I have to admit something. I only learned the definition of “feminism” a few years ago. It’s sort of a controversial word, and people have mixed reactions when they hear it. But now, I do consider myself a feminist. I’ll insert the definition here, just so everyone is on the same page.
Feminism: noun, the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. That’s all! Feminists just want equality, which when you think about it, isn’t all that easy to come by in the good old USA. But that’s a longer story for another day.
This article is addressed to my fellow women out there who do not consider themselves feminists. I’ve read articles (articles written by women!) about how feminists are too radical. That’s a common stereotype, but is there anything really wrong with that? Since the beginning of history women have sit at home and men took control of literally everything.
It took a lot of pressure and hard work to change that, but I’m glad someone did so that we can vote, own property, and get an education. It’s not 1958 anymore, people. Women are not just homemakers anymore. Women can be surgeons, senators, and CEOs.
I mean, if you don’t support women as equal to men in society, then what do you support? I have an idea of why some girls steer clear of feminism. Sadly, they want to look more attractive to guys. I personally think that whichever guys are turned-off by women speaking up and raising their voices is not worth any of my time.
That goes along with the stereotype that if I am a feminist I hate men. I’m not trying to dismantle the patriarchy and start another revolutionary war by saying women should be equal to men. 99% of feminists do not hate men, they do not think women are the better gender, and they don’t think it’s offensive when men open doors or pay for meals.
We are in 2018, and progressive changes are happening slowly but surely. However, there is a President in office that threatens to infringe on women’s rights. And there will be a lot of Congressmen and regular citizens who would support him.
I just feel like if it is happening to a woman’s body, it should be her choice to do, or not do, whatever she wants with it. Also, what makes it okay for men, who make up the majority of our government, to make laws that affect women’s lives?
I will leave you with this. It is really, really important for us women to support each other. In the past few months, women in the U.S. have been put under stress. Sexual assault victims of Hollywood have spoken out to condemn their abusers.
The USA Gymnastics team and many others have had the courage to face their monster in court. Though these things are tough to hear and see, women are coming together to support one another now, more than ever before.
I am so proud of the courage women have to speak up together, march together, and do amazing things for society together. If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything. So get rid of those stereotypes you might have about what it means to be a feminist. You, whether you’re a man or a woman, should support feminism