In honor of Women’s History Month, I want to talk a little bit about feminism in regards to why we need it and what the lack thereof is doing to our country. Recently in the media, there has been a lot of obvious examples of how our institutions continue to fail women. A prime example is the Free Kesha movement.
Pop star Kesha Rose Sebert was violated and exploited by her producer Dr. Luke, however, the courts continue to force her into an ultimatum: continue to make music with her assailant or stop doing what she loves altogether. Kesha is forcibly being attached to the man who assaulted her but for some reason, the courts don’t consider what happened to her serious to void her contract.
This is a prime example of rape culture in our country. Rather than having an investigation surrounded by the suspects reasoning and intention, police often focus on what the victim was wearing or how many drinks she’s had. For this reason, many rape cases are voted in favor of the attacker rather than the victim I the court of law and Kesha’s system is no different.
Just last month there was a group of men who planned to gather and assault women worldwide for the sake of “neo-masculinity,” a term used by noted misogynist Roosh V. who planned these assaults. As word spread about the terrorist meet-up throughout various social media platforms, Roosh called off the attacks due to fear of the lack of safety for the men who planned to participate.
In my opinion, I would argue a threat like this to be an issue of national security. It threatens half the population all across the country. However, not one news source picked this up as a story. There was no word from any police about safety precautions to take or areas women should steer clear of that night. I personally received the tip from a friend and continued to spread the mile long list to anyone in the affected areas to make sure they were safe.
The objectification of women is even endorsed by pop culture. Common memes such as the “If she’s fourteen, I’m fourteen” meme makes a joke out of the sexualization of young women which is already a huge issue in advertisements and media. As a society, the only way to move forward is to be conscious of your surroundings and the things you say. Be aware of micro-aggressions that allow women to be viewed this way. If someone makes a joke you find offensive rather than funny or if someone isn’t aware that what they are saying comes from an ingrained way of thinking, kindly explain this to them.
Feminism is a woman being able to report a crime against her and have it be taken seriously; it is knowing that when there is a wide threat for the safety of women throughout the country, authorities and news reporters will be on the case to make sure everyone is informed and safe. Feminism is wearing what you feel makes you look good without the fear that you will be targeted or objectified because of such.
Lastly, it is equality, it is being politically and socially aware that the things we say and do will affect others, and knowing that the best way to achieve equality is to be educated.
