Before we start, a quick DISCLAIMER: all of what I am about to say in the following paragraphs to come is purely my own OPINION. I consider myself a devout feminist and I support many feministic ideals. This article is just a reflection of my own beliefs of what I've seen when it comes to modern-day feminism. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
When you look at the history books, it's true that women across the globe have been very much unappreciated in prior years, especially when it comes to the rights they were/are allowed to have. In the US, we had to wait untill 1920 in order to vote, and according to many sources, women did not begin attending college in equal numbers to men until as recently as 1980.
Even nowadays, the genders are still not completely equal; women get paid less, aren't allowed to play certain sports, and can't even drive in some countries. It's a sad (but true) reality.
This is why the feminist movement is such a great thing. Feminist campaigns have netted us girls the right to vote, to hold public office, to work, to own property, to receive an education, and many other rights.
In addition, the work of feminists have protected thousands of women from rape and sexual violence by promoting anatomical integrity. When you take into account its true purpose, feminism really is a great thing.
Feminism has always been a great thing--until recently. Feminism has always enabled women to get up and protest, yes, but since when did that mean that 120+ women could strip naked in front of the White House to scream about "femicide"?
Don't get me wrong, femicide is a real and true thing, but that kind of behavior is completely unnecessary. What's the point? There are hundreds of other ways of ways to get your point across!
And yes, I get that it was done in order to shock, show, and raise awareness to those who saw, but c'mon. No wonder feminists get such a bad rap nowadays--people are worried we're going to run naked through the halls with blood pouring between our legs if something happens to anger us! I know many feminists who aren't like this (quite a few are, in fact) but it's those other gals that people remember.
And yet, women still demand to be treated like...women. At the end of the day, it's always the guy who's supposed to pay for the date, no? They're the ones who have to hold the door open for you while you pass, yes?
Why not split the bill? Why not open your own door? You can't have it both ways! Times are changing, yes, but these "norms" have been embedded into society and still hold true for many people.
Let me just say this right now: feminism with double standards is NOT feminism. Radical feminism is NOT feminism.
True feminism is about equality for all; equal rights despite gender. True feminism is all genders listening to dress code, because that's the rule. True feminism dictates that men are not the enemy; that feminism is not a form of revenge against them, but a peaceful solution that does away with deeply-etched societal wrongs.
Feminism, in theory, is a great thing, and I look forward to its future campaigns and innovations. But somehow along the way, it took a turn for the extreme. Let's make sure to sit back and reflect; let's make feminism great again.
