We’ve all had to deal with him. He’s the same guy that asks why we don’t have a White History Month and still lives in his parents' unfinished basement. And while his extensive experience with different flavored Doritos and multiple fights with 11 year-olds over Xbox Live has shaped him into the strong and virile man he is today, there is one word that still sends shivers down his spine; feminism. And no matter how many times you try to explain the concept to him, he will always be ready with his “Why can’t we call it Equalitism?”, or “Women are already equal”. So the next time his left arm tingles because, God Forbid, you bring up a feminist viewpoint, just remember these eight points.
1. Women had to fight for the rights they have today
Yup. Rights to Property, Suffrage (I suggest you just say “Voting”), Education, and even their own body were not only fought for by women themselves, but still are being fought for in other parts of the world.
2. The Media constantly sexualizes them
A woman’s sexuality is used as a marketing tool to sell everything including clothes, cars, food, colognes, and tons more. And while it started out as an American marketing tool, the use of a women’s sexuality to sell products has gone international to places including Europe and China.
3. Breastfeeding in public is frowned upon
Oh sure, women are equal, their sexuality is no longer feared nor controlled. Tell that to the women who are currently being arrested just for feeding their child in public. A completely natural procession feared and looked down upon by the same people who bought the products that sexualize women.
4. They are still fighting for rights over their own body
As sad as it is, the subject of abortion, a matter affecting a woman 100% more than anyone else, is still a topic of political debate. Aside from the fact that it is a woman whose body changes over the course of 9 months, must go through labor, and endure the emotional impact a child would bring into her life. But yet, still some believe it is up to the government to choose for her.
5. They are sexualized on a daily basis
Whether it is walking past a construction site, trying to serve a simple beer at your local bar, or even just sitting at the bar, a woman’s facial expressions, attire, and attitude are held to a standard. “Don’t curse, it’s not ladylike”, “Smile honey”, and “How you doing, gorgeous?” are all daily examples of how women are sexualized. She can’t curse, she is expected to smile, and a man’s lustful remark is expected to be at least given attention to.
6. Use it as an excuse against chivalry
Do anything but fall for the old “Feminism ruined Chivalry” speech. It did not. Just because a woman can decide what to do with her body, doesn’t mean you can’t hold the door open or take her jacket. Chivalry and basic rights for women probably should not be used in the same conversation.
7. "Feminism" isn't an attack on men!
Just because Female is embedded into the word Feminism does not mean women are going to take over the world and use filthy males as their dirty slaves.
8. Double standards are still everywhere
A woman’s deodorant does not contain as much anti-perspirant because “Women don’t sweat as much”, women are paid less on the national average, and they still get weird looks for chilling on the beach shirtless; even when the guy at the ice cream cart has bigger boobs than her. If a woman ever had as many sex partners as the average male, she'd be deemed a "slut", while the male would probably be given a high five and a beer. No matter which way you turn, double standards are still everywhere today, even in places we don’t realize. We have become so numb to it. But even if you don’t mind the bikini fashion with two pieces, or the fact that women’s deodorant smells a lot sweeter, we’ve got a long way to go.
