The other day, I saw a post on Facebook that showed a picture of a girl holding up a list of reasons why she doesn't need feminism. I was intrigued and momentarily infuriated. How could any woman believe she doesn't need feminism?
After some thought, I could understand (but not agree with) the point being made. Although feminists still have a lot of work to do, a lot of work has already been done. And a lot of women are benefiting from it, so much so they might start believing they don't need feminism anymore. But there's one small problem with that: you do need feminism. Here's why.
Let's take a look at look the first point on the list: "My boyfriend, brother and dad all respect women and should not be generalized or seen as 'potential rapists' just because they're male".
Feminism has way more to do with empowering women than it does with putting down men. It argues that men should be respectful towards women (and I am so glad that her boyfriend, brother, and dad do just that) and in turn women should respect men. That's a function of equality. I do agree that men should not be generalized as "potential rapists," as it is so eloquently put in the image. However, I also believe that feminists should not be generalized as attacking men.
The second point on the list: "I am an independent and intelligent girl and I have free will to make my own decisions. The 'patriarchy' does NOT control or influence my choices and I do not need to blame it for my mistakes or problems".
I agree with the first sentence wholeheartedly, but I don't see how it shows you don't need feminism. If anything, it shows that you benefit from feminism, which means you kind of do need it. We live in a world with growing numbers of strong women in leadership roles. We benefit from the standard they set. Every time a woman shows the world that she is independent and intelligent, it makes it easier for all the women that come after her to acknowledge that they are independent and intelligent, too.
As far as the patriarchy goes, I don't really understand it and I don't want to get into it, but I would like to address the assumption that feminists are simply shifting blame. Sources of inequality and injustice towards women (whatever they might be) need to be identified and dealt with. The word "blame" implies that feminists are weak in doing so, and they most certainly are not.
To the girl who doesn't need feminism, I see your point. Still, as women living in a world that is moving toward equity and inclusivity, we should acknowledge that we are benefiting from feminism and that we still need it in today's world. We have to keep building on the feminism that has allowed us to be respected, intelligent, and independent women, so that women in the future can live that way, too.
I'm glad that the work of all the feminists that have come before you has tricked you into believing you don't need feminism. I'd like to kindly remind you, however, that you still do.
