In the case of feminism, I find it is mostly anti-feminists who insist that feminism is about hating men. I supposed it's much harder to justify being anti-feminist once you've admitted that feminism is about equality...
Their hate blinds them. Their minds are shut, and you can't have rational discussions with those types. They don't care.
Women wanted the opportunities to do things - like college, career, etc. It doesn't mean they will do it - just want the opportunity. I remember a time in which my mother applied for a gas station card, because she and dad used them all the time. They required dad's permission to get credit - even when mother had the means to pay for it.
We had a neighbor - and the kids - that were rocked regularly by alcoholism and domestic violence. It was a family matter, and help wasn't needed. They just needed to deal. The actions of that household were NOT illegal then. They were sweep under the carpet with whispers of that poor woman.
You needed a dude in charge to cosign for property, and what not.
I've told this silly story before, but I wasn't allowed to play baseball - or any sport unless girly - due to my gender. I played with the boys off the field, and kicked their butts...yet legally it wasn't allowed ON the field.
Today, you still hear people claim that education for females is a waste of money. Why? She will be a housewife anyway. If her husband is killed? Well - God will find a way. Her family made to step up at times, because she has no means to support herself.
Change was needed. The world was changing too. At the time it scared both genders, but many stayed open minded. Change is scary. I mean this was HUGE! We didn't go as far as some during that time in history, because we didn't see the purpose. The spirit of the movement was within us though.
Today, people throw out stereotypes with their labels. If you are a feminist you hate men. They would much rather you defend yourself - as in showing how you don't - compared to discussing equality. They would much rather throw out the horror stories than discuss the realities for most. They remind me of the men and women back in the day who were scared to death of equality - and were closed minded. Thankfully, much of those like minded people are outnumbered.