Am I A Feminist?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Am I A Feminist?

There must be more than one way to be a feminist.

150
Am I A Feminist?
YouTube

I was once about to enter into a debate on feminism when the girl with whom I was talking with showed me the definition of feminism; she read, "The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.” To my surprise, I realized I must be a feminist because I certainly agree with that goal. However, I have never felt as though those in the feminist movement would much like my support.

This is probably because I do not believe that the government should pass equal pay laws. I do not believe that the government should pass laws to force companies to hire more women. I do not believe that the government should make maternity leave mandatory. And I do not believe that the government should pay for women’s birth control.

Hear me out! I am in no way saying that I believe women should not take birth control. I am not saying that women do not deserve maternity leave. And I am certainly not saying that women should receive less compensation for equal work. What I am saying is that supporting government intervention on those issues is entirely anti-feminist.

Unfortunately, the current debate over feminism has become stale and interminable. Anti-feminists only attack the extreme wing of the feminist movement, even though most feminists are not militant, and most do not believe that men are the root of all evil. On the other side, feminists respond in kind, defending their own moderate beliefs, while claiming anti-feminists are not in touch with real women’s issues. This back and forth of cliché arguments achieves nothing.

Therefore, I address this article to moderate American feminists and ask them to consider the following questions. If women and men should have equal rights, why do feminists want preferential treatment under the law? They want legal protection from arbitrary pay, something men will not receive. If feminists believe that women are competent enough to be diligent workers, as I do, why do they insist that the government must provide them with opportunities? Men do not receive such treatment, and women would be better served if they obtain jobs through merit rather than force.

If feminists believe all women deserve maternity leave, as I do, doesn’t passing a law simply reject the idea that women are capable of advocating for themselves? I believe that women are resourceful enough to search for jobs that provide adequate benefits while leaving that responsibility to the government only makes them dependent. If a company does not want to offer maternity leave, then they will suffer losing a great employee, and a smarter company will be ready to offer another job.

Finally, if feminists believe women should have access to birth control, as I do, why do they demand that it should be provided free of charge from the American taxpayer? If we want to encourage women to be strong and independent, then they should be expected to pay for their own lifestyle choices without the incessant cosseting of the government.

I find it ironic that my views are not typical among feminists because they seem to fit logically with the goal of “equality." I am not so naïve as to believe that many feminists will accept that the government should not support women, but I hope the direction of the debate can shift. Since I believe women deserve equality, I am a feminist by definition, but that does not mean I must conform to the dominant ideology. It is possible to strive for equality and women’s rights without supporting conventional feminist opinions or perverse government programs.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45052
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28433
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953035
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

157636
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments