Originally, a feminist is someone who supports the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.
Today, this modern wave of feminism has translated into the superiority of women and degradation of men. Recently, I have found it extremely difficult to even identify with the current feminist movement, namely because I don't agree that parading the streets of Washington D.C. dressed as genitalia, walking around without a shirt, and demonizing men are the correct ways in which to gain a true "equality of the sexes."
Because I support and want to work towards this equality, I can say that I am a feminist. However, the most important reason why I cannot identify with modern, third-wave feminism is because I am pro-life.
For my entire life, I have been raised in a conservative, Catholic family. Because of this, I have always been taught through my religious values to love, respect, and admire all forms of life. Additionally, I have always been taught that life begins at conception in both my religion and science classes throughout my childhood. However, as I grew older and became more interested in current politics, I began learning about the arguments regarding legal abortions.
The way in which I retaliate to the arguments for legal abortions were just imitations of the responses my parents, teachers, and mentors previously said. Sooner or later, I realized that I needed my own opinion, responses, and argument. Last year, I read "Persuasive Pro-Life," a book which contained all the pro-life responses to arguments which were in favor of abortions.
Not only was I able to find my own way of responding to the argument, but I was also able to acknowledge the compassion and sensitivity necessary to discuss abortion.
Being a woman, it is easy to imagine the circumstances of those who undergo unwanted pregnancies. It is a tough situation, and eventually, I have realized that it is a situation which does not need to be argued from a religious perspective. Although I have been raised with Catholic, conservative values, believing in Catholicism or siding to the right on politics are not necessary criteria to realize that abortion is wrong.
Abortion is wrong because it murders, or "terminates," an innocent life. The logic behind why you would not murder an infant is the same thought process to disprove the moral justification of abortion.
Hidden by the false generalization of a "woman's health issue", abortion is not only supported but encouraged in our society. Modern third-wave feminists such as Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Ashley Judd, Madonna all glorify their own abortion experiences. Also, #ShoutYourAbortions calls for women to boast about the positive repercussions of their abortions.
As a feminist, nothing bothers me more than the misrepresentation of feminism within Hollywood. The women who were the ringleaders of the Women's March are not the face of modern feminism. They misrepresent the true message of feminism--a true equality between men and women.
Want to attend a real event that supports the equality of not only the sexes but of all people? Want to see true equality? Attend the March for Life, and mark your calendars for January 19, 2017. This year, the 45th March since the 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court Case marks a monumental March for the pro-life movement. Even if you're undecided, please attend. I assure you this March is unlike anything you will ever imagine.
On this day, the road to Capitol Hill is full of young, vibrant, and courageous women AND men who passionately yet peacefully protest. They march forwards with signs asserting their love and respect for human life in all of its stages, from conception up until natural death. Last year, I was afforded the opportunity to attend the March for Life. Even though I identified as being pro-life, I was astonished by the large crowds that filled the streets of Washington D.C. for such a heartfelt cause.
I was surprised at the number of young people who protested throughout the streets chanting things such as "Rain drop, drop top. Abortion needs to stop stop," emphasizing the young and positive energy that was evident throughout the March.
So, I assure you. Yes, pro-life feminists do exist, and I am living proof.
