Feminist misinformation

Feminism “encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians” – Pat Robertson

Dearest Pat I have enough difficulty trying to master winged eyeliner, I certainly do not have the kind of time you think feminism requires. Sadly Pat is not alone in pedalling nonsensical misinformation about Feminism. Here are a few “popular “ pieces of misinformation.

1. I couldn’t be a Feminist I don’t hate men!

This is the oldest myth in the book . Don’t worry Feminism doesn’t require you to trade in all your male family and friends for an “I heart Feminism” t-shirt. Feminists are against the kind of sexism and oppression that society perpetuates. What this means is that both men and women are raised surrounded by messages that are prejudiced against women and limiting what is possible for women to achieve. It is these messages that Feminism hates, not the men! This isn’t a them vs us situation, obtaining freedom and rights for women does not take from the rights of men. It’s not a game of winner takes it all. When we play Feminism everybody wins!!

2. But I can’t be a Feminist, I’m not a woman.

Au contraire, mon frere – Anybody and everybody can be a feminist, if you’re against sexism and oppression we don’t care what gender hat you wear. Feminism supports men in freeing themselves from the limiting notions of traditional male roles and from conforming to the patriarchal definition of masculinity, which states you must be big, hairy, strong, tall, virile, have sexual prowess, be a breadwinner and never ever show emotions- how exhausting. Feminism encourages men to discard the limiting, traditional ideologies of what it means to be a man and discover what makes them happy and gives them a meaningful and fulfilling life. In short you don’t need to be a woman to be a feminist, in fact if you aren’t we need you as much as you need us.

3. All Feminists are angry.

Ok lets look at one issue that I as a feminist get angry about. As it stands the Irish government has more of a say over what happens in my uterus than I do. Imagine waking up one morning to discover your government has decided it gets final say over your gender specific organs. Your body parts are no longer your own, they now belong to the government and a document that was written in the beginning of the 1900’s. How does that make you feel? Would you be a little bit angry about this? Could you see why this would annoy somebody else? This is only one issue there are thousands more! Of course feminists seem angry, there is a lot of nonsense to be angry about and sometimes we need to say it out loudly and risk looking “angry “and “unladylike” in order to stand up for ourselves,and others wouldn’t you?

4. All Feminists are butch lesbians

Of course there are feminists who are lesbians and some are butch. There are also many who are straight, bisexual, asexual, pansexual and who are butch and/ or look traditionally feminine. Feminism doesn’t care what you look like, what age you are, who you sleep with, what you eat, who your god is/isn’t, your marital status, your employment status, whether or not you have babies or fur babies and so on. Feminism welcomes everyone who believes in equality and recognising humanity in all people. Also we don’t appreciate using homophobia to scare women into thinking feminism isn’t for them. While we’re on it there is a rumour out there that if you are a trans woman you cannot be a feminist because you are not “really “ a woman and couldn’t possibly understand the struggle. In the politest way possible I say boll**ks to that. Quite frankly if you identify as female in any way or wear female clothing you know more about the struggles of women than I do. You have have had to work so much harder for your title and put up with far more nonsense than I ever will for being female. I salute you brave, beautiful warriors welcome to the battlefield.

5. Feminists don’t remove any of their body hair.

Some do and some don’t, what’s it to you? A woman’s worth and attractiveness shouldn’t be measured by how hairless she is. It’s her hair it’s her choice. Nobody is policing the body hair of men so why the concern for female pubic hair! See, feminists are not really concerned about what’s under your arm, we have enough to be getting on with. However we are concerned about whether or not women feel pressured to look a certain “acceptable” way. If you want to rock a tache or a unibrow go for it, a furry bush to keep the tops of your thighs warm go for it or if you want to be as bald as an olympic swimmer rock it sisters and brothers never let a naysayer touch your fuzz.

6. Feminists have no sense of humour

I can’t speak for everyone but I think I’m pretty funny actually, as are quite a number of feminists. Cailtin Moran, Jo Brand, Tina Fey I could go on. Just because we don’t make jokes aimed at hurting, demeaning, or belittling other people. We don’t stay quiet when someone makes a joke at the expense of a certain gender, race, class, or sexual orientation or if they use a stereotypes that encourage prejudice. If someone was making fun of you, your friends, your beliefs and your family, wouldn’t you want someone to say something?

7. Feminists are just interested in moaning they have never actually achieved anything.

If feminists were really useless then women wouldn’t be able to read this article, there certainly would not be a woman writing it. Thanks to feminism women can vote, attend school, hold political positions, work inside or outside the home, decide if and when to have children, if and to whom they get married, own property and be self sufficient if they so desire. There are so many things that we take for granted that Feminists of the past gave their lives for. I hope that future generations will thank us someday for making the future a more equal and safe place for everyone!

So the next time someone starts bringing up tired old stereotypes about feminists and talking nonsense, feel free to correct them on it. You’ve heard it here from an official feminist.

Rebelle Haze xxx

Image source:

Pro choice feminist cat patch: Etsy
Just because I’m feminine doesn’t mean I’m not a feminist: The Feminist Kitchen