This past week marked January 21, 2017 as a monumental date for both men and women around the world. I say men and women, because the women’s marches that took place had, and continue to have, a huge impact on our society as a whole. We, as human beings, were all created as unique individuals who should not dwell on each other’s differences, nor be in competition with one another. I believe this is especially important for college students to know. As the semester goes on, students tend to go into survival-mode, only protecting themselves from harm’s way. We should all aim to see beyond our own beliefs, as young people of our world have the power to change the feminist dialogue to include both men and women.
As thousands of diverse individuals flocked to their city streets and marched this past Saturday, Denton, Texas conducted a women’s rally of their own. This rally, held at the square, was comprised of both women and men, a fact that I was initially surprised by. However, after the original shock wore off, I realized that this is should not be a big deal. This is not a big deal because when you go to a women’s march, you are not only standing up for women. When one supports the women’s rights movement, you stand up for your little sister, mother, and best friend. The feminist movement’s goal does not seek to be better than their male counterparts, but come to a mutual understanding. Men and women joining together in the movement is the first step of this.
No matter what gender you identify with, I urge you to stand up for one another. Men, stand up for women when they are belittled in the workplace. Women, fight male stereotypes whenever you are given the opportunity. The problem at hand is not with men and women, but with the stereotypes the media feeds us. We all have insecurities that stem from what it means to fit into our particular gender. These gender-associated insecurities occur every day, wherever we may be. Therefore, the true feminist movement does not necessarily happen at a rally. When you show graciousness in your everyday life, you contribute to a better world for us to all live in harmoniously. Even the smallest act of kindness can lead to a ripple effect within your community that leads to mutual respect and love.
Please, do not blame men for the problems women face. The path to finding mutual understanding is to encourage men to participate in the women’s’ movement. The next time the topic is presented, inspire others to have an open dialogue, because the women’s movement has the power to change the lives of all who participate in it.