1. Feminists hate men and advocate for female supremacy. The reality is that feminists simply acknowledge power dynamics; women have been oppressed by men and they seek equity and the right to live their life free from male aggression.
2. Feminists are all lesbians. Firstly, lesbian is not a slur. There is nothing negative about being a lesbian. Secondly, this is clearly an overgeneralization and there many straight, bisexual, etc. women who identify as feminists. You don’t have to be gay to believe in women’s rights.
3. Feminists are all angry. Yes, feminists are angry. Feminists are angry about how many women are killed in the name of “honour”, they are angry about the number of women who are raped, and they are angry at the number of women who are forced into marriage. Rage is a powerful emotion and can be used to fuel much needed change in this world.
4. Feminists only care about rich white women. Movements for women’s rights exist all around the world; patriarchy isn’t limited to the western world. Many women in Afghanistan fought the Taliban.
5. Feminists resent everything traditionally feminine. Feminists are not a monolith and have a wide range of beliefs. Many of them are embracing traditionally feminine roles and feel empowered by it.