Feminism is such a hot (and controversial topic) now. People are strongly siding to be for or against the movement, and it’s a constant back and forth of articles, blogs, and tweets between the two sides. I’ll read almost anything on the topic to see where people side and why, and my response to most of what I read is this: “Your feminism sucks.”
I’m for the equal treatment, rights, and opportunities of the genders – trans people included, of course. I’m not afraid to wear my feminism on my sleeve (preferably in the form of a cool patch on a denim jacket), and I am definitely not afraid to tell a misinformed woman why her idea of “feminism” is wrong.
Many girls think it means women are being forced into the work place, and are being scolded for taking on household duties such as cooking or cleaning. It’s not that in any way. Feminism, in its true sense, allows women to do whatever the heck they want with their lives. You can be a stay-at-home mom, a CEO, or even a stripper, for all feminism cares. And as far as household duties go, that’s totally up to you. The movement is trying to let women know they don’t have to be a house wife or take on all the household chores if they don’t want to. Women have been (and are still) held back in the workplace, and it was frowned upon for women to even have jobs. Now, girls everywhere are encouraged to do whatever makes them happy.
Feminism also works towards stopping and preventing sexual harassment and abuse for women, and helping bring light of men who face those situations. Women are treated with such disrespect it’s sickening. I’ve been catcalled since I was twelve years old. That means that men have found it okay to spend the last nine years of my life making sexual comments towards me when I obviously didn’t want them. Most women go through very similar situations of being harassed and catcalled starting at very young ages. So why would anyone, as a woman, ever want that to continue? Why let little girls and women of all ages face that kind of verbal abuse? It doesn’t matter if some women take it as a compliment, because most don’t and will actually fear for their safety.
This leads right into sexual abuse. All the time women are sexually assaulted and then instantly blamed for it. It is a crime to rape somebody, not to get drunk with friends. It is a crime to forcibly penetrate a non-consenting person. It is not a crime to wear an outfit which makes one feel confident. Sexual assault is a crime, and no matter the circumstances, it will always be the rapist's fault for abusing somebody. It is absolutely baffling to know there are people who will blame the victim, and women who will have that mindset as well. Feminism is here to help teach boys from a young age to constantly respect the boundaries, space, and consent of a woman. It starts now.
Girls who are against feminism and refused to be identified as “feminist” are allowing society to continue to hold women back when they desperately want to achieve more. You don’t have to burn your bra, grow out your leg hair, or stop wearing make-up (unless you really want to). You can do anything you want as a feminist, and no other feminist will judge. If they do, they’re not one of the good ones. This movement isn't trying to overthrow men but make sure we get a piece of the action, too. It's not what you think. I promise you feminism won’t bite. Just give it a shot.
