Feminism or Humanism
Being a feminist is a matter of pride for some. It could be a matter of deep trauma of what they endured for some others. For some who haven’t experienced any extreme misogyny, it is just another buzzword that they refer to with sarcasm and resentment. For some, it is something they understand from the fringes, but they would comment with disdain. It cannot bring in any change for a significant section, so why fuss over it? It is their attitude. Let it be or let the status quo be is some sets approach, allowing what is going on so that their comfortable position in patriarchy is never questioned nor altered. For some, the aftermath of political, social, and economic experiences related to equality might have spun into deep ideals in this and that made them staunch on their stand. Feminichi, with its distinct local Malayalam flavor to the same, conveys some of them who felt very baffled by patriarchal ways and is touting empowerment as the new way to be for them and their kin. Most times, people use this word as an insult.
When you tout yourself to be one, does it necessarily mean all other gender definitions are disregarded? Most feminists whom I have seen, barring some who are deeply injured, are humanists more than anything else. They like to have equal rights for all around them and themselves. They are often vulnerable and open to the ideals of equal rights and power of expression of whatever it may be.
The question, therefore, is what are we striving to be…. ? Or a stand wherein, because of resentment, people claim, “I am what I am. Call me anything.” Your words don’t matter to me anyway, but my actions say a lot, and I would expect that yours, too, would reflect the same to me and everyone around you.
