For centuries, the definition of the feminist movement has never been clear cut, with conflicting perspectives on issues of race and gender expectations continuously obscuring the movement’s aim. In the last two decades, the polarization surrounding the aim of feminism has only been exacerbated by social media, solidifying it into an unattainable pedestal erected for women in a misguided effort to counter patriarchal narratives. This restricts women from expressing femininity without guilt and establishes an exaggeratedly anarchist connotation to the feminist agenda. The feminist movement should be redefined once and for all, clearing the murkiness: fostering support for and among all women.
The feminist movement formally began in the 19th century. However, many historical key figures, such as the suffragettes, fought exclusively for the equality of white women. Feminists of color countered racism in feminism, creating polarization surrounding race and gender in feminism. And during World War II, women moving into the workforce while continuing to take the role of homemakers raised an impossible expectation known as the double burden, fostering unattainable standards in conjunction with feminism, furthering the confusion regarding the true aim of the movement.
Today, a subtle re-emergence of the impossible “double-burden” expectation continues to plague feminism. Pushback from the media against sexist stereotypes has left many women feeling ashamed for embracing traditional norms, narrowing the scope of what is commonly acceptable for women and pitting women against one another. This is counterproductive to true feminism.
When women are against one another, it becomes increasingly difficult to overcome the patriarchy. For example, the rise of the “I’m not like other girls” mentality causes many women to reject feminine interests for the sake of countering the stereotypes that come with being a woman. To many, refusing to like the color pink or enjoying fashion set them apart from femininity, ultimately creating a false pedestal. However, this actually only internalizes hatred towards other women and affirms misogyny.
As a result of this internalized shame surrounding femininity, women are now expected to fight every stereotype possible, stigmatizing traditionally “feminine” activities as anti-feminist and preventing women from fully expressing themselves. Instead, they feel the need to overcome nearly inhumanely impossible feats, juggling accomplishment after accomplishment, overcompensating for a skewed vision of gender equality.
While social media—a hallmark of fourth wave feminism—has spotlighted issues such as wage gaps, sexual violence and reproductive rights, it has also exacerbated the polarization and confusion surrounding the formal definition of feminism. According to an annual study of global internet discourse by LLYC, 50% of messages on X regarding feminism are negative.
Though the connotation of feminism has drastically changed over the past few years, it is time to define the movement as a strive for true equality, blurring gender distinctions in traits and interests in order to allow everybody to feel confident with their identities.
“I think some of the dangers of feminism becoming a negatively charged idea is that it downplays what feminism is really about,” senior NOW Club board member Audrey Xu said. “Rather than being against men or women being just loud and aggressive, feminism is a chance for women to share their inequalities that still exist and take action to change it.”
Specifically, a sector of feminism known as intersectional feminism, which advocates for an equal ground for women’s rights for all social categories, including race, class, ability, religion and sexuality, aims to achieve true equality. Applying intersectionality to the formal definition of feminism will foster a more effective movement that unites women to topple the patriarchy, unlike the currently obscure and controversial definition that pits women against one another.
One way to take action is to use social media as a weapon against itself. When reposting, viewing or sharing content regarding feminism, always ensure that it harbors the right message and promotes equality. Be mindful of what you say, especially if it may potentially enforce harsh standards and negative stereotypes.
