A Note on Feminists and Feminism

In a recent Literature class, our teacher analyzed a poem written by a female poet reversing the societal notions stating her desire to copulate with men without emotional attachments- labeled as a disgrace in society and smacking of double standards according to feminists who proclaim a man having done a similar act would be known as a stud. Yet the fatal comment was made, as a student commented on the poet being a 'nympho' (it was a joke between two friends at the back, who were forced to share their joke with the rest of the class by the teacher) still laughing. The teacher almost slipped into a feminist tirade before thankfully the class was dismissed. The incident provoked the article.

To begin with (despite knowing it shall offend feminists) I shall state my belief that intellectuals are more often found in men than women, and not due to any reasons of oppression but simply due to preferences and outlook. There is nothing wrong in being that way- there are neither merits of being termed an intellectual, nor any clear way to identify them. However the ones amongst the feminine community who step out strongly with opinions somehow end up as feminists (in my circles at least, if not Angela Merkel/ Hillary Clinton). This is one of my major worries (and complaints) because I believe girls can do better. When a female sets out to form opinions and debate on issues, she finds herself victimized by sex-ratio rather forming opinion on male dominance and how her mere presence is seen as an aberration thus changing her focus to fighting for women's liberation- ending up as feminists.

My point of emphasis here is the vast difference between the former comment and the latter resistance described. Females taking a firm stance on issues of politics, economics are seen as an aberration not due to oppressive tendency of man (a feminist's thought fantasies) but simply due to the stereotype that accompanies them- a subject of good humor- to consider females as being actively involved with thoughts of relationships and families. We know not all females are like that (feminists cite leading female role-models) but it's like any other funny stereotype- for instance, IITians as geeks, all know not everyone here is that way, still the jokes continue as well as the social reputation leading to being dismissed in situations as "What will a geek know about this?". Any such stereotype won't likely change with tirades being a subject of good humor, and not leading to any serious harm. A female is not being restricted from contributing, but rather simply there is a lack of trust in her to succeed.

Consider the initial comment on the other hand- that is serious, a sort of prejudice which can degenerate into asserting supremacy and curbing rights for its actually restricting women to do stuff (for instance, a promiscuous female maybe stoned by a society of people with such thoughts). Such thoughts trouble me as well, where denial of opportunity rather than a mere conviction follows. Such thinking does need to be checked in order to exist in an open and free-thinking society. Sadly the feminist mixes these two, ending up delivering harangues to those who do believe in female liberty, diluting the argument's credibility. The people who have bear the wrath of them are often these suffragist men, since the real oppressing men are prejudiced enough not to participate in intellectual discussions.

Thus my stance is to provide with equal rights everywhere, opportunities as men in jobs and even allow them whatever men are in a free society- be it casual sex or debating on issues. I admit they can outwit men in many fields, and many instances are a reminder of the same. Nevertheless this doesn't change the basic perception of them being inclined towards relationships (and chiclit) since a sizable proportion of girls do behave like that, thus forming a first image for any girl as the same. It's just like when someone knows I am a Bengali, they assume I love rice though I don't eat it at all. (Similarly there are lots of Russell Peters jokes out there for more examples of stereotypes- some of them offending the recipient but nevertheless likely to persist). Thus I support the cause of women's emancipation, liberty, but can't empathize with changing the stereotype.

I do want intellectual females to come out because they would be a pleasure to speak with, without converting into feminists. I would be glad to have promiscuous females in this world, for it will create a more open environment.

PS. Don't associate every joke/ stereotype as oppression- jokes exist on mighty Americans as well.