I need to talk about feminism for a minute because I’m tired of other people defining this movement for me. Please keep in mind this is just my opinion, but I won’t object if you agree with every word I write.
What is feminism?
- Feminism, in a sense, is the celebration of femininity. Feminism exists to show the world it’s okay to be fem, and this can apply to all genders. When I say “it’s okay to be fem”, I mean exactly that! Living as a fem is not better or worse - it just is, people just are, and that should be okay. But for most people it is not okay. In fact, it’s awful and shameful to exist as a fem person! After realizing and accepting fem negativity exists, I began to see these thoughts and feelings affect the people I love (and not in a good way). I find the only way to combat these negative feelings is to show my radical support for feminist ideology, speak my mind, and attempt to help others seriously rethink how our society treats fem people.
Why do we need feminism?
- I support feminism because people still believe it is okay to view another human being as weak or less than. Being feminine, according to them, is not a trait worth celebrating or showing any admiration towards. Why is this ignorance widely shared and supported? Last time I checked, being feminine is one of the hardest ways to go through life! And yet people will try to convince you that being fem translates to being subhuman and not deserving of equal rights. Excuse me, but being weak will only be true if it means having the strength to wake up to a reality that includes rape, hate, assault, ridicule, oppression, being silenced, etc.
- Feminism is a movement that originally began with the notion that women are human too and they have the right to representation and equality. However, this movement continues to evolve, and now includes much more than that. The next phase is about learning about and diversifying our ranks. It’s about embracing the belief that ridicule, hatred and discrimination of all fem people, not just women, must end. Feminists should be having open dialogues with anyone who believes archaic misconceptions about femininity and feminism. It’s time we get out of our safe, academic circles and talk to anyone willing to listen. Feminism cannot continue to be effective if we do not confront oppression openly. Discussions about theory will not work if it is not employed, and reading articles about the politics of shaving, while enlightening, does little to change hearts and minds if you already agree shaving is optional. There needs to be a shared, common awareness (not just in feminist circles) that a horrible mistake has been made concerning fems: they were (and continue to be) wrongly labeled as subservient or worthless and should therefore be treated as such. This type of belief cannot continue to infect future generations. The only solution then is amplify fem positivity in our words and actions, confront sexist and anti-fem attitudes, and stand up for all fem identified people if the opportunity arises.
- I also support feminism because fems still need feminism. The day this is no longer true, and a fem person is not afraid or ashamed, is the day I will give up being a feminist. But looking at the current negative attitudes about femininity, even with the “progress” being made, I fear I’ll go to my grave a staunch feminist. It doesn’t mean I want to give up because I might not see a time when femininity is okay, it just means I need to work harder so less people suffer.
To wrap this up, I have one last thing to say: please do not forget male or masculine identified people in this movement. Patriarchy is ridiculous, but an anti-fem society negatively affects them too! Remember, feminism needs to be about the celebration of femininity in every person and in every gender, not just in females!