Why Do Some People Hate The Word 'Feminism'?

Let’s talk about feminism. Yep, I said it. Feminism.

I bet half of you cringed over the word. It’s a prickly topic, I know, but a worthy and definitely necessary one.

However, there seems to be a problem with it, as proven by that little reaction many have had over it.

Flatly, there’s no problem with feminism; rather, a problem with the way the word is perceived. Plain and simple, feminism is necessary. It is something that needs to be discussed, as equality of the sexes just doesn’t exist. With women still only earning 78 cents for every dollar a man makes, feminism is something our society needs to discuss. So let’s talk about that discussion.

Most discussions around feminism seem to go one of three ways.

1. A polite and well-reasoned discussion where people are like, “Yes, this is a thing.”

2. “What? No. I’m not a feminist. I’m *insert word here*” or “I don’t believe in feminism/it’s not a thing we need.”

3. “FEMINISM NO UGH GHALNGKJALNGDKJABN!”

All three of these discussions stem from a basic understanding of what feminism is. Yet, the meaning of feminism seems to have been lost as the idea has developed and evolved. You could say it’s been lost in translation; though, when it comes down to the core definition, feminism remains the same.

Feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes; social, political and economic equality. So yes. It’s about women. It always has been. It’s about women being equal with men. It’s about your sister, or your friend, or your girlfriend, or your mum, aunt, second cousin, the girl you never talk to in class but think is great… it may even be about you. It’s about feeling safe on the street and getting equal pay and having access to education and so much more.

Here’s the thing. As well as not discussing feminism, some seem to be distancing themselves from it entirely. Take for example Sarah Jessica Parker and Shailene Woodley. Both influential women, both distancing themselves from the term. Instead they offer alternatives. (Sarah Jessica Parker suggests ‘equalist’. Huh?) Perhaps because they know using the word 'feminism' will rile up those who have grown to hate the phrase. But then, that's missing the point.

Feminism is a word loaded with history and momentum, and we shouldn’t change it now. Not to humanist and not to equalist. Feminism is feminism. It should inspire controversy and debate; not be diluted until it's forgotten about. You can’t give it a new name. If you don’t like the name why not get rid of the reason for the name? Eradicate the word from our vocabulary by making it something of the past. Make it not a problem anymore.

Our world is filled with problems. It sucks, but it’s the truth. Equal rights and the safety of women is one of those problems. That’s where feminism comes in. It raises the need for a movement on this problem. If we don’t want to use the word feminism? Well, then we need to make sure we don’t need to use it anymore.

When words like racism and homophobia and feminism are ancient history, then maybe no one will cringe when any of them are mentioned. No one will try to lump words into another term.

Instead, when a discussion about feminism comes round, maybe it’ll go something like this: “Hey, I’m glad that’s not a thing anymore.”

Caitlin Moore is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about our contributors program.