Feminist to Feminine
Over the past five years, the word “feminist” has taken on a derogatory connotation. When someone identifies as a feminist, they are often stereotyped as a bleeding-heart, uninformed woman who believes men are unnecessary. When questioned about issues like procreation, the response is often, “The world is overpopulated anyway, and having fewer children helps combat global warming.” A term once meant to champion women’s empowerment has devolved into a label for anti-man, raging liberal ideology.
Looking back at the women’s suffrage movement in 1848, the focus was on achieving equality and freedom. During a time when women lacked political representation and economic independence, their frustration was entirely justified. The second wave of feminism brought attention to reproductive rights and women’s role in the workforce. Ironically, as many of us now realize, the birth control methods we fought so hard for may come with harmful side effects, but I digress. Third-wave feminism addressed sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as issues like inclusivity and race. Today, in the fourth wave, social media movements such as #MeToo has gained significant traction. Modern feminism has also embraced ideas like choosing not to have children, pushing society to accept new norms.
While earlier waves of feminism achieved incredible milestones, modern feminism has, in many ways, gone too far. The movement has shifted from fighting for equality to promoting the idea that women’s voices are more important than anyone else’s. In some circles, feminism now suggests that men no longer have a valid place in society.
Expressing these opinions, which may seem logical to some, often goes against societal norms. It has become difficult to openly say you don’t support modern feminism without receiving dirty looks or dismissive attitudes. Most people are unwilling to engage in a fair discussion about it.
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Xoxo,
A Once Closeted Conservative