Jul 3, 2021
A Step Forward 3 Steps Back: Fixing Common Misunderstanding About Feminism in Indonesia
Tiktok has become so popular that people around the world are using the app continuously. We can not deny how impactful the app is in spreading information from one person to another. However, the easiness of information sharing has turned into a dilemma, as how misinformation spreads facilely on the app, making people believe everything on the internet.
A while ago, one of famous Indonesian Tiktok content creators that remains unknown in this article was called out by plenty of users and feminist communities for his remark on feminism. He particularly emphasized on how feminists always try to make everything justifiable for the sake of encouraging women— wearing minimal clothing and dancing ‘sexually,’ for instance. The ironic part is his followers believe whatever he says on his platform. He said that the movement was against his religion, albeit I will not talk any further about religion in this article.
As an Indonesian, I would say the misunderstanding about feminism is widespread here. I often hear how feminism is said to be a movement that harms men along the way or solely a cover-up for women to be higher than men in the hierarchy. It is pretty disheartening for me as a feminist to see people are still unfamiliar with the term; hence, they choose to believe whatever their favorite creator blurts. Nevertheless, it is an opportunity for us to educate about what feminism means and what the movement wants to achieve.
The definitions of feminism may vary, but we can agree that feminism is a political and social movement that concerns gender inequalities and power relations that aim for social equality for both men and women.
Does it make men less than women?
Simply, no. Feminism was not brought up to belittle men and make them less than women, as some people believe. The purpose is to make men and women equal, implicating that neither one is less than the other. There is no shame for men to be feminists. In truth, men need feminism just as much because of how they are perceived in a patriarchal society — strong, powerful, and invulnerable.
Men are also victims of sexual assault, and like women, they need to speak up for their truth. However, society is commonly more silent in responding to sexual assault that occurs to men than women; hence, they are typically afraid to stand up for themselves because people seem not to believe and ignore them. This is why feminism is very much needed. Feminism has created understanding frameworks to conceptualize what we know as hegemonic masculinity. In short, feminism is beneficial for all.
So, what can we do?
It may feel like taking a step forward and three steps back, but the least we can do to break the misunderstandings is raising awareness and educating people on this matter. Having a genuine and peaceful discourse is also worth trying. Let’s not make them think we are forcing them to join the movement; instead, try to understand them and correct them when they are wrong.
Indonesian feminists indeed have a lot of work to do. We need to be louder in voicing the movement here. We have to break all the misunderstandings that spread into every side of this country. It is a long yet tricky journey, but it will be worth the effort in the end. Hopefully.
