I can imagine half of those who clicked to read this article thought, "Oh great, another rant about feminism, here we go again..." this very mentality towards the subject is certainly not a progressive one, however, it is common. I want to be blunt in saying that I do not wish to belittle anyone who doesn't agree with feminism, I simply am here to say, what you view as feminism is entirely different from what a lot of others view as feminism, and if you keep an open mind, you might just warm up to the idea. I think sadly, a pure want to be treated as equal to our male counterparts has been overshadowed by controversial comments and figures who are self-proclaimed feminists.
Just recently, Lena Dunham from the HBO series, GIRLS, said, "I still haven’t had an abortion, but I wish I had." That is not the feminist ideal. The line between personal values and beliefs and a person telling a woman how she should handle a situation that none of us could imagine dealing with until it happens directly to us has become blurred. It is depressing to think that a very simple belief- that men and women are equal is now looked down upon by both men and women. Here's the thing, basing your entire view on what it means to be a feminist on only the most extreme examples, leaves you uninformed on what it actually means to so many others.
When I say that I'm a feminist, I mean that I believe that I should have equal opportunity in my education, and career endeavors. I do not mean I should receive special treatment because of my sex. When I say I'm a feminist, I mean I don't want to be afraid to walk alone or feel the need to have my mace on me everywhere I go.
When I say I'm a feminist I mean I want to be valued for all I have to offer, my personality and my sense of humor, not just how I dress or how I look, just as every man has the right to as well. When I say I'm a feminist I am not using my sex as an excuse. I was born a female and that I had no control over, so why should everything I do with my life revolve around this one aspect of who I am? The logical answer is, it shouldn't. That, to me, is what feminism is about.
