Yes, I'm A Feminist And No, I Won't Apologize | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Yes, I'm A Feminist And No, I Won't Apologize

Why I Refuse To Accept Gender Inequality

Danielle Stalter
Oct 24, 2016
Suffolk Community College
12
Yes, I'm A Feminist And No, I Won't Apologize
European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions

One should hope in this day and age that sexism and gender inequality would be a thing of the past. The exact opposite seems to be true, however - in fact, it often seems that our society has taken several steps back for every step forward.

I have experienced sexism and gender inequality in almost every facet of my life. Even in preschool, we were already aware of the expectations of our respective genders. The boys would group up and engage in sports and the girls would get together and play with dolls and giggle about their crushes. I found myself constantly drawn toward the boys' activities as a means to disassociate myself from my gender and all things 'girl'. Now I realize that I was simply frustrated with the predetermined options given to me by society and wished for more, wished for better.

Females in society are not given the equality we so deserve. We are underpaid, underappreciated and often disregarded in terms of professional advancement. It is for these reasons that I am constantly so frustrated and easily enraged by peoples' flippant comments regarding sexism and how 'feminists just need to chill'. It is even more frustrating when I see women perpetuating sexist ideals. Especially when they are so ignorant of its lasting effect on their quality of life and how they will be perceived.

Many of the phrases commonly used in conversation are often a blatant attack on women. When someone is advised to "man up" it is often used in the context of said person engaging in particularly "feminine" behavior. Why aren't people told to "woman up"? Why are men always held at a higher standard, even subconsciously?

I am not ashamed to label myself as a feminist and it is unfortunate that some women are afraid or unwilling to accept that title. You should want to have your voice heard. You should not fear confrontation and if something or someone makes you feel inferior, you do not have to accept it. Until things change and until we receive the same opportunities as men, I will continue to get angry at things others may deem as unimportant.

So yes, I am a feminist... and no, I will not apologize.


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

7 Experiences All Girls With Resting Bitch Face Have Had

The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

University of South Florida
2227
girl
Pexels

In case you're unaware, "resting bitch face" is the term used to describe when a person's natural, expressionless face makes it look like they are mad at the world. Whether they are walking down the street or simply spacing out thinking about what to eat for dinner, it's very easy for others to assume that this person is either upset or mad at them. Because of this, those of us with Resting Bitch Face (RBF), and especially us women, have all experienced many of the same situations and conversations, including:

Keep Reading...Show less
rbf
Entertainment

The Stages Of A Crush As Told By The Cast of "Bob's Burgers"

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

Dean College
1062
my heart just pooped its pants
Google

We've all had a crush before. Whether it leads to something or nothing, the process has all been the same. The awkward feelings, the stalking, and the stress of trying to keep this huge secret. The feeling of becoming a total spazz is something that cannot be avoided, and the most spazzy family that can relate to this feeling is the Belcher's.

Keep Reading...Show less
bobs burgers
Adulting

Adulting 101: In Sickness And In Self

Everybody hurts sometimes.

Georgia State University
863
you didnt come this far to only come this far lighted text
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

At the tender age of 18, we are bestowed with the title of “adult.” For 17 years, we live under the rules and guidelines of our parents, school, and government, and to stray from any of those rules or guidelines marks us as a rebel. At 18, though, we must choose which college we want to go to or what career we want. We are allowed and encouraged to vote. We can buy lottery tickets and cigarettes. We can drop out of school, leave our household, and do other "adult" things. At 18, we start down a path of thinking for ourselves, when for the entirety of our lives other institutions have been mandated to think and do for us.

Keep Reading...Show less
adulting
Student Life

25 Thoughts Everyone Has When Registering For Classes

May the odds be ever in your favor.

University of Nebraska Omaha
1502
university
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less
class registration
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

University of Kentucky
1936
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less
senior year

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments