The word "feminism" is perceived as a scary word, only used to describe women who wish to walk around topless 24/7 (#FreeTheNipple) and who view themselves as better than their male counterparts. However, none of that is true. Feminism is the definition of gender equality, meaning males are no better than females and females are no better than males. By this definition, you would assume any sane person, especially one who is a woman, would identify with the label of a "feminist." Yet, this is not true. Not one bit. There are countless articles out there about why the writers, usually woman, do not identify as a feminist. These articles get loads of shares and recognition. For what? To prove they think men are, in fact, better than women? I read one recently (here) and found it a complete load of bullsh*t. Feminism is not just the fight for #FreeingTheNipple or the fight for equal pay; it is the fight for women everywhere to not have acid thrown in her face because she wanted to break up with her boyfriend. It is the fight for women across the world to have access to education and not be punished for trying to seek it.
Feminism is not a scary word. Feminism is not a cult or a club you can join. It is a social movement. Being a feminist does not mean you have to agree with all of the things feminists might be fighting for. Regardless if you think abortion should be a woman’s choice, you can still be a feminist. I do believe a woman should have the right to her body and the choices she makes about it, regardless of the fact I, personally, would never get an abortion. Feminism is about choices. It is about the choices women should have – stay-at-home mom or working mom? Head of the household or have the man as the head of the household or even share that role?
Feminism is not anti-religion, as the writer of the first article stated. You can still “believe in traditionalist values…[and] believe in God and what He has taught us” and still be a feminist. Feminism is about having a choice and having a voice.
Feminism is the belief women across the world should have the right to vote, even though places, such as Saudi Arabia and Vatican City, do not believe this. Feminism is the fight for women in places, such as Yemen, where women are only considered to be half of a witness in regards to crimes. Feminism is the fight for women in places, such as Saudi Arabia and Morocco, where they can be charged with crimes simply by being a victim of rape.
Just because women in America may appear to be "equal to men, "which they are not, does not mean women everywhere have this luxury. The writer of that article is a fellow college student, meaning she has the right to further her education, vote and own land, all rights that were fought for her by feminists in the past.
Feminism in America is the fight for equal pay (hello, women should not be making 79 cents to the dollar of a male worker). Feminism in America is the fight for paid maternal and paternal leave.
Feminism is not a scary word, and it is not something to be afraid of; it is something to fight for.
