Feminism – the F word that’s far more controversial than the one you teach your kids not to say. If you’re a woman and a feminist in a desi household, you’re a man-hating, bra-burning, witch-crafting, fallen woman. Religiously hated by men and women who want to coddle men, what is this force called a feminist?

Unnecessary rage generator

Feminists are often dismissed as being “angry for no reason.” However, history tells a different story. Women’s rights movements have consistently faced accusations of hysteria. For instance, in the 19th century, suffragettes in the UK were labelled as “shrill” and “violent” for demanding the right to vote. In India, feminist pioneers like Savitribai Phule and Pandita Ramabai faced ridicule for advocating women’s education. Today, the struggle continues with issues like gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and reproductive rights. So, is feminist anger truly unprovoked, or has it always been a necessary response to systemic oppression?

A man-hating chip

The notion that feminists harbour animosity toward men is a persistent myth. Feminism as a movement has always aimed for gender equality, not male exclusion. Scholar Bell Hooks emphasises that feminism is about dismantling patriarchy – a system that harms men also by enforcing toxic masculinity. Indian feminist Kamla Bhasin also articulated that feminism is not a battle between men and women but a struggle against patriarchal ideology. She stated:

“Feminism is not a war between men and women. It is a fight between two ideologies. One that elevates men and gives them power, and the other, that advocates for equality.”

A victimhood circuit

Phrases like “women are bad drivers” are often dismissed as harmless jokes. However, historically, such humour has been used to normalise discrimination. Racist, casteist, and sexist jokes have long served to maintain social hierarchies. Research has shown that exposure to sexist jokes increases tolerance for gender discrimination. If words had no power, why did suffragettes risk their lives for the right to speak? Why do oppressive regimes silence activists? Words matter, and feminists refuse to let them be tools of oppression.

Cancel culture reflex

One of the significant critiques of feminism today is its association with “cancel culture.” However, movements like #MeToo, often criticised for “cancelling” individuals, have led to overdue accountability for perpetrators of sexual violence, from Hollywood figures to powerful individuals in Bollywood and politics. Cancel culture is not about silencing people; it’s about ensuring that actions have consequences.

Faulty patience meter

“Why don’t feminists talk about men’s rights?” The truth is, they do. Feminists have long advocated against toxic masculinity, conscription, and the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. However, the exhaustion stems from repeatedly explaining the same concepts when information is widely available. Movements like the MenEngage Alliance, supported by feminists, work to dismantle patriarchy for all genders. The real issue isn’t feminism’s patience, it’s society’s unwillingness to listen.

Overworked engine

Despite the backlash, feminism continues to push forward. The first wave secured voting rights; the second fought for workplace equality; the third embraced intersectionality; and the fourth, fueled by digital activism, continues to challenge systemic oppression worldwide. In India, feminist movements like the Pink Chaddi campaign and the Shaheen Bagh protests demonstrate that the engine of resistance is far from idle.

And there you have it – the anatomy of a feminist. An evil creature to some, an unstoppable force to others, and a necessary presence in any society that claims to value equality.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a glass ceiling to shatter and patriarchy to lightly inconvenience.

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