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5 Feminist Stereotypes That Are Totally False

Adriana Cirianni Student Contributor, Fairfield University
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Gabriella Restivo Student Contributor, Fairfield University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Fairfield chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Today, the word ‘feminist’ has received a bad connotation. People do not associate the word feminism with what it actually stands for. Feminism is the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. Why anyone would be against that is beyond me. With that being said, people have false ideas of what feminism truly stands for. Here are the stereotypes of feminists that are utterly false:

1. Feminists are ugly.

This is just a cop out statement by someone who does not understand the concept behind the women’s movement and what he or she are advocating for. I mean if Beyoncé, Emma Watson and Taylor Swift are ugly, I want to be ugly too!

2. All feminists are lesbians.

I will never understand this one. If I want to be paid the same as a man, I am considered a lesbian? It’s not a logical way to think and if a woman is a lesbian that should not affect her being treated equally to begin with. Regardless of someone’s sexual preference, everyone should be treated with the same respect and offered the same opportunities.

3. Feminists hate men.

We don’t hate you! We just want our voices to have the same value. We want to be able to have a walk of fame and not be labeled as a sl*t. We want to be paid if we are working in the same position as you are. And, we most certainly want to have the freedom to go out into the world pursuing our dreams and not be regarded as less. 

4. Feminists look down on other women who want a more traditional lifestyle.

Um, every woman is entitled to her own opinion and should be in control of her own life. If she wants to marry, have kids and stay home that is great. If a woman wants to completely step away from the home and become CEO of a company, she can also do that. Girl power, ladies!! We should support what any woman decides to do with her life.

5. All feminists are women.

This is not all about women. We want men and women to have the same rights. We cannot make this change alone. Men can be feminists so don’t be scared!

 

Adriana is currently a second semester senior at Fairfield University. She is majoring in Communication and English with a concentration in creative writing as well as a double minor in marketing and women, gender and sexuality studies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Gabriella is currently a junior at Fairfield University, where she is majoring in Marketing and minoring in Communications. She is Co-Campus Correspondent of Her Campus Fairfield with her roomie/best friend Pamela Grant! Gab can most likely be found with a Venti Starbs in hand, while wearing obnoxiously large sunnies (no shame), reading the most recent issue of Glamour Mag.