With recent movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUP, we have seen a bit of a reawakening — a reawakening of the f-word. Feminism. I don't know if it's just me, but it seems as though the popularity of this school of thought is growing among my generation and even those younger than myself.
However, with growing popularity comes growing responsibility. Responsibility to ensure that the core of feminism is not embellished, changed or misinterpreted. Unfortunately, I have seen all three of the above happening far too often.
I know that there is no feminism enforcement committee to patrol social media, rallies and political speeches, but if you call yourself a feminist, then you better damn well know what you are talking about and make sure that you are practicing what you are preaching.
Feminism is NOT telling other women how to live their lives.
Recently, I was watching one of my favorite female stand-up comedians while I was procrastinating (as I often do), and something she said drastically piqued my interest.
I wish no ill will toward this comedian, so I will not slander her name, but all you need to know is that she is a self-proclaimed "feminist comedian." She covers all sorts of topics such as equal pay, chivalry and sexual abuse, and still somehow manages to make even the most serious of topic comical.
One thing she said recently, though, kind of rubbed me the wrong way. She was (without mentioning her name) discussing another female comedian and the number of times this woman discusses sex and sexual acts. She ranted that she does not understand why people believe this other comic is funny and stated that she does not believe committing slutty acts for the sake of a good joke is something to be celebrated or applauded.
While this, for lack of a better term, "sex comic" may cross the line sometimes and say some things that are extremely crass, that doesn't give the "feminist comic" the right to judge her and the choices she makes.
Feminism is about taking control of your life, your body and your decisions, not criticizing when other women are doing just that. Feminism is about empowering not only yourself, but empowering fellow women, and shaming them does the exact opposite.
If the sex comic wants to give a blow-job in a rest stop bathroom for a good story, then that is her decision and she will be left to deal with whatever consequences may come (pun definitely intended).
If you call yourself a feminist, then spend more time living your life, and less time telling other women how to do the same. Us women are a kickass breed and, as cliche as it sounds, we need to stick together. We should be standing behind one other and raising each other up, not tearing each other down.
