Happy Monday!
fem·i·nist, feminist: noun
1. a person who supports feminism.
But what is the definition of feminism?
fem·i·nism, feminism: noun
1. the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.
Based on those definitions, I am a feminist. And I am not ashamed to be one. But if someone had asked me if I were a feminist back when I was 15 or 16, I would of denied any relationship with the word.
Why?
Because to me at that time, it meant being a “man-hater,” an activist, someone who was assertive or demanding. Someone who wanted to be better than men, or to make them seem obsolete. It’s clear to see that at that time, I had no idea what it truly meant. I’m happy to say I know better now.
I am a feminist because my rights should be equal to men. I shouldn’t have to work twice as hard to make less. I want to be a mother someday and I want my children to feel safe and proud of who they are in the world.
Because I am a college student who has been told that when I travel abroad next semester and get verbally or even physically harassed, I should just let it happen. Because I’ve been told that it’s common in that culture
No one would dare say that to my male counterparts. But to me, as a woman? Well, sweetie, I guess it just happens, you’ll have to learn how to deal with it.
I shouldn’t have to walk in fear to my house every night when it is dark, or feel compelled to call someone, anyone, on my phone just in case something happens. I have to clutch my keys in my pocket, and remember the self-defense moves I learned on the Internet, just in case.
I am a feminist. And while I used to be ashamed of the word, I am no longer so.
And if you have a problem with it, that’s fine. I’d be more than happy to discuss certain ideas with you.
But please know that I am not planning on changing my ideas anytime soon. I am proud of who I am. And I hope one day all women can be proud of who they are too.
When Life Hands You Lemons... 
AMEN
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I was so nervous posting this! Thanks for the comment, it made me feel a lot better 🙂
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This is what feminism should have always been. It’s one of the reasons I love what Emma Watson is doing with redefining the term. But not that long ago, your view of feminism at 16 was what the stance was. I’m glad more moderate, sane individuals are championing the cause. Don’t forget your pepper spray in Europe! 😉
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I agree, and Emma Watson is one my personal role models! And for me, 16 was only a few years ago, so I’m happy my ideas have changed since then. If I can pack pepper spray in my suitcase, I will 🙂
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It wasn’t that long ago it started to change. But it’s good to see that become the norm. Keep up the good work.
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I don’t think it’s the norm just yet, but hopefully soon! Thanks 🙂
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Great post!! It’s too bad that “feminist” came to be a bad term in some people’s minds. I’m old enough to remember when things weren’t so equal and easy for women (a small example: it was sometime in 9th grade that we were finally allowed to wear pants to school!) I think it’s important for younger generations to know how far we’ve come and what has changed, and where we still need to go. Thanks for reminding people that “feminist” is not a bad word, that it doesn’t mean your a man-hater. Men can be feminists, too! 🙂
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Thank you! Even though I’m from a younger generation, there’s still at lot of fear of the word, which I’m trying to help change. And I think everyone, regardless of gender, can be a feminist 😀
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I wish “feminist” wasn’t a derogatory term, and I say that as a long-time feminist who’s run into discrimination issues her whole life simply because of gender. There’s no room for that nonsense, end of story. I applaud your post.
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I agree with you, and even though I’m a “new feminist”, I’ve also dealt with discrimination because of my gender. Thank you for your comment. 🙂
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Even though I am a man, I am pro-feminist (though I am not an active feminist myself), because I feel that everyone should have the same rights and responsibilities. There are some things of which men cannot do that women can, and vice-versa.
It is really too bad that “feminism” has such a negative connotation.
Then again, I rarely associate myself with political movements in any sense.
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I try not to associate myself with political movements, just because I’m not super interested in some of the ideas. But I agree with your points 🙂
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Ok, let’s discuss just one point. I am for matriarchy, why do you want equality?
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Hi! I want equality because I feel that if any group (in this case, gender) has the majority, it’ll be imbalanced. I know that the way the world works is that one group must always be in power (or in the majority), but equality could bring around a better state in some ways. While I support some ideas of the matriarchy, I feel that as a whole, it may not work overall. Equality (at this current time) I feel is a better way to have society become more inclusive and accepting. Equality is also a bit of a “baby step” for the matriarchy, and I am personally content with that step for now.
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Do you think that equality is even theoretically possible in a society where a man has several wives?
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I do, in some ways! In the case of polygamy, where both parties are consenting and happy with their choices, I think it is up to them. With equality, I try to look less at religious/personal issues and more on social issues. But that’s just my personal opinion, take that as you will.
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Are not wives unequal between themselves in case of poligamy? I lived many years in Uzbekistan and there was always a senior wife, etc.
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Personally, I don’t know that much about polygamy, and I am not qualified to talk about it as if I do. I don’t know about wife dynamics, I’m sorry. But I still believe that equality is important, even in relationships.
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