My favorite word is the f-word. No, not that f-word. I’m talking about the word “feminism.”
Despite being rooted in centuries of theory, discourse and research, feminism may seem like a new concept to many people. In modern society, feminism has become a significant identifier. Those who identify as feminists face criticism from people who do not understand what the word means and from individuals who claim equality for all has already been achieved.
Feminism has become synonymous with man-hating, being a lesbian, having no fun, thinking women are better than men, bra-burning, non-stop protesting, not shaving, being overly-aggressive and hating sex. These stereotypes greatly misrepresent feminism and lead to its status as a taboo topic.
If you want to know the truth, here it is:
Feminism is the invisible feeling without a name that stirs inside so many men and women. Feminism is the voice in the back of your head saying “things shouldn’t have to be this way.” Feminism is wanting all populations to enjoy equal rights and opportunities, regardless of gender, race, class, privilege, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Feminism is the commitment to a better world for many groups of people. Feminism is the reason that women can vote, that men can take paternal leave, that women can hold political office and that rape within marriage is punishable by law.
While some feminists may hate men, not all do. Those who do are likely just tired of comments like “she was asking to be raped”, “go make me a sandwich” and “a woman’s place is in the kitchen.” In reality, feminists need men – we need allies and supporters, especially in a male-dominated society like ours.
Feminism is not about women being better than men. It is about leveling the playing field between the two sexes and making opportunities available to people regardless of which category they are in.
As a feminist, I feel grateful to have been able to participate in the Women’s March of 2017. Marching through our nation’s capital alongside people from all over the world empowered me and showed me that I am not alone in my fight for a better world. People of all ages, nations, genders, abilities and races stood beside me with the promise of a better world deep in their hearts.
While I was able to march, I mourned for those who couldn’t. I mourned for the wives killed by abusive husbands, for the children caught in human trafficking, for the men killed overseas, for victims of hate crimes and school shootings and car accidents caused by drunk driving. I mourned for those who came before me and passed away before the world began to be a friendlier place for women. I mourned for the women forced to have their rapist’s baby because abortion was not legal at the time they were assaulted.
Despite the misconceptions of and attitudes towards feminism, I will remain firm in my beliefs that a better world is out there – a world that each person can help build, piece by piece. This ideal world wouldn’t have as much violence, inequality or discrimination as today’s world does. There wouldn’t have to be a Sexual Assault Awareness Month or a #MeToo movement. The justice system would protect victims, not their abusers. Contaminated water would not be the norm for families in Flint, Michigan. Increased access to healthcare would be available for lower-income populations. Mass shootings would not be as frequent and it would not be easier to get a gun than to get birth control.
Feminism is not a dirty word. Feminism is a word with potential – the potential to change the realities of so many people, the potential to make our world a safer, healthier, more prosperous and fair place. Feminism is behind some of society’s greatest advances and is the driving force in some of today’s most powerful movements. Feminism is not hateful. It does not judge or seek to oppress. It is not about violence or creating chaos. Feminism is a belief in what can be and a desire to bring those ideas to life.
Before you write off feminism entirely, before your eyes roll and your ears burn and you find yourself getting defensive, I urge you to ask yourself this: “How has feminism helped me?”
All photos courtesy of Sarah Pawlowski