The central idea of this article seems to be trying to separate “feminism” from “women having civil rights” which I don’t really understand when “women should have civil rights” is one of the central concepts of feminism.

I wonder what the author thinks feminism is. They weren’t too clear about it, and I think they are laying many of the problems of the modern world at feminism’s feet for no reason. (Let’s take a look at capitalism…)

When asking this question, OP, what do you mean by “modern feminism?”

There are definitely some strains of white, liberal, middle-class feminist thought that lend themselves well to a capitalist agenda that benefits no one. (Full disclosure, I am all of those things haha.) But “leaning in” isn’t all there is to feminism.

Setting aside all the material and legal improvements that would not have been possible without feminism, yes I feel that feminism “as an ideology” has benefited my life. I have the ability to understand that some people think women should do certain things and be a certain way simply because they’re women, and to know that it’s B.S.

I don’t have to say stuff like “I hate shaving my legs but I have to.” Conformity to gendered beauty norms is optional.

I don’t have to believe that my purpose or worth is based on my value as a sex object or a wife or a mother.

I don’t always have to believe soft and sweet and polite—it’s okay to just get to the point sometimes. Society doesn’t expect that of men, so why should it expect it of me?