Dear Anti-Feminists,
I believe there's been a misunderstanding. Feminism is often confused with women's rights. Feminism isn't the belief that women are better than men. It isn't the belief that women should have more rights than men. According to dictionary.com, the definition of feminism is the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men. Feminists are just people who believe in equality. Also, feminism is not limited to be supported only by females. Even though feminists include strong women such as Emma Watson, Beyonce, and Amy Poehler, they are not the only celebrities who support this idea. Famous men who claim to be feminists include Ashton Kutcher, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and John Legend. They support the idea that men and women should be treated equally. Feminists do not hate men, do not crave matriarchy, and are not a bunch of stuck up lesbians, contrary to the stereotypes.
Now that we understand the misconceptions, let's talk about why we still need feminism. Yes, we now have the right to vote. Yes, we now can make careers out of some subjects that only men use to be able to do. But that doesn't mean the fight for equality is over. Women still have to deal with the 23-percent pay gap. Women are taught how to prevent rape, instead of men being taught not to rape. When women are sexually assaulted, they feel ashamed. Why should women feel ashamed for something that wasn't their fault. Women are taught not to walk alone at night. They are taught to ignore the fact that men catcall them on the streets. The nipples of women are censored on social media accounts and throughout the internet. Men have the exact same pink or brown circles on their chest and are allowed the display them whenever and wherever. In countries such as China and India, baby girls are being killed by their own parents because they are seen as burdens. Afghanistan women, are disfigured for attending college. According to Casey Cavanagh's article on huffingtonpost.com, female genital mutilation, the act of cutting off or restricting female genitals to prevent pleasurable sex, is still practiced in 29 countries. All of these incidents and so much more, are caused by someone's gender. Whether you are born with a vagina or a penis, you will be treated differently your entire life. This shouldn't be limited to a gender issue. This shouldn't be limited to women's rights. This is a humanity issue that everyone should be rallying behind. Just because it isn't happening to you, doesn't mean that it isn't happening at all.
So, I encourage you to stop referring to feminism as another "f" word and stop thinking that it's a dirty word. Restrain yourself from using "p*ssy" and "b*tch" as words to describe something that's weak. Stand up for someone who is being catcalled while they're walking down the street. Spread awareness about the women in different countries who are unable to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as those in the United States. Whether your male or female, support one another. After all, feminism is simply an issue regarding equality.
Sincerely,
A Feminist
