The Feminist Movement is Misunderstood

  Feminism, to some members of the population, has become a four-letter word. Certain men roll their eyes when they hear the word, while some women distance themselves from the term for fear of appearing to be “radical” and “out to get men.” In recent years, the weaponization of “feminism” has caused part of society to misunderstand the actual meaning and purpose of the word. A study from the Pew Research Center (2021) discovered that 64% of Americans found the term “feminism” to be empowering, while 45% saw it as polarizing. 

Sellnow (2018) wrote that the feminist perspective does not blame men for the oppression of women. It shines a light on the dominant ideology (hegemony), which is “reinforced and reproduced” by both men and women (Sellnow, 2018). The dominant ideology empowers men and oppresses women, as well as people who do not play into their gender’s stereotype. A feminist, according to Sellnow (2018), is anyone (male or female), whose actions or beliefs challenge this dominant ideology by “respecting and valuing women” and those who do not adhere to their gender’s stereotypes. The term “feminist” is much more inclusive than most people may think. It’s fighting to make room for people who may be different from the normal stereotype. It’s also not about putting one gender over the other. Feminism is about making room for everyone. 

An important aspect of understanding feminism is understanding the patriarchy (dominant ideology) and how it continues to thrive in society. The feminist perspective calls attention to how arguments reinforce or challenge the patriarchy in pop culture texts. Recently, I watched the limited docuseries “Shiny Happy People.” It exposes the truth behind the Duggar family, who starred on multiple TV shows on TLC, and their faith organization, The Institute in Basic Life Principles. In the documentary, the church’s view on family is described and seen in the Duggar family: what the man of the house says, goes. Everyone else, including his children and his wife, is expected to follow him. 

    The patriarchy was showcased in the Duggar family on TV for decades. The authority male figure (Jim Bob Duggar) and submissive wife (Michelle Duggar). Michelle is portrayed as a willing participant in the oppression, often looking to her husband for guidance and treating him as the authority figure rather than her equal. She is portrayed as fulfilled because she stays home with her children, has kids, and listens to her husband. All of these things reinforce the dominant ideology. The suppression was extremely apparent and was reinforced by both genders. This offers a preferred reading and is just one example of thousands in the media. 

        Feminism, when used and understood correctly, can be liberating. It offers more than one way of living for both men and women. It allows everyone the space to be who they want to be–regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or gender stereotypes. Sellnow made an interesting point. Anti-feminist ideologies are enforced by both men and women. Why do you think women are reinforcing the patriarchy? Why do you think feminism is often misunderstood in society?

Sources: 

Pew Research Center. (2021, March 10). 61% of American women see themselves as feminists; many see term as empowering, polarizing | Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/07/07/61-of-u-s-women-say-feminist-describes-them-well-many-see-feminism-as-empowering-polarizing/

Sellnow, D. D. (2018). The rhetorical power of popular culture: considering mediated texts. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071800638 

Watch Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets - Season 1 | Prime Video. (n.d.). https://www.amazon.com/Shiny-Happy-People-Duggar-Secrets/dp/B0B8TR2QV5