Yes, I have my (many) criticisms of feminism, but I have to say that it is not right to silence or dismiss others by branding them feminists. There are many instances of abuse against women all around us and even in our families. And when that abuse is called out, those cries for help and justice shouldn’t be delegitimized by being called feminist. If being concerned for the well-being of women is feminism, then I would count myself as a feminist.

The reality, however, is that feminism is only superficially concerned with the well-being of women. When you look deeper and study the historical development and conceptual genealogy of feminism, it is apparent how much of it is contrary to women’s interests. So, no, I don’t actually consider myself a feminist. But we need to be able to distinguish an academic critique of a philosophy from this kind of despicable enablement of abuse of women.

And abuse is not limited to the physical, of course. Emotional manipulation is equally if not more damaging.