There have been numerous occasions on which I have mentioned in passing that I am a feminist, as I am speaking to friends, family, or teachers. A majority of the time, I am faced with a very distinct response, whether verbal or nonverbal. Most people look at me with pure confusion, or in some cases, disgust. Others, voice their opinion. They inform me that they believe that feminism is obnoxious, or does not support equality. These responses frustrate me, because I am aware that it is extremely common for people to have the wrong definition of feminism stuck in their mind. These people's idea of feminism is an angry, outspoken female who intends to do nothing but spew hatred towards the male gender. This, however, is wildly inaccurate. The legitimate definition of feminism is as follows: the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. The sole purpose of feminism is to accomplish total equality between the sexes. Here are some reasons why I unabashedly claim the title of feminist.
1. Because according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, 1 out of 6 women will have experienced attempted or completed rape in their lifetime, but the phrase, "she was asking for it" still exists.
2. Because before I had even hit puberty I was being told that I needed to "cover up" around my male relatives, because the sexualization of young female bodies is seemingly normal.
3. Because in 2015, according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, females who worked full-time, made 79 cents to every dollar a man made. That is a 21% wage gap.
4.Because I grew up around my male cousins who were allowed to act out and be disrespectful, because they were just "boys being boys".
5. Because the definition of forcible rape in the Uniform Crime Report, is "the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will." This definition excludes males. This definition attributes to the toxic stereotype that males are unable to be raped. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, 1 in 33 men will have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime, and 1 in 10 rape victims are male.
6. Because the tampon tax exists. According to Fusion, this means that feminine hygiene products are not considered necessities, and are taxed in every state that has sales taxes, except for Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
7. Because when speaking to my coworkers about domestic violence, they said that women are usually "asking for it."
8. Because according to the Catalyst Conference, a nonprofit organization working towards gender equality in the workplace, women are still a minority the 114th United States Congress. The House of Representatives consists of 19.3% women and 80.7% men, and the Senate consists of 20% women and 80% men.
9. Because if men show any normal human emotions such as crying or being sad, they are described as "weak" or "girly". And if women dare to voice opinions or become angry, they are being hormonal or "unladylike".
10. Because why aren't you?
These are just a few of the many reasons why I consider myself to be a feminist, and am not afraid to claim that title.
This article was inspired by this lovely video by Laci Green.
