The 'Feminist Agenda' in the Modern World

It has become important to dissociate the word feminine with feminism. Over the years, feminism has been given a negative connotation by society. It has been misinterpreted as a fight for a civilization where women dominate men. However, it is important to think logically and realize that this is not the case. Feminism simply means political, economic, social, and cultural equality amongst both men and women. Radical feminism is, a lot of the time, used as a representation of the feminist movement. However, this is fallacious thinking in the sense that we cannot allow unfortunate occurrences to represent a whole movement of individuals, each with their own different interpretation of what this movement means to them while sharing the common idea of equality. Women fear to associate themselves with the term because of the trail of negativity that comes along with it. Modern feminism is complex in every sense of intersectionality. I will admit, I too have thought about the negative implication that comes with the label of a feminist, and have asked myself if that is the message I want to send, and it is. It is because I do not allow popular opinion and ignorance to influence my beliefs in something that is greater than one individual’s perception. Unfortunately, there are several isolated matters that, one could argue, have faulty reasoning and rationale. This does not necessarily mean that all feminists agree, or even tolerate the issue, and that is what is being overlooked. Do not let poor judgment of a situation overcome one's logic and common sense.

For instance, a recent interview with Jordan Peterson, a clinical psychologist, conducted by Cathy Newman, a British journalist, has received more than wanted attention over past weeks.

It was brought to public attention Newman's "illogical feminist agenda" throughout the interview. This, then, was asserted to all women identified as feminists as a result of the still surprising, but not new, overgeneralization of our society. However, I think it's relatively nonsensical to make the very generalized assertion that men don't take—as well as the implication that they won't take—feminism "seriously" as a result of a few rare and unfortunate cases, that any logical person can conclude does not represent a group, let alone a movement. I agree that the interviewer lacked professionalism, and to a short extent, an understanding of the argument. However, for a significant amount of men to, in turn, use this occurrence to justify their absence of respect for feminism as well for their latent misogyny, is inexcusable and unjustifiable. Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity, and ignorance is a voluntary misfortune.

I was an active defender on behalf of not Newman, but feminists being wrongly categorized as "radical and illogical," to which I received a myriad of questions and statements such as:

"Can't this woman understand that variables and factors really do matter [refering to the pay gap]? Age, size, strength, occupation, personality, ethnicity, nationality, education, marital status, parenthood status, etc. "

Of course, she understands the variables and factors, it would be completely illogical and ignorant to not do so. However, you are making the argument that the basis for the discriminatory injustice in the pay gap is a result of not gender, but factors such as marital status, parenthood status, nationality, and ethnicity among other possible variables. Well, you may want to assert such an offensive opinion regarding her understanding and logic of the situation. Nevertheless, the premise of your argument is that gender is only one of the many factors affecting the pay gap while not regarding the fact that most of these factors fall under discrimination. As well, not acknowledging that parenthood status, marital status, and age (all listed by you), are indeed factors that, in most cases, apply to women in this issue.

"But rape jokes are just jokes, and after all, we have the freedom of speech to say as we please. Are you saying feminists don't support freedom of speech?"

To defend rape jokes with the argument of “freedom of speech” is downright illogical, as sexual assault "jokes" are a threat to the general welfare, and invade one’s pursuit of happiness. Constitutional rights do not, and will not, tolerate nor protect people perpetuating rape culture ideology. To stand behind such argument is to contribute to “a society or environment whose prevailing social attitudes have the effect of normalizing or trivializing sexual assault and abuse.” We cannot hide the loathsome truth of American rape culture—it is real, it is happening, and it is a problem. Ignorance will not protect you from this reality.

"Unfortunately, first wave classical feminists allow these extremist third wave feminist to take over their cause and ruin the feminist reputation. If you want to reclaim the classical feminist again, then you need to stand up to this extremist in your own group. "

The premise of feminism is choice. She has chosen to make this argument, she has chosen to address the situation the way she has. However, in no way conceivable can—nor should—this represent anything larger than herself. It is not safe to live in a world where it is a normalized conception that overgeneralizing a group or issue is any way okay. With this logic, there are many pressing matters that may lose their significance, importance, and purpose as a result of the vast ignorance found in the general population. In a similar matter, this pertains to groups such as men, which have made widely known they do not like being generalized when cases of misogynistic, sexist, and abusive conduct are publicly noted. We too demand this respect.

I will be the first to admit, feminism has taken a different direction in the changing modern world. Many of times, you might not agree with all issues present within the community, this does not mean you identify as a feminist any less. Feminism is still necessary for our progressive society; Not all women and men feel comfortable or safe, not all women in the world are truly equal (some aren't even close) to their male counterparts. Therefore, I think it is important to take a stand, especially if you are given the chance to freely express your thoughts and opinion the way we are in America. Don't take you comfortability for granted, and don't assume this is a privilege many women around the world get to experience. Now, there's no right or wrong way to be a feminist, and if there is, then I am the last person to establish its standards. However, I strongly believe that the actions you take should always be a representation of your beliefs and morals, and this sometimes requires us to step back, reflect, and ask ourselves the purpose our actions serve. Having said that: as a Feminist there will always be room to grow, learn, and evolve. Therefore, morals, beliefs, and mindset will evolve with you. Change is good, and change is necessary, not only to improve ourselves but as a result, we will improve this society we are a part of.

Let us once again change the direction of feminism! Let its premise be inclusiveness, equality, intersectionality, and peace. Let us not cloud its direction with faulty logic or nonsensical battles that distract the purpose. Evaluate choices, actions, and decisions as they can be crucial to the delicate fabric we hope to break.