Thread by @TorenWX

This is going to be controversial, but here goes.
Although I do believe in #GenderEquality, I don't consider myself to be a #feminist.
I will explain the reasons why in this thread... (1/x)

First let's look at the Meriam-Webster definition of the word...

"[A] belief in and advocacy of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes expressed especially through organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests."

(2/x)

This definition: ✔️
However, the people that call themselves "feminists" don't always reflect this reality.
Even if you are committed to improving the rights of women, you might very well not be a feminist.
Why? (3/x)

Maybe you don't believe #TransWomenAreWomen, and you believe that only cisgender women's rights matter.
(I really wonder why the topic #TransMenAreMen isn't more popular. Hmmm...)
(4/x)

Or, you do listen to the experiences of your fellow humans regardless of their biological sex, but you don't think #BlackLivesMatter. (Newsflash: They do, regardless of whether said individuals identify as male or female).
(5/x)

If you want equality between the sexes, you can't leave the boys out of the picture either.
There's lots of discussion about and examples of #ToxicMasculinity, but far fewer examples of #HealthyMasculinity. Where are the male role models for our boys to look up to?
(6/x)

You may have seen this video by @TEDTalks (if not check it out).

If you don't think that the prison population being mostly male is a problem... then how are you being a feminist? (7/x)

@TEDTalks Do we need more #WomenInSTEM, construction, police, and other traditionally "male" jobs?
Yes!
But do we need more men as secretaries, nurses, counselors, schoolteachers, and other traditionally "female" jobs?
Also yes!
(8/x)

@TEDTalks Probably, a large obstacle towards gender equality is the age old stereotype that...
"Women are weak."
This is a subconscious belief held by both sexes, and may be applied to intellectual capacity, physical strength, endurance, emotional stability, or anything else. (9/x)

@TEDTalks So to conclude. I would like to ask my followers (regardless of gender) to think carefully about your subconscious beliefs of "strength".
For example, you might be a big, strong white man, but that small Chinese woman next to you might have more endurance - you don't know. (10/x)

@TEDTalks Every single human on this earth, regarless of sex/gender has unique strength, talents, skin colour, height, weight, shape, and more.
It's called diversity.
If we value diversity in our cats and dogs (aka breeds), why does the diversity within our own species scare us? (11/11)

@TEDTalks @threadreaderapp unroll