We Don't Burn Bras Anymore: A Response To "I Am a Female and I Am So Over Feminists" | The Odyssey Online
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We Don't Burn Bras Anymore: A Response To "I Am a Female and I Am So Over Feminists"

I believe we have a long way to go.

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We Don't Burn Bras Anymore: A Response To "I Am a Female and I Am So Over Feminists"
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Before I get started, I'll be clear: this isn't meant to criticize the author of I Am a Female and I Am So Over Feminists or her beliefs. As she states in her article, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Although it's been a while since the article was posted, I saw it trending on my dashboard and decided to add another feminist's voice to the conversation. I understand that misandry and feminism can be confused, so I hope that I can clear the air. This isn't a personal attack on you in any way.

First of all, the author has a point in saying that American women have many rights that women in other countries. We don't have to worry about getting married at a young age, we can leave the house without a man's permission, pursue an education, serve on a jury, vote, and more. However, roughly 84% of countries, including Afghanistan, explicitly guarantee gender equality in their constitutions. The United States doesn't.

Her point about sports is totally valid. Like all TV networks, sports stations like ESPN tailor their content to their audience, which is mostly composed of men. So it comes as no surprise that they market their material to well, men. As for women in the NFL, it's simply because we don't have the opportunity to play! I mean, there's no way that I, a 120-pound girl who gets tired after 10 minutes of running, can't take on a 220-pound linebacker. However, there are plenty of female athletes who are comparable in strength and size to NFL players, and I'd be happy to see them shatter the glass ceiling!

There's a thin line between chivalry and outright sexism. I'm usually the person who offers to pay the check, but if he wants to do it, it's fine by me. But try asking yourself if this guy is a true gentleman or a true prick. If he doesn't think you can pay, then he's not worth your time.

Women have been making huge strides in the workforce (get it, girl!), but that doesn't mean that there aren't more glass ceilings in the way. Wage discrimination is a painful reality for female workers, especially for women of color. But that's the tip of the iceberg.

Although we have legislation barring sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, women still face such discrimination across the country. Sexual assault is also a huge concern in schools, the military, and even your own home. Not to mention that the United States comes dead last among other developed countries in terms of paid maternity leave. Childcare is a Herculean task that doesn't get enough appreciation in our society. It's said that being a working mom is the hardest job a woman can take on. Then there's mansplaining, manterrupting, being underestimated in general... There are lots of barriers that need to be broken, but that shouldn't stand in the way of your ambitions.

Men and women are meant to complement each other? That's entering some sticky territory that I'm gonna stay away from for now. Instead, I'll focus on what our feminism is in a nutshell: it's about equality for men, women, and everyone in between. It's about helping women of all identities, abilities, classes, and backgrounds achieve the equal rights they deserve. Though there are radicals in every movement, we shouldn't judge the many from the few.

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