As our society becomes more understanding of women, the concept of feminism is becoming outdated. Here are eleven reasons why I am still a feminist, and why you should be too!
1. Freedom
As a feminist, I have the freedom to not be defined by the gender stereotypes that society builds. I can act both like a "man" and a "woman" in my day to day life. In fact, I am not acting like anyone but myself. Feminists have the freedom to speak about themselves with an empowering voice, giving them a platform and a position to bring issues facing gender to light. I make my own role in society. As a feminist, I do not just stand for women's rights, but for human rights. I still maintain my own set of values and do not subscribe to an ideal "feminist" way of life.
2. Defy Expectations
Because I am a feminist, I'm expected to love Hillary Clinton, to vote "No" for abortions and to think that women can do anything a man can do. Well, I may not love Hillary and when it comes to abortion, I am still debating, but that does not make me any less of a feminist. I think women were created to do what men could not do. I can safely say that I do not have to do what a man does to be a feminist. I can just be me.
3. Rights
Feminists are supposed to stand for women's rights, right? Well, rights is not something that is just for women but for everyone. As a feminist, I do not just want rights for women but for men as well. Feminism is what allows me to speak about gender rights that our society neglects and to give myself a label that does not limit me, but empowers me. I have rights that people cannot ignore and that I stand for women as well as for everyone else. I am a spokesperson for everyone else that deserves rights as well for women.
4. Voice
Feminists have a voice in this country, and a will to change the stereotypes and roles that are expected of women in this society. As a feminist, I have the voice to make a difference in the way women are perceived. This voice comes with an overwhelming sense of self, the acknowledgement of my capabilities and the comfort that there will be a balance in gender so long as there is the concept of feminism.
5. Issues
Feminists bring issues to light that others may pay no attention to, or that they are not affected by. By banding together people that care about women and their rights, feminism provides a platform for issues to be discussed and for change to occur. I can stand with this crowd and be a part of a new generation - the generation of no inequality.
6. A Long Road Passed
I find that if it was not due to the courage and sacrifices of women in history, I would not have gained an empowered voice or the ability to stand for my rights. History makes me proud to call myself a feminist, and their inspiring lives lead me down a brighter path.
7. Empowerment
Feminism calls for a dignified voice that does not cower or shake in the face of a flawed system. It allows me to speak from a position that includes everyone who stand for equality and justice, for both men and women. I am empowered by those that fought for my rights before and those that are continuing the fight.
8. Sense of Self
Feminism gives me platform where my gender does not define my position in society. It gives me pride and motivation to prove that I am not limited.
9. Independence?
As a feminist, do I have to be independent? Simply put, I do not have to be independent. Feminism does not entail that a woman has to be completely separate from any attachment to men or that they do not need any support. To me, feminism is dependence on a bigger platform that allows women the rights that they would not have otherwise. It is not about independence, but about a sense of community that gives me the strength to voice my opinion. Personally, I do not think that any gender is subject to independence, instead, both rely on each other.
10. Pride
As a woman, I am required to be a feminist, and want women's rights. Well, I think that it is not my biology that determines my values, but those very same values that give me the pride in being a woman.This makes me grateful for who I am and it is that same pride that makes me feel sorrow when women are not given their due rights in this country. This pride gives me a sense of community, it shapes my values and helps define my role in society.
11. Confidence
Feminism gives me the confidence I can use to go about my life, without being defined by my gender. I am not limited to societal standards, instead I am free from them.
