Discussion over a popular South Korean movement, 4B has found place in United States after Donald Trump’s victory in US Presidential Election. There has been a surge of interest on Google searches and social media about 4B movement. Reportedly, several American women have engaged in 4B conservations after disappointed by the US polls result. The reason for increase in such conversation is US President-elect Donald Trump’s stand on ‘abortion rights.’
What Is 4B Movement?
4B movement is an extreme radical feminism movement that finds its roots in South Korea. The movement originated in 2017- 2018, but gained prominence and recognition in 2019 on X. This campaign motivates women to be free from the traditional beauty norms and gender expectations for women. Under this movement, woman spread the message that they should stop wearing makeup, cut off short hair, and give up the dresses usually considered appropriate for women. It was started in response to high rates of violence against women.
Along with it, the 4B movement carried the idea that women should avoid all forms of contact with men which includes romantic, sexual, and familial. The movement was named ‘4B’ as it stood for four Korean words beginning with ‘bi’ which translates to ‘No.’ The words are: bihon means no heterosexual marriage, bichulsan (no childbirth), biyeonae (no dating), and bisekseu (no sexual relationships with men). 4B movement allows women to have rights over their own bodies.
This movement offered woman for self-reclamation and freedom to choose at a time when choices around marriage, motherhood, and relationships are restricted.
4B Movement Making Waves In The US?
Following Trump’s win, women have started to talk about 4B movement in America also and it is believed that it might gain momentum there. Washington Post quoted Michaela Thomas, a 21-year-old artist from Georgia who said that young woman don’t wish to get intimate with men who don’t fight for their rights “Young men expect sex, but they also want us to not be able to have access to abortion. They can’t have both,” added Georgia.
Trump’s victory has developed fear and raised concern over the abortion rights of women. It has raised doubt if the Republican would make access to the procedure more uncertain. Notably, in 2022, Trump had celebrated the Supreme Court’s ruling that ended a nationwide right to abortion.
Netizens Divided On 4B Movement
The movement is trending on X, but netizens seem divided on this movement. While several users have lauded the women and their courage others have degraded it and questioned the idea. One user wrote on X, “Good! I stand with the women”, another added, “Women exercising their right to control their own bodies BEFORE they get pregnant & in a tough situation. Wow what a concept.” Users added, “What is a woman? Why is this limited to only heterosexual women? And why are you limiting the value of a heterosexual woman’s value to her sexual availability and her ability to reproduce? Is that all they have to offer?” and “All this abstinence kinda makes abortion a moot point, no?”
