If you asked me a few weeks ago whether or not I was a feminist, I would have said no. After sitting down with a friend and discussing what our opinions are, I discovered something that completely changed my view. Now, I am a feminist.
“people think of feminists as the stereotypical ‘bra-burners,’ but that is a myth and it has never actually happened. Feminism from a theological standpoint is more about breaking down the barriers of having one gender in power and allowing there to be more of a balance of power.”
I know what you’re thinking; how could you change your mind like that? Well, sometimes, people don’t have a grasp of the reality of things until they see another perspective.
I went into the conversation with my friend thinking about the stereotypes of feminism, and how feminists are labeled. One of these stereotypes is the woman who is “overly passionate” about woman’s rights and ultimately, hates anyone with a penis. People see this stereotyped woman as the face of feminism and she is not.
When you break down feminism, it is not the negative connotation that is expected by society. Not every feminist is a woman. Not every feminist is overbearing. And most feminists are not insensitive to men.
“People have a negative view of feminism because society portrays the feminist movement as a bunch of man-hating women, when in fact, anyone who is against women being harassed on the street is a feminist. Anyone who disagrees with women getting paid less than men for the same job is a feminist. Feminism isn’t some radical movement; it’s the desire to establish equal rights and respect for all genders. Contrary to popular belief, some of the biggest names behind the feminist movement are men like Jackson Katz, for example,” said FSC’s Women’s Advocacy Club President Lauren Griffin.
Feminism means standing up for women and their rights. This statement is what sold me: I am a feminist. I stand up for myself and for other women no matter what the situation is.
Women’s Studies Professor Dr. Bradford said, “people think of feminists as the stereotypical ‘bra-burners,’ but that is a myth and it has never actually happened. Feminism from a theological standpoint is more about breaking down the barriers of having one gender in power and allowing there to be more of a balance of power.”
If you look at feminism from a different perspective, it’s not what social media and other misinformed people crack it up to be. Feminists are people – women and men, that are creating a better future for the female figure in our society. If we all band together as a society of people fighting for the positive image of women, we will be building a better place for our future generations and ourselves.
So yes, I am now considering myself a feminist. Despite what other people may believe, it’s important, for anyone, not just women, to stand up for their rights.