Fourth Wave Feminism- How Feminism has Failed in Actually Making Any Changes

With the increasing feminism wave in all parts of the world, the meaning of it has actually not only changed but also it has been dulled to such an extent that now feminism and the feminists are now abhorred.

Feminism means equal rights and opportunities for men and women, basically concentrating more on women as they are considered the oppressed sex of the society. Keeping in mind we have seen how the four waves of feminism have been bringing about changes in our society regarding women’s role as a whole.

Early Feminist Movements

The first wave of feminism constitutes women’s suffrage movements in 19th and early-20th centuries, supporting women’s right to vote. The second wave, the women’s liberation movement started in the 1960s and barnstormed for legal and social equality for women. In 1992, a third wave of feminism was noticed focusing on individuality and diversity. The fourth wave of feminism was identified around 2012 promoting itself through social media to combat sexual violence against women and rape culture.

The cons of promoting feminism through social media are visible as the pros are nowhere to be seen, we can see how the capitalists are gaining pot and pots of money instead of any real changes taking place. Feminism at the moment is all about capitalism right now. We are just advertising it and nothing else.

We just can’t bash our heads into social media and vomit out our anger as it isn’t going to help much. The only way to promote it in a more positive manner is not by winning debates on social media but is by looking out in deep and snatching out the roots of negative feminism.

Just attacking anyone who gives wrong opinion on feminism is not how promoting feminism will work. This is known as “calling out” which is not a good way at all to correct someone. We should try and be the correct source of information and instead of calling out we should explain in a mild manner.

How is fourth wave feminism different?

The fourth wave of feminism only targets patriarchy and doesn’t bother to peep behind the curtains. It’s actually not the patriarchy that should be held responsible; patriarchy is a mere social system which was created centuries ago by some intimidating maniacs. It’s a system that needs to be changed into egalitarianism.

Egalitarianism – or equalitarianism – is a school of thought that prioritizes equality for all people. Egalitarian doctrines maintain that all humans are equal in fundamental worth or social status.

Since the introduction of the famous #metoo movement a lot of women have been coming up with their stories and sharing them as a medium of empowering the movement. With this many women are being serious but there are also many who are just walking around and are throwing the #metoo bomb on whomever they dislike which has really scared the men in even to consider saying “hello”. We think that only women suffer from domestic violence and sexual assaults not giving a thought to it otherwise. Converting feminism into a singular sex rights promotion will only hamper the condition. It’s not that all men are monsters there are many who are in support of feminism but this kind of biased support will surely demote this movement’s value.

Recently, Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush has been awarded $2.9 million Australian dollars (over $1.9 million USD) after winning his defamation case against a Sydney newspaper publisher and journalist. Rush sued The Daily Telegraph for defamation after it published allegations of abuse towards a co-star during a production of King Lear in Sydney between 2015 and 2016. The co-star concerned, Eryn Jean Norvill, had made the charges in a private workplace complaint, however later consented to affirm for the paper. She keeps on maintaining that her claims are valid.

In Russia, a Feminist has targeted 60 men throwing bleach on their crotches for man-spreading. She said it disgusts her and that her way of dealing with it is totally justified and that she is proud of what she has done. Feminism instead of instigating justice is now on the verge of becoming a global epidemic.

Such incidents are increasing and now feminism is being regarded as bullying, some people have also started saying that it has become sexist and that innocent men are being targeted in the name of feminism.

We know how false accusations ruin lives and are a universal risk to men. It is generally dismissed by feminists that false accusations are rare- 2% and 10% are predicted to be false. But the main problem is that false accusations are never taken seriously. When a charge sheet is filed the man is arrested immediately and is held guilty until any evidences are given for his innocence whereas when a false accusation comes to light, the case is dropped immediately not keeping in mind the fact that how the particular victim of the accusation has to suffer from mental stress and public embarrassment.

In my opinion the fourth wave of feminism has done little, just scratching the surface and is only hurting her nails. The real change is still left to be witnessed.

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Saher Hiba Khan is currently pursuing B.a. (hons.) English (2nd year) from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. She loves to write on social issues which are the real evils of our society. She also loves to write poetry whenever the monster living in her head wants to pen down its feelings. "I just want people to wake up from their sleeps and face the reality of our Hypocritical Society."