"Feminism is hated because women are hated. Anti-feminism is a direct expression of misogyny; it is the political defense of women hating"

Andrea Dworkin’s statement draws a direct link between societal animosity toward feminism and the deeper, entrenched pattern of misogyny. The assertion is that the widespread dislike or hatred of feminist ideals is symptomatic of a broader contempt for women themselves. Feminism, in its essence, advocates for the equal treatment and dignity of women. Therefore, when individuals or groups express hostility toward feminism, Dworkin argues, they are not merely criticizing a political movement; they are demonstrating an allegiance to a tradition and culture of devaluing and oppressing women.

Anti-feminism, according to this perspective, serves as a façade behind which misogyny is normalized and justified. Rather than engaging with feminist ideas critically or thoughtfully, anti-feminists react with defensiveness or aggression, refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of women’s grievances and demands for equity. This denial is political in nature, meaning it serves to maintain established power structures by dismissing any challenge to male dominance or patriarchal norms. By asserting that anti-feminism is the "political defense of women hating", Dworkin underscores that opposition to feminism is rarely neutral or objective; it plays an active role in upholding a social order that privileges men and denigrates women.

The interweaving of feminism and misogyny in public discourse often leads to a misunderstanding of what feminism advocates and why its opponents are so fervent. Critics typically frame feminism as excessive or threatening, but Dworkin suggests that such critiques are rooted less in the content of feminist proposals and more in a visceral aversion to women’s empowerment. By delegitimizing feminism, anti-feminists attempt to silence calls for justice and reinforce the marginalization of women. In exposing this logic, Dworkin compels a deeper reflection on the true motives behind anti-feminist rhetoric and the enduring challenge of confronting systemic misogyny.