The 4B movement is gaining traction in the U.S. as a response to perceived threats to women's rights following Trump's election.
Social media plays a crucial role in spreading the 4B movement, particularly among younger women who are increasingly aware of global feminist movements.
The movement highlights a growing disillusionment among women regarding traditional relationships and societal expectations, particularly in the context of reproductive rights.
The 4B movement may continue to grow in popularity among disillusioned women in the U.S., especially if reproductive rights remain a contentious issue under the new administration.
As the movement gains visibility, it could lead to increased discussions about women's rights and gender equality in various social contexts.
The intersection of the 4B movement with other feminist movements could foster a more unified approach to addressing gender discrimination and inequality in the U.S.
The recent election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president has ignited a surge of interest in the South Korean feminist movement known as '4B' among American women. This movement advocates for women to abstain from heterosexual relationships, including dating, marriage, and sexual relations with men. Following Trump's victory, social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have seen a notable increase in posts and discussions surrounding the 4B movement, with searches for the term skyrocketing by 4,000% in just a few days.
Maria, a TikTok user who has gained significant attention for promoting the 4B movement, expressed her frustration with the patriarchy in a viral video where she dramatically shaved her head. Her message resonated with many women who feel disillusioned by the election results and the perceived threats to their reproductive rights, leading to a collective call for women to 'divorce their husbands' and 'dump their boyfriends.'
The 4B movement, which originated in South Korea, has become a symbol of protest against misogyny and gender discrimination. It gained momentum amidst South Korea's own struggles with gender inequality, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The movement's principles include rejecting heterosexual marriage (bihon), having children (bichulsan), dating men (biyeonae), and having sexual relations with them (bisekseu).
In the U.S., the movement reflects a broader reaction to the political climate under Trump, with many women using it as a way to channel their anger and disappointment into activism. Experts suggest that while the movement is gaining traction, it remains a minority trend and is largely a reaction to current events rather than a fully committed lifestyle choice as seen in South Korea.
