Feminism And How We Must Not Neglect it | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Feminism And How We Must Not Neglect it

It's about equality with both men and women.

8
Feminism And How We Must Not Neglect it
Buzzfeed

The idea of feminism is viewed at as a subject no one wants to talk about, but I think it's important. I'm not preaching about how women are better than men, because that's not what feminism is about. I'm talking about why we don't view each other as equals, especially in different subjects. There are certain things where men are looked at as feminine because society makes it appear "girly." This isn't about how society needs to make everything equal for just women, but men also.

Rape. This is a touchy subject, but it's important. I'm not talking about how we must justify rape with how they appear, but the fact that we don't include men in the numbers. Women get raped, it's obvious and we know that. But men do as well. I'm tired of hearing this crap saying that "men don't get raped. He should be glad he's getting laid." No, that needs to stop. Men do get raped from both men and women. Statistically, about 3 percent of American males, or 1 in 33 are raped. One out of every ten rape victims are male. It happens, and instead of focusing on the problem and trying to fix it, we humiliate the man and strip away his manhood by saying he should be proud of the sexual intercourse. It's wrong, and it's backwards to do that to a human being. Men have emotions as well, and endure the same pain from rape as women. It's not right to neglect them. We need to move forward and accept the fact that men need the focus as well.

Sports is where many people feel the need to point out someone's sexuality. I can't tell you how many times people thought I was a lesbian because I played softball and wrestling. I'm not, I remember watching "Love and Basketball" and Monica points out to her mother that she's a lesbian because she plays basketball. She's obviously not and is sarcastic about the remark, but a sporty woman shouldn't be viewed as a lesbian because she enjoys sports. Is it because these sports are men sports? It's the same for men. What makes men who want to cheer, dance, volleyball, or participate in gymnastics that make us define them as gay? Is it because society views those sports as a woman's sport? This needs to stop. If a man wants to dance or a woman wants to fight, let them. They enjoy the sport because of the actual sport and not because it's the reason for their sexuality.

The role of the household is also such a weird thing to talk about. Sometimes women make more money than their male partner, and that's okay. We are still stuck on this idea that the man should bring home the bacon. Do not shame the woman because of her income. She worked for her position and deserves her money. Do not shame men who are stay-at-home fathers. Sometimes men have to. It is okay. It does not mean that they are not a "real man." What even defines a "real man"? It shouldn't be the income or who stays home and helps out with the kids.

The roles of dating for a man and woman is so unusual to me. Why do we display this image of what a men and women must do while dating? It confuses me when I hear people say the man should always pay for every date. No! I am making money, let me spoil you as well. Do not pay all the time just because you are a man. Do not buy me flowers and not expect nothing in return. Perhaps I would like to buy a man chocolates or take him on a date, but society says no. Why? I don't believe in catering a man like a servant. Yes, I want to spoil him, and I appreciate his need to spoil me. But society should not say whether it's right or wrong for either of us to exchange different actions. I should not be expected to just give out because he paid for my meal. I do not expect him to give out because he feels pressured by society to or else it makes him gay. These roles need to stop. Treat each other as equals. Do everything half and half. Don't let society control they way you treat one another.

Although we have moved forward from a century ago, we still have a ways to go. We still tend to hold on to these ideas of what defines a man and a woman. Times have changed and so have people. Nothing a person does strips away their identity. A woman is not less than a man and vise verse. We have to work together and build one another. I look forward to the day where both sexes can stand together and view each other as equals.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178233
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5406
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451284
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22647
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments