The proper definition of feminism is the equal right for men and women. But this term seems to scare people, just because it sounds feminine. Some people even misinterpret this word for women who hate men, or wanting women to have absolute control. None of these are true. But because feminism is such a broad topic, that are sub-topics that need to be addressed.
Society has created this belief that men and women have to dress, act or behave a certain way in society. For example, it is the woman's job to cook, clean, and care of the husband and children. It is the man's job to work. But in this day in age, women are going to school for a higher education so they can work. Unfortunately, there is still the unequal pay gap between men and women. Sure there is the Equal Pay Gap legislation of 1963, but do companies actually follow it? Why do you think that some companies forbid you to talk about your paychecks? This boy who lived on my floor during my freshman year of college said that women deserve to get payed less because women are too emotional. Just because I am emotional does not mean that I am a hard worker.
When you go to the toy section in any store, how can you tell the difference between boy and girl toys? Girl toys are usually pink with flowers, Easy Bake ovens, baby dolls, make up kits, and dress up clothes. Boy toys are usually with dark colors that have vehicles, transformers, dinosaurs, and tool kits. Sure, parents can buy boy toys for girls, but parents can't buy girl toys for boys. It is the media's fault for creating these gender roles.
A Dr. Pepper advertisement has created a drink that is "not for women" because it has 10 "manly" calories. The media has created the notion that men and women have to drink certain beverages in order fit into society. The media doesn't understand that gender isn't so black and white anymore.
Cat Calling
The definition of cat calling is whistling or shouting sexual comments at people. During the first month of my freshman year of college, I couldn't even go across the street to get food without some boy trying to get my attention. It was getting to the point where I needed to carry around pepper spray with me in order to feel safe on campus. A person, it doesn't matter what gender, shouldn't have to feel uncomfortable going anywhere. A person shouldn't have to feel they need to carry weapons around with them to prevent something from happening to them. Cat calling mostly happens to women, but it can happen to men, too.
Rape Culture
When I was in high school, my mother taught me how I should protect myself so I can at least help prevent myself from getting raped at parties. In society, women are taught how to prevent themselves from being raped, rather then teaching men not to rape. In cases of rape which involve a man raping a woman, it is usually considered the woman's fault because she was drinking too much, or because of what she was wearing. Just because she was drunk, or had certain clothes on, does not automatically mean a woman consents to having sex.
Some people believe that rape can't happen to men. It can. It goes unreported because the victim thinks that nobody will believe them. Men in society are taught to be strong and masculine. If they show any emotion, especially as a victim of rape, they are told they are being feminine and to suck it up.
Women are taught that they need to cover themselves up. Not because people don't want too see that, but because it is distracting to boys. For example, at some high schools women can't show their shoulders because it is distracting to boys. Women have the same right to an education as men. A student should not be pulled out of the classroom because she is showing too much skin.
Dating pressures
These days, if someone likes you, you are automatically considered a b***h if you put them in the "friend zone." In the news, there have even been reports of murders happening because a woman would not date them. To this day, I have friends who pressure me to date some guy because he's nice. "It's not like it's going to hurt you if you don't," my friends will say. True, but maybe it is my choice not to. Nobody should feel pressured to do anything.
When I was younger, I was told by many females that I had to dress a certain way, wear this amount of make up, do my hair a certain way, in order for boys to date me. But plot twist -- boys actually like me for my personality, not because of the clothes I wear.
All of these things have become a major problem within our society, and we need to address them. Everyone deserves the right to have an education, equal pay, and equal social norms. A person should not feel pressured to do anything they don't want to do. A person should not feel the need to carry around weapons with them in order to feel safe. A person should feel that they should be able to dress to how they see fit. A person should not feel that they masculinity is not in jeopardy. A person should not be blamed for being raped because of what they were wearing, or of how drunk they were. In the words of Dr. Seuss, "A person's a person no matter how small."
