Time and again, there is one phrase that keeps coming up in the social media discourse on feminism. Any guesses?
Ah, no prizes for guessing the infamous “itni bhi feminist” or “too much feminism” phrase, a classic eye-roller for me, and I am sure for many more of my tribe, in the realm of gender equality discussions.
Pray tell me, how can an ideology, a movement be too ‘much’? It’s not salt or the seasoning of your soup where you can go, “Oops, too much salt, only one spoon was required”. Either you stand for what feminism stands for, or you don’t.
Why people keep speaking of ‘too much feminism’
Before proceeding further, I feel it’s imperative for me to mention that I am no expert at feminism yet. I am comfortable calling myself a feminist-in-progress because I believe I have a long way to go before I delve into every facet and nuance of feminism. I am learning, unlearning, and relearning as I become more aware, mindful about the many views and perceptions ingrained in our systems and mindsets. Having said that, it is pretty obvious to me that where feminism is trying to get at is where we all should try to get at too.
Feminism is a big, glorious buffet of ideas and principles, from smashing the patriarchy to championing equal pay and reproductive rights, and so much more. Everyone gets a seat at the table to relish this buffet, regardless of gender, race, or background. Now if someone complains about too much food in the buffet, after already enjoying all the dishes from it, it’s a bit insensitive and selfish, isn’t it?
Let’s get this straight – there’s no such thing as “too much feminism”. It’s not like we are trying to overload society with an excessive amount of empowerment or equality. It’s simply about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their identity or background, receives an equitable share of opportunities and rights.
And then there’s the crucial concept of intersectionality
In this context, I want to give the centerstage to the elephant in the room – intersectionality. This is a point so crucial, yet often overlooked.
Feminism isn’t just about advancing the rights of one group of women — it’s about recognizing the intersecting layers of privilege and oppression that affect individuals differently. So when someone says, “I think you are being too much of a feminist”, what they are really saying is, “I am uncomfortable with you challenging the status quo and disrupting my privilege”.
Sure, feminism ruffles some feathers, but that’s kind of the point. It’s about shaking things up, questioning norms, and striving for a more just and equitable society. There is so much history to this revolution and this cannot be carried forward from a place of convenience and comfort.