Being a part of the 49.6% of the population with two X chromosomes is a daunting task. The world seems to be designed to be an obstacle course that we ladies have to get through. Except our hands are tied behind our backs, we're blindfolded, and everything is on fire. Many would argue that women have it easier. We get the typical remarks about how society is becoming more progressive and giving women more and more opportunities. Ha, okay. We don't need "more and more" opportunities. We need feminism, and let me put in into perspective.
Why is it okay for men to catcall a woman but it's blasphemy when a woman is offended? Is it to be expected that women are to be a smiling bimbo at all times? Are women supposed to giggle and blush when a stranger objectifies and degrades them without any regard for their morals or self-esteem?
Why is it that women are supposed always look like they stepped out of a magazine but are ridiculed when they look "too good"? Why is it that women are also expected to look like the aren't trying hard but are laughed at when they wear something comfortable? Please explain to me what I'm supposed to wear that fits the quota, or I'm gong to borrow Harry Potter's invisibility cloak.
Explain to me why women are still expected to be seen and not heard in society? Why do people worship beautiful women but dismiss anything they have to say as nonsense? Why does the fact that we menstruate have to do with our ability to handle problems and be in control? WHY ARE MEN AFRAID OF TALKING ABOUT THE FEMALE ANATOMY!?
Why is it that in order not to be raped, I have to make sure that my clothes are not enticing, that I'm not drunk, that I'm not alone, or any other factor? This will not stop rape. This will only allow for the girl that is dressed a little more "provocative" or a little bit drunker or by herself to be the victim!
These questions have been asked by women for decades without answer. Here's my attempt to answer the question: We are the "other" sex. We are not men. As blunt as that sounds, it is true. Patriarchy runs rampant in the world today. Women across the globe are still being assaulted and killed for not abiding by the laws that their male counterparts put in place for them. Women are still having to have dangerous under-the-table medical procedures because their insurance won't cover birth control but will cover Viagra. Women still will get only 78% of what men make in a year doing the same exact job. This world wasn't designed for women. Quite simply, this is a man's world.
Everything I've written above is why I am a feminist. No, that does not mean I hate men. No, that does not mean that I think women are better than men. Being a feminist only means that I want equality between sexes. I want to live in a world where I can walk down the street alone at night without gripping my keys between my knuckles for a makeshift defense weapon. I want to live in a world that allows my future son and/or daughter to learn that everyone is equal regardless of the parts they have. I want to live in a world where I can be undeniably happy in my own body.
