Introduction
Feminism has evolved from the traditional position that it held. For a long time, feminism had been about the incorporation of broader views on equality. Feminism now advocates women rights in leadership, education and other significant things. Prior to the dawn of modernity, the inequalities that were fought for involved mistreatment from society. The feminism that exists today also sensitizes men about several issues and is accommodative of them. Feminist movements fight to prevent more profound issues than was the case in the traditional set up. There is a struggle for medical care, family oriented issues, equal pay and gay rights.
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There are different stereotypes that people, especially men, have about feminism. One of such is that feminists loathe men. The reason people assume so is that most of the rights they advocate seek recognition that has been traditionally afforded for men(Paludi, Michele, 46). Many look at it from the school of thought that feminists think men have what should be theirs and, therefore, hate them. Feminism does not seek dominance, but equality of both sexes. They do not hate men because they respect the conventions of society and recognize the importance of men in the family. The only thing that they want is that men do not step on women because of the many extra advantages they undoubtedly have, which does not amount to hatred. They just appreciate the society and want it to become better for both sexes. Such can only be achieved when equality is in play. Feminism, therefore, is not something that is an all-woman affair. It brings together both men and women to the same level to foster better relationships. For it is when there is equality that the rapports can be strengthened. Therefore, it is a concept that incorporates both genders since they have to work together for the ideals to be realized. A majority of feminists believe in the family. They fight for the rights they do because the family will be the beneficiary eventually. Feminists want a better future for the family so assuming that they do not believe in marriage, and the family is wrong. They believe that a society can become better if everybody is treated equally. They do not fight for special treatment, but equal treatment that gives them the right to make decisions that affect the family and the society.
Feminism is, to a good extent, beneficial to men. It breaks down the roles associated with men in the traditional setup and allows men to have flexibility in them. Under feminist ideals, men do not to conform to the bondage of traditional roles. Things are equally shared between the two and men are allowed to do certain notable things that were traditionally seen as weak. Feminism enables them to live a free life. For instance, tradition stipulates that a man is the absolute provider for the family. Feminists are against this notion and believe that women, too, should work and actively participate in the family. The economy continues to become tougher as time goes, and men could use the help of women in finances. So, the men do not have to strain in the bid to showcase masculinity because feminism has changed these notions. Men can now do things such as nursing and are allowed to show human-like emotions of sensitivity, thereby living a life that is free. Fatherly rights in custodian issues are also propelled by feminists. They recognize the role a man has as a father in a child’s life. The recognition of such a part is a clear indication that women do respect men, and their feminist ideologies are beneficial to them. It is respectful when people recognize a man as a father of a child. The custody issues that are faced by families on most occasions are considered equally, and men do get rights when they deserve to. Control of the reproductive system gives people the right to use birth control. Before 1965, birth control pills were prohibited in the United States and other places. Feminist have tirelessly demanded that everybody has the right to tell what is best for their reproductive system and exercise control over it accordingly. Undeniably, heterosexuals have been beneficiaries of this notion. They can comfortably engage in sexual exploits when their woman is allowed to take a birth control pill(Mary, Jess, 2). The fight has given men a way of managing the issue of procreation, where they can have children when they desire to so. The scenario has even evolved to incorporate controls for men too.
There has been a universal confusion premised on feminism and humanism. Most people have taunted feminist activists to abandon feminism and embrace humanity more because they both fight for human values and needs. The reason has been instigated by people’s thoughts on feminism being annoying when compared to humanism. The fundamentals of humanism proclaim equal rights to all individuals but does not embrace the aspect of diversity like is the case with feminism. Humanism came about from a European perspective of the rules that should govern white men in the society. It has been reconditioned to access people from all spheres, but is not as precise as feminism is when it comes to diverse individuals(Messina, Gina, 3). Humanism only applies when the definition of what it is to be human conforms to the enlightened notions that are rooted to what the founders wanted. It does not dwell in gender-based injustice as much as the former does. There has to be a substantially definitive way to tell what humanity entails for the concept to apply. Therefore, based on the above, feminism is the appropriate word to denote the fight for equality.
Unknowingly to them, men experienced several advantages that place them in an elevated position over women. The statement does not mean that men do not suffer, rather; it means that the society has given men some privileges that give them a better position in life, albeit passively. Men do not have to deal continually with the same issues that women do. For instance, few men get sexually harassed at the workplace. If a man is sexually harassed, it is likely to be interpreted that he is receiving sexual favors. The things that affect women are most probably favorable to men. Men will experience the same injustice as women, but it will not be because of their sex. For example, if a man is not promoted at work, chances are he is not good at his job. A woman may be useful but will not be considered for a promotion because she is a woman. Women carry the burden that most men do not feel or have an idea of what it entails. For instance, women are the ones who have to worry about things such as birth control. The effects will affect them more than it wills their male counterparts. To wind up the discussion of how privileged men are is one example. When a man gives extraordinary care to his children, he is continually praised even though that is his duty. When a woman does the same thing, it is supposed to be her job, so there is no need of praise. When a woman fails in the same duty, she will be called a bad mother but a man will not be questioned.
Conclusion
The above thesis highlights why feminism is not discriminative. It is something that is needed to make the society orderly and bearable for both genders. As emphasized, it is not a hateful concept, but only seeks to make the society better. The concept is in favor of every party that makes up the family; children, men, and women.
Works cited
Paludi, Michele A. Feminism and Women's Rights Worldwide. Santa Barbara, Calif: Praeger, 2010. Print.
Messina, Gina. "Feminism vs. Humanism: Continuing to Claim a Feminist Identity." Feminism 12 Aug. 2013. Print.
Mary, Jess. "Feminism: It’s Good For Men, Too." Feminspire 22 Aug. 2011. Print.
