We All Need Feminism
I’m baffled that this is something I even need to write about, but after seeing a ton of negative and feminist-hating comments on articles today, I have to say something.
I don’t know why there are so many people who are threatened by feminism.I cannot tell you how many times I have heard “well...I believe in equal rights, but don’t want to call myself a feminist because I think feminists are mean/rude/vulgar/ etc.” I’m even going to admit that I was one of these people. But then I realized: “hey, I believe in equal rights and I believe in women having a voice and I believe in the right to choose what I want to do with my body. I’m a fucking feminist.”
People say they don’t like feminism because they don’t like the man-bashing or feminazis. Guess what? You don’t have to agree with them AND you can still be a feminist. In every movement there are factions of people that don’t agree with each other. And that’s what makes movements like this great. Different opinions. Open conversations.
So to break it down (and avoid me going on a rant, because I can feel it happening), here’s why everyone needs feminism.
Because everyone deserves to be valued in the workplace, regardless of gender.
Because if women want to work dangerous jobs (i.e. on oil rigs or in a military combat position) they should be allowed to.
Because my little sister shouldn’t worry about being called “bossy” when she wants to take the lead.
Because my little brother should feel okay about, even happy about, sharing his feelings and letting out his emotions.
Because being a woman shouldn’t be a preexisting condition.
Because more men die due to work stress than women and that needs to be addressed.
Because “Oh, is it that time of the month?” is a stupid question and even stupider comeback.
Because there shouldn’t be a “luxury tax” on my tampons, pads, menstrual cups etc.
Because companies shouldn’t be allowed to pick and choose if they want to cover the health care costs of pregnancy and childbirth for their female employees.
Because affordable and easy birth control access saves everyone money, prevents STDs, and helps prevent the cycle of poverty from repeating endlessly.
Because women shouldn’t be the only ones taking responsibility for safe sex. Carry a condom, guys.
Because girls can do STEM classes just as well as the boys.
Because sometimes, the husband is the better homemaker.
Because women are fucking tired of being catcalled.
Because my bare shoulders shouldn’t “distract” you in class.
Because her clothes don’t say that she is “asking for it.”
Because apparently vulgarity is okay when it comes from men, but not from women.
Because liking 50 Shades of Grey doesn’t devalue my convictions as a feminist.
Because we are STILL talking about bathroom laws. We’ve been going into bathrooms with transgender people for years and never noticed or cared. Why is this an issue to legislate?
Because stay at home moms (and dads) and moms (and dads) who choose to pursue a career deserve to be treated with the same amount of respect.
Because stop legislating what I can and cannot do with my body!
Because having ambition as a woman isn’t a sin.
Because I’m sick of mansplaining and I hate that it has gotten bad enough to have a real word associated with it.
Because feminists aren’t all lesbians.
Because makeup isn’t a tool to get laid and it isn’t “false advertising.”
Because liking fashion and makeup doesn't make you less of a feminist. Just like not liking them doesn’t make you less of a woman.
Because saying that all feminists are ugly is outdated and frankly, patently false.
Because some feminists shave their legs and armpits. Stop saying we are hairy. It’s weird.
Because I don’t have to have kids to feel fulfilled.
Because women are scared to walk into weight rooms in gyms for fear of being ridiculed.
Because there are countries where women are oppressed beyond American women’s imaginations.
Because women (and men) have to worry about walking to their car alone at night.
Because victim blaming has to stop.
Because choosing to get a divorce doesn't make you less valuable as a woman, man, mother, or father.
Because people still don’t report rape.
Because there are people trapped in domestic violence situations.
Because Planned Parenthood provides more than abortions.
Because women are afraid to negotiate for raises and promotions.
Because women executives are viewed as narcissist workaholics.
Because my mother feels like she needs to do it all and have it all together all the time even though she is human and it’s okay to take a break.
Because no means no.
Because consent comes from both sides.
Because just because you buy a girl or guy a drink does not mean they are obligated to sleep with you.
Because online dating chats end in “Fuck you bitch. I wouldn’t have sex with you anyway” way too often.
Because International Women’s Day has to exist.
Because the fascination with “Why isn’t there a National Men’s Day?” question is exhausting.
Because there are women who feel threatened by feminism and we need to learn why.
Because there are men who are threatened by feminism and we need to learn why.
Because gendered products exist.
Because boys can play with Barbies and girls can play with trucks.
Because you are a strong and confident woman and you should be damn proud.
Because women’s rights are human rights.
I am so sick and tired of that fact that we have to explain over and over and over why feminism is important. Even if you think it is stupid, it helps you too. Fighting for what you believe in is important.
Everyone needs feminism.
Now can we please get on with our lives? There is so much work to be done.