It seems that nobody understands the true definition of the word “feminist.” Some understand that it means equality, despite gender. Others think it means hating men, and some even use the term to do just that. I’ve gotten to the point when someone asks me if I’m a feminist, I have to explain myself if I answer with the word “yes.” I even know people who do believe in equality, but stay away from the word like it’s the plague. Yet with society’s different expectations of the word, I’ve come to the conclusion that if you call yourself a feminist, then you have to be true to that word. And if you believe in equality and don’t use the label, at this point I don’t blame you.
I’m sure you’ve heard the word “feminazi” tossed around when describing feminism. And honestly, feminazis do exist. They’re the ones who claim that every inconvenience in their life stems from the portrayal and representation of her gender. It hurts when these women run around claiming to be the face of feminism when all they do is shut down the voices of other women.
Hollywood has its own glorified vision of feminism in the forms of women like Amy Schumer, when in reality they are the opposite of what feminism means. Schumer is a declared rapist, and is incredibly racist. Yet, she is still declared a symbol of women empowerment. And why? One, she's white. And if you don’t think race has anything to do with it, you need to open your eyes. When white women show defiance to society, they are hailed as heroes while black women and other women of color are depicted as a bother and even a threat. Yet, this is what Hollywood declares is feminism. If you don’t want to align yourself with the same word as these people, I don’t blame you.
There is also the lack of choice within the word. Many pro-feminist groups have rallies encouraging women to dress to almost nothing and to take off makeup. Yet, isn’t this also male designed? How is showing off your body and not wearing makeup empowering? Many of these no-makeup protests are women who are privileged with a face that is flawless and doesn’t need it. For someone like me who does not have smooth skin, does that make it a sin for me to wear makeup? Also, if feminism is about choice, then shouldn’t that include body image? A woman who wants to wear a tiny outfit should be given just as much acknowledgement as a woman who wants to cover her body for her faith. That is choice. Modern feminists say that in order to break free from the “tyranny of men,” you also must have a lot of sex. But what about the girls who want to wait? A choice of abstinence should be just as empowering. Sex positivity isn’t about the agenda of breaking free from an agenda. It should be the freedom of a woman choosing her own agenda.
A lot of people also don’t understand that feminism applies to men as well. Men are expected to be dominant and void of emotion. This toxic masculinity is the root of the problem across all genders. Men are human beings, and should be allowed to be emotional. They’re choice in the same issues are just as valid.
Then there is the response to feminism. Even those who stand for fair equality face harassment for their views. Sometimes coming forward for gender equality is difficult because there are always those people who want to shut you down. If the wanting basic human rights is an issue with people, then the word "feminist" isn't the problem.
The argument over feminism will never end. Either a woman is exerting her power too strong, like many critics of Beyoncé say, or they’re not being strong enough. It doesn’t matter what she does, for she will always not be enough for the public eye. As a feminist, you must remember that not all women are the same. Your agenda isn’t the same as the girl sitting next to you, and that’s okay. If you think wearing makeup is empowering, then wear it! If not, then don’t! It’s that simple. You don’t have to criticize the other girl for her choice. That’s what feminism is.
Even if after reading this article and you don’t declare yourself a feminist, that is perfectly fine. Society has shaped the word into something evil, and getting mixed up with its false portrayals are all that’s needed to understand. If you think that women shouldn’t have a choice in how she should act and what she can say, congratulations, for you are the problem. The world wants us to turn on each other, but instead we should embrace each other for our differences and lift each other up. So yes I’m a feminist, but not what society wants you to think of me.
