It seems like a pretty straight forward idea to believe that men and women should be offered equal opportunities within the construct of our society. However; if you asked those who believed in said equality if they identified within the ideals of feminism they may quickly begin to back pedal. “It depends on the definition” or “Just not the femme-nazis.”
Whether we like it or not, the term feminism has been demonized by those who wish to remain in the current power structure. Organizations such as planned parenthood have found themselves on the front lines of violent demonstrations and protest. People picket everyday, reminding women of all ages of the power structure we exist in. This demonization of a health organization is a prime example of how societal perceptions can be molded by the power structure to acutely attack minorities and marginalized groups alike. Ungrounded claims labeling feminists as baby-killers and those who wish to flip the script.
Survivors of sexual assault are even met with doubt and profound victim blaming. Instead of a culture that normalizes assault, the blame finds its way to how the victim was dressed or other non factors in a case of assault. We don’t need to teach women to dress modestly, we need to teach men to be conscious members of society.
Other negative perceptions lay in the insecurity of masculinity. Fragile ego are supremely threatened by powerful women who wish to establish their worth in a society that repeatedly demonizes their organizations and belittles their experiences as a human.
