I am a feminist.
I think that anyone, men and women alike, who says he or she is not a feminist, simply misunderstands the meaning of feminism.
Feminism: The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.
The word feminism in its utmost raw definition is “equality for women and men”. Unfortunately, society has created and managed to uphold a stereotype for all those associated with feminism. Because of this, young women all over social media are posting about how they “are not feminists, but that’s okay.” Arguably, these girls are pushing this stance because it has become so unpopular to identify as a feminist. But who can blame them? With a stereotype of a middle aged, unmarried woman with no children, who spends her time hating on men and stay at home mothers plastered to the word feminism screams undesired.
However, this is not the true meaning of feminism. The face is changing, ladies. And her name is Emma.
Emma Watson, the ambassador the campaign He For She has been attempting to fix this very problem. During her speech at the United Nations’ meeting back in 2014 she spoke out:
“The more I’ve spoken about feminism, the more I have realized that the fight for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop. My recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Women are choosing not to identify as feminists. Apparently I am amongst the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, and anti-men – why has the word become such an uncomfortable one?”
There are also many misconceptions about the stances feminists are fighting for. First, it is not all about equal pay. That is simply a material concept that needs to be corrected. Second, feminism is about the right to choose to have children, not to have children, to be a stay at home mother, or to have a full time job. Too often do people assume feminists are bashing on women with children and no job, but in all reality, feminists are fighting for your right to live your life however you choose to. Third, men and women should be seen as equal partners in a relationship, not with one person holding more weight than the other. A woman should undoubtedly have the right to remain an individual in her relationships, as it is important to maintain your own identity and not lean on one person to define you.
And finally, we need not forget that God has created all of us in His own image; “For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity.” - Ecclesiastes 3:19
So before you take a stance with antifeminism, know that feminists like Emma Watson all over the world are fighting for us. They are fighting for men and women, so that we may see the equality through stereotypes and outdated traditionalist beliefs.
