all women

Radical Feminism Discourse Should be for all women

By Sharnellia Bennett-Smith

Staten Island, NY -  Some radical feminists think that because women made it to the top in a system that favors men, they aren’t really helping the feminist movement. The same kind of criticism has been directed at Black individuals who prioritize education and personal success, with some accusing them of not fully embracing the values and lifestyle often associated with the negative aspects of hip-hop culture. This reflects a broader issue where certain communities place rigid expectations on what it means to be ‘authentic,’ even when those expectations may limit individual growth and progress. But is that really fair? Shouldn’t feminism include all women?

One of the main reasons radical feminists exclude successful women is because they believe that in order to succeed in a male-dominated world, women have to follow the system’s rules instead of challenging them. In their view, these women aren’t really breaking barriers—they’re just playing the game better than most. If they don’t actively try to change the system, some radical feminists see them as part of the problem.

Another big reason for this exclusion is the difference between radical feminism and more mainstream feminism, also known as liberal feminism. As a radical feminist, I’m not a fan of liberal feminism. However, I can see why it appeals to some. Radical feminist spaces can sometimes feel cliquish and overly exclusive. While I understand the need to keep men out of feminist spaces, shutting out successful women just because they’ve achieved something within the system is completely ridiculous. This kind of gatekeeping is exactly why many women feel alienated from radical feminism. Instead of welcoming women from different backgrounds and experiences, some radical feminists create an environment that feels judgmental and uninviting. This is unfortunate because radical feminism offers some of the most powerful critiques of patriarchy, and its past writings are more relevant now than ever. With issues like increasing restrictions on women’s rights, the rise of online misogyny, and ongoing sex-based violence, women need a movement that directly challenges the root causes of their oppression.


What is the alternative? Do women have to starve and be poor to prove that they are loyal to radical feminist discourse? That is dumb. Women shouldn’t have to suffer just to show they are “real” feminists. Success doesn’t mean a woman has betrayed feminism. Just because a woman has made it in a patriarchal world doesn’t mean she doesn’t care about other women’s struggles. When feminism starts deciding who “counts” and who doesn’t, it just makes the movement seem divided and unwelcoming. 

 Instead of focusing on who belongs in the movement, we should be focusing on the bigger goal—creating a world where all women have the freedom to succeed without being judged for how they got there.