Embracing Equality and Empowerment
Intersectionality in Feminism
Real feminism acknowledges the interconnectedness of various social identities, such as race, ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation. Intersectionality recognizes that the experiences of women are shaped by multiple factors.
Promoting Equal Opportunities
Real feminism actively works to create a level playing field, where opportunities are not limited by gender. It supports policies that ensure equal pay, access to education, and representation in leadership roles.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes
Feminism seeks to challenge and dismantle traditional gender roles and stereotypes. It encourages individuals to embrace their authentic selves, irrespective of societal expectations.
Empowering Women Worldwide
Genuine feminism acknowledges the global nature of gender inequality and strives to uplift women in all corners of the world. It supports initiatives that improve healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for women.
Fake Feminism: Superficial and Performative
Tokenism and Virtue Signaling
Fake feminism often resorts to tokenism and virtue signalling, where surface-level actions are taken to appear progressive, without making substantial changes.
Co-opting Feminist Language
In some cases, fake feminists co-opt feminist language for personal gain or to mask their true intentions, while not actively supporting the movement’s core values.
Lack of Genuine Support for Women
Fake feminism lacks the genuine desire to uplift women and support their rights. It may only engage in selective activism that serves personal interests rather than advancing the feminist cause.
The Impact of Real Feminism
Positive Changes in Society
Real feminism has led to significant progress in society, challenging discriminatory norms and fostering an environment of equality and respect.
Encouraging Inclusivity and Diversity
By recognizing the importance of intersectionality, real feminism promotes inclusivity and embraces diversity within the movement.
Promoting Gender Equity
Real feminism actively works towards achieving gender equity, striving for a world where all individuals have equal opportunities and rights.
Consequences of Fake Feminism
Undermining the Feminist Movement
Fake feminism undermines the credibility of the feminist movement, leading to misconceptions and stereotypes about its true objectives.
Reinforcing Harmful Stereotypes
Inauthentic expressions of feminism may reinforce harmful stereotypes about women, perpetuating societal biases.
Hindering Progress Towards Equality
By diverting attention and resources away from genuine feminist causes, fake feminism hinders progress towards achieving true gender equality.
Recognizing Real vs. Fake Feminism
Being Critical Consumers of Media
To distinguish between real and fake feminism, it is essential to critically assess media representations and the intentions behind certain actions.
Evaluating Actions and Intentions
Scrutinizing the actions and intentions of individuals and organizations claiming to support feminism can help identify their authenticity.
Listening to Marginalized Voices
Listening to the experiences and voices of marginalized groups can offer valuable insights into the genuineness of feminist efforts.
Moving Towards True Feminism
Promoting Intersectionality
Promoting intersectionality in feminist spaces ensures that the struggles of all individuals, regardless of their background, are recognized and addressed.
Supporting Women of All Backgrounds
Genuine feminism advocates for the empowerment of all women, irrespective of their ethnicity, race, religion, or social status.
Amplifying Women’s Voices
Real feminism involves amplifying the voices of women and providing platforms for them to share their stories and experiences.
Last Words
It is no secret that women have struggled to build their caliber over the past decades. The main point of feminism is to ensure equality for both genders.
No matter how much of a feminist you are, you need to lift up women instead of putting the men down. That is not called achieving equality.
In conclusion, real feminism encompasses the true spirit of equality and empowerment, challenging oppressive systems and promoting inclusivity.
On the other hand, fake feminism only perpetuates superficial gestures, lacking genuine support for women’s rights. It is crucial to be discerning in recognizing the difference between the two, as supporting authentic feminism is essential for creating a just and equal society.
Image Courtesy: Photo by Samantha Sophia on Unsplash
Great article!