Demystifying the Digital Era’s Real Face
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the term feminism has become both a rallying cry for equality and a battleground of conflicting perceptions. While the essence of feminism revolves around advocating for gender equality and dismantling systemic discrimination, it is alarming to witness the extent to which misunderstandings and misconceptions have clouded their true meaning.
The digital era, marked by the power of social media, has not only facilitated important conversations but has also given rise to deliberate propaganda aimed at distorting the essence of feminism. Let us delve into the nuances of these misunderstandings and explore the concept of pseudo-feminism that often masquerades as genuine advocacy.
The advent of social media has undeniably democratized information dissemination. However, this democratization comes at the cost of unchecked narratives gaining traction. Social media platforms have become fertile ground for misrepresenting feminism, with sensationalized posts, misleading memes, and divisive hashtags skewing public perceptions. A narrative fueled by misinformation has led to an unfortunate divide, pushing some to distance themselves from feminism without fully understanding its principles.
Call it propaganda or the ‘Anti-Feminism Campaign’, the internet’s reach has allowed for the rapid spread of misconception about the novel cause. Misconstruing feminism as synonymous with male-bashing or advocating for female supremacy, these campaigns exploit people’s lack of familiarity with the actual tenets of feminism. By polarising the conversation and reducing feminism to caricatures, these campaigns have created a false narrative that undermines the legitimate struggles for equality that feminism seeks to address.
For instance, a genuine call for gender equality might be distorted, misrepresenting feminism as anti-men or promoting superiority rather than equality. Online spaces sometimes amplify extreme views, contributing to a skewed perception of feminist principles.
An illustrative instance involves a Kerala-based influencer who recently filed a case after experiencing sexual harassment on a KSRTC bus. Despite the perpetrator’s arrest and imprisonment, he now roams freely. Adding insult to injury, the victim faced slut-shaming, derogatory feminist remarks, and criticism about her attire. Shockingly, the alleged serial harasser received a garland welcome from the ‘All Kerala Men’s Association,’ and social media was flooded with negative comments targeting the girl.
This is the best example of how pseudo-feminism and social media affect the ones who voice out a crime against women.
Pseudo-feminism, often referred to as ‘faux feminism,’ poses a significant challenge. This term describes actions or beliefs that, while appearing to support gender equality, actually perpetuate harmful stereotypes or further marginalize certain groups. Pseudo-feminism can manifest in various ways, such as performative activism, where individuals engage in surface-level gestures without committing to real change, or co-opting feminist language to advance personal interests.
Let’s look into the masks of pseudo-feminism
Pseudo-feminism sometimes manifests as token gestures of inclusivity, where diverse voices are included only for appearance’s sake, without genuine empowerment or representation. Seeking anonymity, Radhika* says her boss, a woman, who claims to be a feminist, once told her that one of her colleagues gets paid more because he is the ‘breadwinner’ of the family. She giggled and said, so am I.
Some pseudo-feminist narratives focus solely on a privileged subset of women, ignoring the intersectionality of feminism and sidelining the experiences of marginalized communities.
To add to all these, consumer culture has commodified feminism, turning it into a marketable trend rather than a social movement. This trivializes the struggles that authentic feminism seeks to address.
Corporations may adopt feminist rhetoric to enhance their public image, but without enacting substantial change within their structures or practices.
If you are wondering how to reclaim the true essence of feminism then one should counter the misunderstandings and the onslaught of pseudo-feminism. It is crucial to reaffirm the fundamental principles of feminism.
Equality for All:
At its core, feminism advocates for gender equality, dismantling oppressive systems that perpetuate discrimination.
The #MeToo movement emerged as a collective outcry against sexual harassment and assault. Started by activist Tarana Burke and amplified by countless individuals sharing their stories, this movement has sparked conversations and legal actions, highlighting the importance of addressing gender-based violence for everyone, regardless of gender.
Intersectionality:
Authentic feminism recognizes and addresses the interconnected nature of gender, race, class, and other identities, ensuring inclusivity and equitable advocacy.
Dalit feminists in India advocate for the rights of Dalit women who face discrimination based on both gender and caste. Their activism highlights the interconnected nature of oppression, addressing how caste and gender intersect to create unique challenges for Dalit women.
One such example is Meena Kotwal, who started a news outlet focused on Dalits and other marginalized groups in India, hoping that telling their stories would help improve their lives.
In order to narrate these narratives and rectify injustices, Ms. Kotwal, who is of Dalit origin, initiated “The Mooknayak,” meaning “the leader of the voiceless.” The name pays homage to a biweekly newspaper established over a century ago by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, occasionally likened to Martin Luther King Jr. by scholars.
Systemic Change:
True feminism goes beyond token gestures and seeks to challenge and transform the systemic norms and structures that perpetuate inequality.
Feminist activism around reproductive rights has sought to challenge and change systemic structures limiting women’s control over their bodies, and it is the best example to highlight this topic. Legal victories such as Roe v. Wade in the United States demonstrate how feminist efforts can reshape institutional norms.
Empowerment and Liberation:
Feminism strives to empower individuals to make informed choices about their lives and bodies, free from societal pressures and restrictions.
A real-life example of empowerment and liberation can be found in the story of the women of Saudi Arabia gaining the right to drive. Before June 2018, women in Saudi Arabia were not allowed to drive, limiting their mobility and independence. Activists, both within and outside the country, advocated for this change, framing it as a crucial step towards empowering women.
The Saudi government, acknowledging the need for societal progress, lifted the ban, granting women the right to drive. This significant policy shift not only symbolized a concrete move towards gender equality but also exemplified how empowering women with the freedom to drive had a broad impact on their autonomy, career opportunities, and overall participation in public life. The change marked a visible stride towards empowerment and liberation for women in Saudi Arabia.
The propagation of misinformation and the emergence of pseudo-feminism pose significant challenges to the feminist movement’s progress. To overcome these hurdles, it is essential for individuals to educate themselves about the core principles of feminism and to discern between authentic advocacy and performative gestures.
By engaging in thoughtful conversations, promoting intersectionality, and focusing on systemic change, we can unravel the layers of misunderstanding and pave the way for a more inclusive and equal future.
Let’s live and let live, as equals!
Dr. Sailaja is a seasoned HR leader, guest speaker, and enthusiast of sustainable practices.
