The concept of Feminism is not new to us. Basically, it is the most widely used term nowadays. If anything goes wrong with a woman, all the so-called feminists can be seen in the picture to defend them. But do we know what exactly Feminism means? Or do we use the term because we like to use it? It seems like a normal word but it is not. A whole lot of history is attached to the word “FEMINISM” which has taken a different meaning in today’s world.
What is Feminism?
In simple terms, Feminism means gender equality. But the meaning of Feminism has evolved in present times.
The origin of Feminism traces back from the late nineteenth century when women did not have the right to vote. The major concern of Feminism was to provide the right of suffrage to every woman. For ages, women were inferior and men superior. Therefore, women were devoid of several rights in comparison to men. Their physical body has always decided their worthiness. They were not given equal rights socially, politically, and economically. Before the concept of Feminism arose, women were not allowed to vote and that was the beginning of the first wave of Feminism. Men were easily given every opportunity and right, and women were asked to stand behind them.
Society has the wrong understanding of terms like sex and gender. We fail to understand that sex is biologically assigned to us and on the other hand, gender is assigned by society. Therefore, the real issue lies in the concept of gender created by society.
Feminism blurs this line of misunderstanding and openly talks about equal rights based on gender, gender expression, gender identity, and so on. The main aim of feminism is to provide equal rights to women whether they are political, social, or economic. The availability of ideas like Feminism allows more awareness to women about their equal rights, participation, and their value in society.
How has Feminism evolved?
The evolvement of the idea of Feminism is quite evident in present times. The past of Feminism has changed the lives of women forever. It has given several rights to women in the mainstream field. Allowing them to give their vote to work with men with equal rights, has created more awareness among women about their basic rights.
But the idea has changed so far. Before it was more about basic rights and now shifts have come to body rights and accepting the person for whom they are without body shaming them. Besides this, we can also see the presence of pseudo-feminism, where people think that only one gender needs respect no matter what is happening to the other.
The meaning of feminism has changed a lot over time. For instance, social sites like Instagram have completely changed the definition of Feminism. If any wrong happens to a woman, then the whole community of pseudo-feminist starts their own arguments. And doing so, the true meaning of Feminism remains behind.
Nowadays people are using it to prove their theories right. Individuals think that women who consider themselves feminists unnecessarily blame men for everything. They also feel that in the name of Feminism few women try to oppress men negatively. Taking undue advantage of being a woman.
True Feminism
The idea of feminism is to provide equal rights to every gender. Yes, majorly it began to provide basic rights to women. But it never meant to say that a woman will never need a man. The main focus has shifted so far in current times. We need to realize the true meaning of Feminism and should work towards it. Feminism is not putting women above men but to treat women equally to them.
