I remember I was in an Intro to Journalism class and my professor had a guest speaker that day. He was a foreign reporter and just returned from the South Sudan. He was funny, well prepared and good at his job. He encouraged us to meet with him after class if we were interested in journalism, so we could ask questions and receive advice. I took advantage of this opportunity and introduced myself to him. When I told him I also wanted to be a foreign reporter, he laughed at me and condescendingly said, “Good luck. You’re a girl.” I left feeling embarrassed and angry. What does someone say to that? As I thought about his comment further, I realized that it is true.
There are 195 countries in the world and at least 25 of these countries do not allow women to attend school. Growing up in privileged societies like the United States, we women are allowed to take our rights for granted and not always see that other women are still struggling with these issues. Yes, I can vote, drive and further my education, but there are still other countries that do not allow this. On top of lack of legal rights for women in these countries, societal norms favor men. If I were to travel abroad as a foreign reporter, the chances of someone taking me seriously for an interview is very small. In my first experience out of the United States, I was studying abroad in Cuba. I could not walk down the street without a man whistling at me or saying something inappropriate. I imagined if I were a reporter and had to write a story there. I knew that none of these men would take me seriously or see me as anything other than a pretty girl.
Today, feminism has a bad name to it. No one wants to bring it up in conversation and no one wants to be the one to write another article on it. The truth is, it’s very important to talk about it, and there are common misconceptions of the term feminism. Feminism simply means you want equality. That is it; very simple, I know. Feminism does not mean you have to hate men or protest and not shave your legs. It just means you believe men and women should be equal. It does not matter if you are a working woman or a stay at home mom. Your personal life goals and choices are not what make you a feminist. The fact that you acknowledge the struggles women have faced and how far we have come to be able to make these choices is what matters. Feminism can mean something different for everyone, but it is important for all to acknowledge that there are still issues around the world regarding inequality.
When I think back to that day in the classroom, I wish I said something to him. There were other ways for him to tell me, ways that are less offensive and more informative.
There is a book that I recommend everyone read called “We Should All Be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I read this book in a time where I did not label myself as a feminist. A friend recommended I read it and well, here I am now writing this article. This book shines light on societal inequalities women still face today. It is 48 pages and you can read the entire thing in 15 minutes.
