No, I’m not a pick-me. Yes, I’m a feminist, but I prefer the word womanist. I’ve come to the realization that new-age feminism is not for me. It appears that this branch of feminism has lost the substance that so many of the feminists of the past had. Feminism initially focused on the acquisition and protection of women’s civil rights, but now it seems as if feminism’s original purpose has been diluted. 

To be a feminist as a woman was held in such high regard in the past, but now the word doesn’t hold the same value. I don’t think new age, die-hard feminists genuinely care about women’s rights. I think they only seek to reverse the power dynamics of a system, patriarchy, that benefits no one. It’s counterproductive and sad to see. 

Patriarchy affects both men and women. As a feminist, you believe in challenging this system, while also centering women. Being a feminist is not about your hatred for men, though I understand your feelings, especially if you’ve been victimized by men. Being a feminist is specifically about political action, social mobility and improving or preserving women’s security. 

Feminism and misandry should not be conflated, yet new-age feminism does just that. From videos of feminine coaches teaching women how to manipulate men to the phrase “I support women’s rights and wrongs,” and the radical feminists who shun anyone who has different opinions from them, modern feminists have been led astray from feminism. 

Another issue I have with this new form of feminism are the feminists theorists. Theories  are important because it is a way to analyze the world around you, including its systems, practices, patterns and so on. However, the feminist theorists view theory as the end all be all. They’re fundamentalists in this way. The problem is that there is no room for nuances in the application of these theories. The radical feminists view theory as some sort of rigid, regulatory book. 

As I always say, humans are way too complex so you’re bound to dehumanize someone if you aren’t careful with your theoretical thinking. For example, I’ve seen a radical feminist completely degrade a woman for being a sex worker. What the feminist didn’t know is that the woman was a victim of abuse and was led into the field of sex work due to a lack of resources and exploitation. Sentiments like hers can be found all throughout radical feminist literature. It’s alienating and does more harm than good.

The good news is that there is a way to challenge this form of feminism and to drive it out of our spaces. I can’t speak for other races of women, but as a black woman, I believe it’s possible to combat the spread of new-age feminism with an antidote that was created for us and by us: womanism. 

Alice Walker defines a womanist as “a feminist of color, a woman who loves other women (sexually and/or nonsexually), values women’s culture, emotional flexibility and strength, is committed to the wholeness and survival of all people, male and female, and values the soul and wellbeing of the Black community.” 

As you can see here, womanism goes beyond the fight for civil rights. Womanism preaches the beauty of community, cultural pride, womanhood, equity and love. This branch of feminism captures the fullness of black womanhood and while it is only meant for black women, I do think that other races of women can and should take notes. 

Despite my rejection of new-age feminism, I do somewhat empathize with them. Afterall, a lot of their anger and hatred is misdirected. Perhaps it’s not men or other women that they’re actually upset with, but rather the system of patriarchy that men benefit from. In order to solve social issues, you have to understand the problem and those who benefit from the problem. Then you have to try to work together to resolve the matter, though the beneficiaries should be responsible for the heavier loads of this work. 

I think we all should be feminists, but not the new age ones. Womanism is what real feminism is supposed to look like and until more people consider this point, we will continue to see the misuse of the term feminist. 

Amyri Jones is a 22-year-old digital advertising and religious studies senior from Baton Rouge.