The blurred line between the definition of women’s rights advocacy, and traditional feminism, has given birth to a new movement: modern feminism.
Anyone who even slightly identifies with feminist views is being branded and quarantined. So now there seems to be quite a party happening in the quarantine zone and it’s open to ALMOST everyone. This forces us to ask the question: if everyone is a feminist, is there any need for the movement?
Millennials have created a sort of “third party” feminist culture. Their morals and values align with what they think feminism is and so they are quick to adopt the title and label themselves.
For trailblazers of the movement, this recently gained popularity is one protest away from a dream come true, one pop artistes testimony away from victory, one male politician’s declaration of support away from world domination. However, we live in a world driven by sensationalism, no issue stays current for a prolonged period of time.
Not too long ago, American pop star Beyoncé Knowles performed at a highly televised music awards show, her backdrop read “FEMINIST” in bold blazing letters. Like a prophecy to the world, the word was kept in the background throughout her performance. This is just one example of the many cliche modern day feminist declarations. What good did that do for the cause? Maybe a few young women have decided to now jump on the feminist bandwagon because their idol Beyoncé is now a feminist. But what of actual social action?
It’s great if you can relate to the views but early feminists were admired for their resilient actions. Their fearless, unapologetic demonstrations of how strongly they felt about women’s rights across social, economic and political platforms, regardless of race, age or gender association.
Many are ready and willing to warm up to the idea of modern feminism because it’s more understandable and less abrasive than traditional feminism which often carries negative connotations. Theres less risk of being put in the subgroups of women’s rights rejects – the radicals, the closed-minded, the dreamers, the militant, the man-haters, the sexists, the prudes. Modern day feminist are open and comfortable with their sexuality. They’re okay with using the b-word, as long as it isn’t cloaked by malicious intentions to belittle women.
Social media has also become the home of modern day feminist. Websites such as Twitter and Facebook which provide an outlet for people to air their views almost constantly have become hubs for social activism.
In recent months, following the shooting at USC, where the shooter blamed women who turned him down and his lack of sexual experience for his actions, we see trends such as #YesAllWomen taking over timelines everywhere. The hashtag was designed to share views on negative experiences women across the world have had because they felt like they did not have the right to say “no”. #YesAllWomen unveiled the closet feminists, who were quick to turn on anybody who did not take the hashtag seriously. These people of course were labeled sexist, anti-feminist, women haters and mysoginists.
On college campuses the feminists aren’t always easy to spot. They mirror popular culture activists in their freedom of expression through their sexuality. Many hardcore feminists will tell you that this isn’t a trait adopted from pioneers of the movement. These women often associate themselves with organizations that share these ideals. Organizations that speak openly about issues affecting women’s rights in our society and often host events where people with similar views can come together and have organized discussions and even protests.
One of the most popular demonstrations of this at USF is the annual event “Walk a Mile in her Shoes”. The protest is held every year and is often hosted by USF student organizations whose members vary in age, gender and race. Men walk around campus wearing heels to symbolize that they sympathize with the difficulties women face on a daily basis. Walk a Mile in her Shoes has become quite popular on USF campus over the years and the hosts, USF N.I.T.E, manage to attract a notable crowd each time.
I come from the school that believes any publicity is good publicity, and certainly, for social rights movements, any attention is good attention. So I propose these thoughts to you, our readers, not to bash anyone’s beliefs or belittle wide ranging feminist notions. But instead to provoke meaningful thoughts and conversations. Discussions that may be difficult and irritating to some, but absolutely necessary.