I Am A Proud Feminist, But I Used To Be Ashamed About It | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I Am A Proud Feminist, But I Used To Be Ashamed About It

How I learned the real meaning of being a feminist

52
I Am A Proud Feminist, But I Used To Be Ashamed About It
Pexels

fem·i·nist, feminist: noun

1. a person who supports 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 asked me if I was a feminist back when I was 15 or 16, I denied any relationship with the word.

Why?

Because to me, at that time, it meant being a "man-hater," a power-hungry 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 was a college student who had been told that when I traveled abroad for a semester and got verbally and physically harassed, I should have just let it happen. And now, as a post-grad searching for a full-time job, I've been asked why I don't go into a field "more suited for me as a woman."

No one would dare say that to my male counterparts. But to me, as a woman? I've lost count of how many times it has happened to me. And a lot of times, I've let it slide. But not anymore.

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 shouldn't have to worry if I'm being too loud or assertive in front of my male counterparts.

But more importantly, no one, regardless of gender identity, should have to worry about these things. This is what I am fighting for. I'm not fighting to be "better than men". I'm not fighting to have all of the power. I'm fighting for equal rights for everyone

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 those problems 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.

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.

179085
 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

6261
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...

451812
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.

22918
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