President Trump recently told Piers Morgan he isn’t a feminist, surprising absolutely no one. He did go on to clarify “I’m for women. I’m for men. I’m for everyone.” But why is he not a feminist?
Merriam Webster defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” Nowhere in the definition are women mentioned, as the focus is equality between sexes. Is that not what President Trump described? Being for men and women?
He told Morgan labeling himself a feminist “would be, maybe, going too far.”
Look again at the definition. Political, economic and social equality of the sexes. Equality is not going too far; it should be the bare minimum.
But for some reason, feminism is considered a dirty word. The definition hasn’t changed as more generations of feminists have worked toward equality in all aspects of life. The biggest change in the last few decades is the number of voices in the movement, with more and more feminists coming forward with their stories of inequality.
Is that the problem? That unequal treatment is now being more widely recognized? The real problem is not what feminism is, but rather the threat it brings patriarchal establishments and those who fear that change.
Feminism is not the dirty F-word of the 21st century. If you’d like one of those, look at “feminazi.”
You read that right. Despite this being 2018 and not 2008, real, adult humans are still shamelessly using the term “feminazi.” Among the many definitions displayed by less-than-objective posters, the current top definition on Urban Dictionary reads “A feminist who supports the hatred of men, female privilege, the culling/extermination of men…”
It is intended to be derogatory and to write off the words and efforts of feminists. Take, for example, the Michael Saari debacle.
Fringe candidate for Michigan State Senator Michael Saari was on his way to the Nov. 2018 election until he commented on the case of sexual abuser Luke Nassar. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, who sentenced Nassar to 175 years for his crimes while serving as a doctor with the USA Gymnastics team,e was widely applauded for eviscerating Nassar across the internet. Saari used a Facebook comment to share his opinion on the sentencing:
“Judge was wrong for her personal vocal opinions on record…That should be a crime against jurisprudence itself…Lastly, what do you think this feminazi judge would say if her husband asked for a BJ?” Saari wrote.
This came from the guy who called himself the “candidate who cares.” You can’t make this stuff up.
He ended up dropping out of the race earlier this month, but that does not excuse his language. Nothing excuses the use of “feminazi.” To off-handedly compare someone to a Nazi is beyond offensive; frankly, it’s revolting.
I’ve been to concentration camps in Europe. I’ve visited the sites of mass murders and memorials. I’ve walked through gas chambers and crematoriums used to dispose of people considered to be less than human. I’ve stood in the bunks and torture rooms where men, women and children were kept and killed. I’ve felt emotions, seen sights and learned histories that after months I still can’t think about without getting nauseous.
I’ve seen firsthand the actions of Nazis, and there is never a reason to use such language in reference to someone working toward equality.
Learn how to define your 21st century F-words, or don’t use them at all.
