[Smithy]

Originally Posted by MTVN

I agree with this and would tend to stay out of discussions about it, and therefore I would not generally identify myself with the 'feminist' tag because it often implies a level of political activism over women's rights that I don't engage in

not necessarily, if you believe in complete equality for the sexes, then it's as simple as that

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Smithy

not necessarily, if you believe in complete equality for the sexes, then it's as simple as that

Why would complete equality be called feminism? The immediate implication is that there are currently no disadvantages to being male. The term itself is unequal.

[Niall]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Why would complete equality be called feminism? The immediate implication is that there are currently no disadvantages to being male. The term itself is unequal.

It's not unequal because historically, all the oppression and inequality has mostly been placed upon women. Even today men hold a position in society far more steeped in power and prestige than women do (you need only look at top earning salaries, how rape is unfortunately still at epidemic levels through society to see that).

The hugely disproportionate advantage men have is primarily why I've understood it to be called feminism. Feminism as a movement campaigns for the equality of both men and women, sure, but mostly it's dedicated to unpicking the patriarchal leanings of human society which are so very poisonous. Hence the name 'feminism'. Or at least that's what I think.

[DemolitionRed]

I'm a feminist. That doesn't mean I believe all men are potential rapists, it doesn't mean I'm superior to man in any way; it doesn't mean I'm a woman who preaches that we must stand by our ‘sisters’. It simply means

I'm neither proud or ashamed to be a woman, I’m just happy to a be a human who has choices.

ED to say, any woman or man for that matter who agrees with my bolded bit is also a feminist.