The year 2015 is coming to a close and people still aren’t properly informed on all things feminism. Feminism is an important historic and present movement traditionally among women and should be explained more thoroughly in primary and high school. Teachers will briefly go over women’s suffrage in a history lesson, but do not give children and teens a real definition on what it means to be a feminist. Instead, we grow up having no choice but to let the media teach us about feminism. The F-Word carries negative stigmas and stereotypes. Here are a few negative stereotypes to clear up.
“Feminists Do Not Shave Their Legs”
During the 1970’s, the second wave of feminism came about and brought on the idea of women not shaving their legs and other body parts. Although it is true that some feminists don’t shave their legs in order to defy societal norms, it does not mean you have to shave your legs to be a feminist. Think about this: many Rastafarians have dreadlocks, but it is not a requirement of being a part of the religion; dreadlocks are just a symbol to their religion. If you want to take a stand against societal norms, refrain from shaving. This should be a decision you truly want to make. Don’t allow anyone to make the decision for you.
“Feminist are Man-Haters”
“Ladies, get out your pitch forks! Here comes a man!” This man hater stereotype is the oldest in the books. Just because a woman feels she should be treated equal to her male counterpart does not mean she hates men. Many feminists are married to men they love, with children. Not to mention, saying that a woman hates men in general would mean she hates her brother, father and any other man in the world.
“Feminists are Unattractive”
These woman are said to have ran to the ideologies of feminism because they are deemed as “ugly”, according to what society deems as beautiful. Feminists come in all shapes, sizes, colors and genders, all sharing one common goal. Triple- threat sensation, Beyonce Knowles, Feminist Pioneer, Gloria Steinem, and Actress, Lena Dunham are all a part of the movement, having completely different physicalities and are all beautiful in their own right. There are no physical guidelines to joining The F-Word club.
“Only Women are Feminist”
The third wave of feminism began to broaden the movement, focusing on racism and ending discrimination among the LGBTQ community. Feminism is now more complex in it’s efforts, believing everyone is equal no matter their race, gender or sexuality. Because of this, people from all walks of life are calling themselves feminists and support the movement, being that feminism covers many societal issues. Men need apply!
“Women are feminists because of Heartbreak”
“Women who get their heart broken by men swear off men forever and become a radical feminist.” It’s interesting to believe that a bunch of jaded women are choosing to fight for their rights and the rights of others. Does this mean that women who have “happy endings” are more likely to not care about their equality? Why does this have to be the reason a woman decides to join the fight?What if she read Betty Friedan’s 1963 book, The Feminine Mystique and suddenly saw a flaw in the Patriarchal society she lived in? Maybe she is tired of being paid less than a man who has the same job.
“Women are Equal Now!”
From the First Feminist convention in Seneca Falls in 1848 up until now, women have come along way and get more rights in society than they started with. However, women are not treated equal to men in 2015. Men still get paid more, there are more men than women in power positions and there are current laws that regulate women’s bodies.
All of these stereotypes should be ignored as we focus on the bigger picture, “Equality for all.”