Do feminists really want to be treated exactly like men?

Let’s break down some underlying assumptions.

Usually those who pose questions like this have very definite ideas of what “manhood” entails.

Those ideas rarely embrace gentleness, empathy, kindness, cooperation, love, friendship, togetherness, warmth, or sharing. Those are considered “weakness” in many conservative, traditional views of masculinity.

They (again, traditionally and conservatively) are also considered (a) the purview of women and (b) as labor to be performed by women for the benefit of men.

Also, in this worldview, competition, independence, single-mindedness, the ability to fight, power, influence, stoicism, and rationality are solely (or mostly) the province of men.

This is where stubborn misogynists/“traditionalists” get feminism wrong. They think feminists want to “take” or co-opt traditional masculinity.

Feminists don’t want shit men have traditionally endured (and promoted) as the “price” for being a “man” (being emotionally closed off, violent, controlling, stubborn, inflexible, etc.).

Feminists want humanity (specifically the humanity of women), in all its forms, to be recognized, respected, and unfettered in the world (whether that’s in work, love, play, relationships, or what have you).

What feminists want is freedom (for women specifically and everyone else in general).

Men should want the same for themselves (even, and especially, if that freedom goes against the grain).