I'm not sure if there has ever been a day where I felt more proud to be a woman than a few days ago. I'm proud of the women all over the world who marched, for whatever personal reasons they had which they carried with them. I'm proud of the men who marched, who proved that this, and feminism in general, is not just a movement for women.
Social media has been a mess. People are over protests. Women are over feminists. Lots of posts that scream "ignorance is bliss!" People read the title of an article, or the first line in a comment, and immediately judge the message. People read and listen to simply reply with a better comeback, than to read or listen to understand. (This is a problem in our society in general; a topic I've studied in my classes. Can we fix this, please?)
In a few short days I've felt as empowered as I ever have and about as helpless as I ever have.
I just want to clear some things up, plain and simple.
1. This march was an international movement. It was not just about American women. It was for all women. In particular, it was for the women across the world who cannot march for their rights. Marches were held all over the world to both bring awareness to women's rights and also to celebrate the rights we have in countries where we are privileged enough to vote, protest, wear want we want, etc. However, don't think for a second that women who are not as fortunate as we are were not thought of, were not carried in spirit, or were forgotten. The march was for them. It was for women of all color, background, ethnicity, and age. It was for women who are CEO's and for women who think the opportunity to work is just a dream. It was for the women who didn't march or who don't support the march as much as it was for those who did march. It was for women who believe we already have everything we need and it was for women who still think we have a long way to go. It was for all women.
2. This is so much bigger than your stance on abortion. Advocates for pro-choice marched, and advocates for pro-life marched side by side.
3. If you're sick of protests, say a quick prayer and thank God you live in a country where it is a right. Where we do not get killed or go to jail or are unfairly silenced because we believe something is not right or just. Think protests are pointless? Okay, then they shouldn't affect you at all. If you're sick of protests, turn off the TV. Avoid social media. Don't complain about a right that Americans fought so hard for so long ago; a right that we're privileged to have.
(I shouldn't have to say this, but obviously violent protests are not included, are not right, should not be tolerated, and get absolutely nothing accomplished.)
4. As Americans, we do accept Donald J. Trump as our President. We are extremely aware that no matter how much we protest, we cannot change that. However, we do not accept some of the foul things he has said about women. The "locker room talk." The name calling. The complete lack of regret or apology. These are the things we cannot accept. These are the things that need to be called attention to because they are not okay. When I worked at the alumni call center at my previous school, I was told by an alumni that I shouldn't be there because I was a woman! No matter whose mouth foul, derogatory language like this comes from, no matter to whom it is spoken to or who hears it, it should never be condoned. There should never be excuses. It should never be accepted.
5. I've seen a post making its round on Facebook about how women in America are in complete control of their bodies. On one hand, I am incredibly happy that these women have never felt like their body was out of their control. On the other hand, I know a few of the women that have shared this post carry pepper spray on them at all times. Most women my age that I know do, including myself. Carrying pepper spray and stating that you are always in control of your body seems contradictory to me. Why carry it if you know you will always be in control of your own body?
Let us also not forget the women and men who have been victims of domestic and sexual abuse. People we go to school with, work with, maybe even live with, who were not in control of their bodies for any matter of minutes, whose lives were changed forever in just a few moments. Just because you have been lucky enough to be in control of your own body in your lifetime doesn't mean this isn't a problem.
6. This march, and feminism in general, are not movements for women alone. Men who are feminists turn me into the heart-eyed emoji. Thank you for marching! Thank you for realizing that women's rights won't take away any men's rights! Thank you for realizing that even though these issues may not affect you directly, they are still very real issues! You are angels on this earth, and you fill my heart with hope.
7. Lastly, let's talk about the F-word.
noun
1. the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.
Is everyone clear on the definition? Is everyone clear on what it means?
Why does this word make you uncomfortable? Why are you "so over feminists," when you, in fact, are probably a feminist yourself?
I can see where some can get the image of feminists who are bra burners, men haters, and extremists. But that's all they are: extremists. An extreme anything isn't a good thing. Are the members of the Westboro Baptist Church the prime examples of all Christians? Absolutely not. Don't let extremists give you false ideas of what something really is.
I am not here to tell you how to live your life. I do not know what is best for you. Your gender doesn't determine if you are good or bad; your heart does. Feminism means you decide things like these for yourself, even if you refuse to describe yourself as a feminist.
I refuse to abandon the title "feminist" because extremists have put into some people's minds that we stand for anything other than equality. I refuse to have amazing women who marched the other day, like my boss back home, who built a business from the ground up, be grouped together with extremists who have tarnished the label. I refuse to allow the hundreds of thousands of women who stand up for what is right be dismissed due to those who have completely misunderstood and misrepresent the mission.
I do not believe in tearing down people who might believe differently than I do. I believe in intelligent discussions. I do not believe in pointless Facebook fights. I believe in peacefully standing up for something I believe in. I believe in equality. I am a feminist.
