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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.

What Feminism Meants to Me

 

Some people assume that when a woman claims to be a feminist she is a heartless, men-hating woman. That feminists are all about degrading men and only support women. Misogynists, especially, love depicting feminists as women who are alone and refuse marriage and go around insulting men. Those who are misandry are men hating women who are not feminists. In reality, feminists are the opposite. They support broad set of theories and social/political movements, they are not just about “equality”, and they have a political and personal project to end sexism.

 

   

To be a feminist means to be a believer in empowerment. Feminism is supporting and advocating women’s rights on political, social, and economic equality. They want representation on political grounds. For example, more female representation in government. Women should not be degraded for deciding to not stay at home and pursuing a career. The fact that some still feel conservative values of keeping wives at home keeps us back in time and prevents us from progressing forward. Even though laws claim equal pay for women and men, that is not true. In the 21st century women are still being paid less than men. All feminists want is equality. Feminists want to bridge the gap between men and women not further push them apart. guides, and retain a majority of economic and social privileges. There were three waves of feminism. The first wave was defining issue: right to vote, inheritance and property rights, the right to ride bikes. The second wave was defining issues: workplace inequality, sexual violence, reproductive rights, some lgbtqa issues. While the third and most current issue are defining the needs of women of color, economically disadvantaged communities, queer/trans women, representation, sex positivity and education.  

As important as feminists are their supporters should not be shamed either. Men supporting feminists does not make them any less of a man. In fact, it makes them brave. In a society that has shamed feminism in the past, those courageous enough to support feminists.

 

Image from: https://www.bustle.com/articles/133345-5-reasons-the-word-feminism-is-em…

 

 

Hi! I've lived in Texas all my life. Im an international relations major and pre-law student. I love running, swimming, cycling, working out, and just being outdoors