What is the funniest statement you have heard in regard to feminism? I have a few:

• Feminism is cancer.
• I'm a proud anti-feminist.
• But what about men?
• If it's not only about women, why is it called feminism?
• I've never faced any prejudice, why should be a feminist?
• I've always supported the women around me, why should I be a feminist?

When I was younger, these statements would boil my blood. Sometimes, they still do. But now, I mostly just find them funny, because how could someone be so ridiculously stupid? Look, I'm no Einstein, I'm not saying I'm the smartest person here, or even that I am smarter than you. All I'm saying is that I might not have a high IQ, but at least I don't lack common sense. Because feminism is, in fact, common sense. Something you clearly lack if you agree with any of the above statements. Yes, I'm mocking you.

My fellow feminist, if you are reading this, please be assured that if you ever come across these kinds of statements, you need not justify your beliefs. If you tell a man that you're a feminist and are attacked with the classic whataboutism by said man, you need NOT explain how feminism is helpful for men just as much as it is for women. Men who cannot support a cause as simple as basic human rights for someone unless it is proved advantageous to them are downright selfish and a part of the problem. I've stopped requesting such people to be feminists, and life has been easier ever since. 

Why, then, am I writing this book?

Well for starters, it's more like a place where I can rant. Besides, there are some people who would genuinely like to know more about this movement, but just don't know enough about it. I aim to educate whoever I can, in whatever way I can. It could be the smallest of things you learn from here, and it could still make a difference. Change is not something we can achieve overnight. Change is a chain reaction, and it will take many years to achieve something that genuinely makes history. And it is only possible if we are hopeful and dedicated to participating in this chain reaction. Talk, educate, and share your opinions. But don't compromise your self-respect by preaching before dead ears.

So what is feminism? Is it only about women? No. Is it also about men? Definitely. How?

Well, for starters, let's see what feminism actually means.

According to Google, "Feminism is the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes."

In simple words, feminism is a belief/movement that asks for equality between men and women.

See? It's not just about women, is it? It means equality for all.

Here are some terms that are easily confused with "feminism".

1. When one asks for the superiority of males and the inferiority of females, they are a misogynist.

2. When one asks for the superiority of females and inferiority of males, They are  . . . NOT A FEMINIST. They are a MISANDRIST.
See where so many of us go wrong? We confuse misandrists with feminists, and then we call feminism cancer because we think it's all about women just because it says feminism.

3. When one calls themselves a feminist but actually takes advantage of their rights as a woman, they are a pseudo-feminist.

4. Now when one says, "I don't want anybody to be superior or inferior. I simply ask for equality," They are a FEMINIST.

We all know that the society we live in has created gender-biased roles. And women are not the only ones who are victims of these stereotypes, men are victims of too. Men who want to be sensitive, men who wanted to play with pink dolls when they were little boys, men who don't want to work but have a family instead, and men who want to work but are tired of the pressure they carry as bread-earners of the house. Feminism asks to break all these stereotypes.

Men can be free to stay at home, and not be burdened with earning money, only when they decide to break the stereotypes and finally see the women in their family, office, or friend circle make progress without envying them.

We need to break stereotypes by raising better men and women. We need to tell men it's okay to be sensitive, and we need to tell women it's not okay to adjust.

TPWK.

Vreha x