First, know that I am not against feminism. I do not judge those who call themselves feminists nor do I shame their beliefs. I do, however, wonder how much feminists want and if they know exactly what they're fighting for.
Many celebrities have openly labeled themselves as feminists. These celebrities include John Legend, Miley Cyrus, Emma Watson, and Beyonce. After doing research and seeing what many celebrity feminists had to say, I was slightly displeased. Lena Dunham on speaking about feminism said, "Do you believe that women should be allowed to leave the house?" She asked two more questions and ultimately said if you thought yes to the questions you're a feminist. This wouldn't have bothered me if I didn't live in the United States of America where every other woman and I may leave the house if we please. If this is a concern Ms. Dunham has, maybe she should travel to developing countries in places like the Middle East where this is a relevant issue.
Lena Dunham's comment wasn't the only one that troubled me. Kathleen Hanna said, "Because if you're just trying to put food on the table, you're not part of the conversation. Everybody else is making decisions for you." What does that even mean? If you're putting food on the table you're not heard? If you're providing for a family, feeding your children it's not good enough? That assumption is absurd. It's saddening that this woman actually believes if you are at home giving your family what they need, not going out and being part of some huge movement, you're being controlled and other people are making all your decisions for you. My mother and father put meals on the table every night. They continue to make their own decisions and be happy.
Feminists in general tend to make women seem more subordinate and weak than they are. After hearing feminists speak I feel like we as women have little rights and little equality to men. Then I remember that we live in the USA. Here we are able to get the same education as men do, go to the same places as men do, and get the same jobs as men do. The immensely famous celebrities who advocate for feminism have everything they could ever need, yet they complain that the pay gap is so huge and it's entirely unfair. I wish the pay gap was closed too, but I know that whether it happens or not I can still work really really hard and end up making more money than I need.
Of course I'm well aware that there are women, many in this country, who are abused, manipulated, and mistreated by men, but there are also men who are abused and manipulated and that's what some people don't want to accept. Feminists have said they want men to look at women for their character and not their looks. In that case why don't all women, including myself, stop looking at guys for their abs and tans and charming brown eyes. That goes both ways too, as do so many things.
Lastly, let me explain why I don't consider myself a feminist. I enjoy my boyfriend picking me up, opening the door for me, and paying for my dinner. I don't want to sign up for the Selective Service when I turn 18. I don't need free abortion if I'm irresponsible and get pregnant when I'm 17 with a child I can't provide for. (There are many women who actually need abortions due to rape, incest, or a threat to their lives. There are also many women who would do anything in the world to have a baby but are unable to because of some physical issue.) Finally, I'm going to be OK making dinner for my family while my husband mows the lawn. That's not me being an inferior domestic, that's me being a women and taking care of others. As women we are super amazing and beautiful and strong... let's embrace our awesomeness and help those women in other places of the world who truly struggle every day of their lives.
Sheetal Tadiparty
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