By strict definition, feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men, according to Webster’s dictionary. Anti-feminism, quite simply, is the opposite.
For many years, feminism and anti-feminism movements had caused debate in all aspects of modern day society. Many celebrities such as Amy Poehler, Lena Dunham, and Emma Watson have all publicly claimed themselves as feminists. Other celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Anne Hathaway believe in the primary ideals, but not directly associate themselves as a feminist. Emma Watson, a United Nations (UN) Women Goodwill Ambassador, discussed the “HeForShe” campaign and women’s rights at a UN conference last September.
“I am from Britain and think it is right that as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country. I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men,” Watson said, “But sadly I can say that there is no one country in the world where all women can expect to receive these rights.”
Abortion is a controversial discussion revolving around a woman’s ability to choose. Due to these heated debates, it in turn brings up the topic of women’s rights and feminism as a whole. Since the recent rise of feminism, there have been numerous misconceptions towards the women associated with the movement and its ideals. Most notably, critics have claimed that feminists hate men, disapprove of stay-at-home mothers, and other incorrect assumptions.
When it comes down to it, the feminist movement is a desire for free choice and equality for women – not men-bashing, or condemning hard working mothers. It is a desire that all women around the globe have the ability to make decisions and have the same social status as men.
Dunham, an actress known for her role in the television show “Girls,” stated, “The idea of being a feminist – so many women have come to this idea of it being anti-male and not able to connect with the opposite sex. But what feminism is about is equality and human rights.”
In Watson’s UN speech, she advises that the movement itself isn’t what’s important, but the idea and ambition behind it. Whether associated with the feminist movement or not, I would assume it is easily agreeable that all women from all parts of the world should have the same rights socially, politically, and economically as men.
With the twentieth-century renaissance of feminism, it has created a spark in women (and men) about the issue of women’s rights. Despite how difficult the goal of worldwide equality for females may seem, and with the push for women’s rights, this is a lively debate is surely to last until both genders are equal all across the globe.