I feel I should explain what I mean when I say that I have a dislike of isms (as well as “ists”); as well as clarify what specific isms to which I am referring.
So, I will begin with sexism…
The notion that one sex is inherently superior/inferior than the other in many fields (such as math) is preposterous.
This view is one acquired through conditioning; in psychological terms, it is nurture as opposed to nature. This view inhibits societal growth. This view tends to lead to misogyny and misandry. Feeding into a cycle of behavior which damages others in more ways than physical.
I am an advocate for equality between genders and the sexes. Based off my views, I would be considered a feminist. But even that term, I feel, is one that is dated. Not because I am a male who is a feminist, rather because the term itself. I feel that the term feeds, in some ways, into (or is limited in how it diminishes) sexism. Partly, due to word associations, as well as the memories of behaviors of extremists of certain movements (as is the case with many isms). To clarify- I am of the opinion that people tend to make poor associations and are prone to logical fallacies. Just because the word feminism has “fem” in it, there is a strong likelihood that people will likely come up with inaccurate, and potentially negative, associations. Those ideas may be of their own volition, or impressed upon them by others.
Personally, I would prefer another term… Perhaps one that is more gender-neutral.