Being A Feminist Doesn't Mean I Hate Men
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Being A Feminist Doesn’t Mean I Automatically Hate Men And I Want To Help In Their Demise

Feminism isn't about empowering women to rise above men

266
Being A Feminist Doesn’t Mean I Automatically Hate Men And I Want To Help In Their Demise
Ana Paula Ricalde Muench

Before I even knew what being a feminist was, I think I was already a feminist. I say this because I wasn't born knowing that there was a world out there in which I was automatically going to be considered less important and less capable than my very own brother just because I was born female. When I was a little girl, I would play with my little brother all the time, and we wouldn't discriminate between our toys. We would play with my Barbie dolls just as much as we would play with his Hot Wheels. Whenever we dueled as though we were pirates, he wouldn't play fair just because I was a girl.

All my life I've loved sports, superhero movies and boxing. For a lot of people, those things are seen as quite unconventional, to the point where even my own grandmother has repeatedly questioned my love for soccer and for hitting sandbags. Some people, especially those born during the first half of the 20th century, can't even begin to fathom the fact that things and activities are supposed to be gender neutral, and that being into certain things doesn't take away any of my femininity. In fact, I'm also a hopeless romantic, I love every single Disney princess, I love fairytales, and I believe in the existence of happily ever after.

Girls shouldn't grow up thinking that there's a certain path they need to follow in order to be the perfect woman, and they most certainly shouldn't grow up in a world that only wants to teach them how to be the perfect housewife. Everything girls do should be a choice, just as much as it is for boys. If girls want to grow up to be housewives, so be it, but we as a society shouldn't be telling them that it's wrong for them to want to become President someday because they're going to have to take care of children of their own at some point.

Throughout history, women and girls of all ages, races, and nationalities have proven time and time again that we can shine just as bright, if not more, than our male counterparts. But it's also important to remember that being a feminist is not about stepping on men in order to rise above them. Being a feminist, in my opinion, is all about empowering each other as women but also about working alongside the men in order to grow together as human beings. There would be no point in rising up above them, knowing that we all need each other to survive in this world.

In order to do this, there must be a shift in the way we all think now. Companies should forget about hiring people with a certain number in mind, instead, focus on hiring whoever is more up to par with what they're looking for. If companies end up hiring 70% women and 30% men because those people were the most capable for the job, then so be it. If it happens the other way around, that's also great. Sports networks should focus on female teams as much as male teams in order to get more media coverage for them and eventually even better sponsorships. This will inevitably result in larger fandoms and more money for the networks, the athletes, and the sponsors.

So no, feminism isn't about empowering women to rise above men and eventually lead them to their demise. Feminism is about letting our girls be free to follow their dreams and aspirations just as much as we let our boys do the same. Feminism is about standing united as human beings, instead of creating a division between males and females. Feminism is about me. Because I want to get married and have kids just as much as I want to be a powerful leader who will leave a positive mark in the world.

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.

50402
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?

32210
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.

955542
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.

180659
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