If you're reading this, you're most likely one of the millions of people that are confused about what feminism is. With endless definitions and perspectives, it's no wonder no one's on the same page. There is an infinite amount of assumptions about feminism, both good and bad. So how could something with a seemingly good intention, be portrayed in such a negative light?
All over Twitter and Facebook, we see the memes and gifs that joke about feminism:
Within recent years, the concept of feminism has received a measurable amount of unfavorable attitudes. Such attitudes seem justifiable when we look at how various multimedia outlets portray the concept. So what is it, really? What is feminism? It is defined as the desire to define, establish and achieve equal political, economic, personal and social rights for women. Women have been underrepresented for centuries, going all the way back to Seneca Falls in 1848.
Whether we want to accept it or not, women arenot equal to men. Between the wage gaps to alarming trends in employment rates, there are endless examples of inequality. If you think men and women should be treated equally, then congratulations because you are indeed a feminist! See? Not so bad, right? Being a feminist really isn't an awful thing.
This generation has been the product of radical and extreme behaviors that mask the true definition of feminism. Feminism is not about hating men, burning bras or being sexist. Feminism is everyone's problem. Emma Watson's speech on feminism for the "HeForShe" campaign proves that men are affected by gender equality, too. The stereotypes of men urge us to believe that every guy has to be a tough, sports-crazed, emotionless creature.
Gender inequality is real, and it's extremely prevalent. At the current rate, men and women won't receive equal pay until the year 2058. Women earn approximately 75 cents to every dollar that a man earns. Even though discrimination does occur, it is illegal. Federal and state laws already prohibit sex-based discrimination, but just look at the statistics.
So next time you hear the word "feminist,” think about these statistics. Don't allow the misrepresentation of radical "feminists" hinder your ideas of what feminism is truly about. Feminist are not bad people.
When it comes down to it, we're all human. We should all try to live by the golden rule to treat others how we would want to be treated. It's simple, but it's viable. Maybe one day we can live in a world where everyone is treated equally and justly. Crazy right? It's possible, people. Feminism is not a women's issue - it's everyone's issue.
