Let me make this clear from the start: I am not against equality. I am not against equal rights or equality of the sexes. I am against the unfortunate radical movement labeling itself as fourth wave feminism.
The first and second waves of feminism hit the U.S. in full stride, aiming wholeheartedly to change the culture of America by bringing equality of the sexes. First wave feminism is said to be the movement towards equality of the sexes from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. This first introduction of feminism focused mostly on gaining suffrage, the right to vote, for women lead notably by Susan B. Anthony. The Second wave of feminism followed in the 1960-80s broadening the movement to include the legality of domestic violence and equal rights to education. Feminists fought, successfully, for equal rights to education resulting in the merging of many male-only universities and the passing of Title IX. Forming coed institutions and passing Title IX, a law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education activities, was a huge leap towards gender equality in the U.S. These waves of progress, however, were not without their criticisms. Many felt that the first and second waves of feminism did not represent true equality as they excluded the rights of minority women, focusing only on the straight, white, American female.
Fast-forward to the 1990s and America is hit head on with the third wave of feminism. This phase of feminism strove to right the wrongs presented by the second wave, specifically with the inclusion of gay and ethnic women. By expanding feminism to apply to and protect a more diverse group of women, this wave found more popularity and support than it's predecessors. This time, feminists got more controversial with their goals, working towards the reproductive rights of women (noted especially in Griswold v. Connecticut and Roe v. Wade). Among these arguments were also fair maternity leave policies and equal wages.
Come 2008 we arrive at the modern day phase of feminism: fourth wave feminism. This wave of feminism is noted for its mass social media presence, using technology to promote activism and involvement. This modern phenomenon known as "clictivism" is the idea of using social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to get people involved in movements and organizations. By liking a Facebook page or tweeting a hashtag, people have an immediate sense of empowerment, and simply keep scrolling and go along with their day without ever really promoting a cause. Not only is this modern day activism inherently lazy and inefficient, it only furthers classism by awarding those with access to technology and social media a voice in the matters.
One of the many problems with our current wave of feminism is the mass and constant publication of opinions and ideas. The ceaseless posts, comments, and tweets lead not to the empowerment and unity of women, but to a hateful and judgmental community of women competing to outdo one another and blame anyone that gets in the way. The constant publication of radical feminist ideas has lead to a society that calls out every politically incorrect whisper, leading women to become a league of "mean girls" striving to "out-feminist" one another and tear apart any person who comes through daring to disagree. Feminism is not about division, judgement, or radical opinions and ideas. Feminism is about equality of the sexes. Modern day feminists even promote potentially unsafe actions, encouraging women and girls to be "as drunk and stupid as men". Anyone can agree we need to stop allowing criminals to commit crimes, but saying that women should drink to the point of unconsciousness or walk alone at night is stupid and just plain dangerous. Everyone should practice safe behaviors and be aware of the inherent dangers of the world, regardless of gender. The victimhood on which modern day feminists thrive off of only encourages dangerous situations.
For feminism to truly be about equality it needs to equally represent the rights of both male and female issues. In a controversial and especially salient video, Lauren Southern speaks on the "blanket judgment" that feminists place on males and females, stating that all men are assumed to have the privilege and that all females are inherently oppressed. This, however, is just not the case. Women will almost always win custody of a child in a legal battle, and men are, on average, given a 63% longer prison sentence than women for the same crime.
The problem with today's society is not feminism, it is the ignorant extremists inaccurately representing an equality movement. We need to encourage our daughters, sisters, and friends to be big thinkers, to aspire to be lawyers, doctors, athletes, and moms. We cannot allow the rising generation to emerge as a society of victims, of man-haters, of mean girls preoccupied with the beliefs of other women, or naive to the inherent dangers of the world. We need to stop pulling men down on account of their "inherent privilege" and assumed tendency to oppress women. Everyone deserves a shot in this world; an unprejudiced, unbiased, and free of judgment shot. So check your privilege, check your facts, and then get over yourself. It's time we start promoting true equality.
