How do you perceive the world? As a feminist, I've come to perceive the world in a completely different light than I did five years ago. It's strange. It's as if your eyes have widened and you see society for what it really is. What about you? Do you have these thoughts? Here are 7 thoughts every feminist has:
1. Does this pass the Bechdel test?
���For those of you who don't know what the Bechdel test is, it is a test carried out, usually in movies, that essentially asks whether there are two female characters who talk about something other than a man. Although the passing of this requirement doesn't necessarily imply a female empowering movie, it all goes back to how women are portrayed in the media. When a film fails this simple test, it tells us that these women characters are seen as male dependent and lacking a concrete personality. To give you some perspective, almost half of 2015's top movies failed this basic test. So the next time you watch a movie, keep this in mind. You'll be surprised at the results.
2. Ugh. What is she wearing? No, no. Don't think like that. Slut shaming is bad. Stop.
As a feminist, it's more than common to have two voices inside your head: the voice society has taught us and the voice we taught ourselves. Growing up, we have subtly been taught to shame women of their bodies and peg provocative clothing as "slutty." It's more than common for me to silently criticize and slut shame a woman based on what she's wearing for a moment. It's not only a split second later I realize that this way of thinking is wrong on so many different levels.
3. Why does she have to be wearing absolutely nothing [or doing anything sexual] in that commercial?
This thought plagues me wherever I go. When you become aware of the objectification of women in the media, it becomes pretty obvious that it's prevalent everywhere, especially in advertisements. Cars, chips, alcohol . . . it baffles me so much to a point that it makes me sick. What does a naked woman have to do with a cologne? How does glamorizing domestic violence help sell hair products?
4. WTF is meninism and how could it be a thing?
OK, to this very moment, I honestly have no idea if this trend was created as a joke or a real movement. Some of the sayings are so ridiculous that they're laughable, but the scary thing is that there are so many supporters believing it. They complain about the double standards that plague men and blame "gender equality" and "feminism." It infuriates me to think that there are individuals out there bashing on feminism when they won't take the time to actually learn and understand it for what it is. Just an FYI, feminism is the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes. Not man hating. Not double standards. So please, do us all a favor and educate yourselves.
5. How is that funny?
Rape joke? A comment about women being in the kitchen? Someone makes the joke, and everyone cracks a smile or chuckles. I stand there, horrified and this is what I think of instantly. How is that funny? How does anyone think that's funny? And don't tell me to take a joke, because that is NOT a joke.
6. No feminism isn't about man hating.
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You have no idea how many times I have thought this when someone is against feminism. The term you're thinking of is "misandry." (You may have heard of its brother "misogyny"). Just a food for thought, "but I don't hate men," is not a reason why you're against feminism. If anything, feminism is all about respecting and treating both genders the same.
7. You're a feminist! I'm so happy. �
Finally! When someone openly tells me they're a feminist, my heart just fills up with joy. I smile since I realize I don't have to say the same sentence for the 19039th time (Feminism is the social, political, and economic equality of men and women . . .). I gain instant respect for this individual, and I feel myself liking them more and more. Given that they're telling the truth and being honest.
