Many who identify as feminists today—though well-intentioned—often adopt a stance that inadvertently undermines the very principles of equality they claim to champion. By pushing for the erasure of all gender distinctions, even those that are biologically or socially reasonable, they risk distorting the public perception of feminism and overshadowing those who genuinely seek justice and balance.
The women’s liberation movement is not really a liberation movement. It is in fact just the opposite: it is trying to imitate man, to become as hard as men are, to do whatsoever men are doing. And remember one thing: if women try to imitate men they will always be carbon copies; they will not attain to their fulfillment, they will not attain the full potential. And they will always remain lagging behind. And they will become ugly too! The real liberation movement has not started yet. The real liberation movement will insist that the woman has to be more and more feminine, that she has to be rooted in HER nature, that she is not to follow men in retaliation, in reaction, in rebellion – that is stupid. No reaction ever helps. The woman has to be herself.
— Osho, The Fish in the Sea is Not Thirsty
As Osho observed in The Fish in the Sea is Not Thirsty, the women’s liberation movement, in its current form, often appears less about liberation and more about imitation—an attempt to mirror masculine traits and behaviors rather than embracing the unique strengths of femininity. He argued that true empowerment lies not in reactionary mimicry but in self-actualization: “The woman has to be herself.” Liberation, then, should mean freedom to flourish in one’s own nature, not to conform to another’s.
Unfortunately, in some cases, this distortion of feminist ideals has led to adversarial attitudes toward men. A subset of self-described feminists—sometimes referred to as pseudo-feminists—seem driven more by resentment than reform. Their actions, particularly in cultures where legal safeguards are weak, can include weaponizing serious accusations like domestic violence without accountability. This not only jeopardizes the lives and reputations of innocent men but also undermines the credibility of genuine victims and the justice system itself.
Such misuse of power contributes to a cycle of mistrust and resentment, fueling misogyny rather than dismantling it. When justice is replaced by vengeance, everyone loses—especially the cause of true gender equality.