Feminism. You may have heard it in your Gender Studies class, saw it behind Beyoncé at the VMAs or heard Emma Watson use it in her speech to the UN but do you know what it actually means?
This word tends to have a negative connotation due to the way feminists have previously been portrayed. The classic stereotypes of feminists include that they are overbearing, ugly women who don’t shave their legs, women who either can’t get a man or are lesbians, and that they are all the same, from one feminist to the next. Well, it’s time to move away from the classic stereotype of a feminist to a new and improved era of feminism.
The core problem is that most people do not understand what it truly means to be a “feminist.” Feminism is advocating for both women’s and men’s rights. Feminists don’t hate men, and in fact want equality for them as well. The common misconception of feminism is that it is women solely advocating for other women, and women opposing the rights of men. In a recent interview, Taylor Swift explains, “I didn’t understand that saying you’re a feminist is just saying that you hope women and men will have equal rights and equal opportunities.” More and more celebrities including, Beyoncé, John Legend, Ashton Kutcher, and Anne Hathaway have stepped forward and promoted their feministic values.
Recently, Emma Watson gave a speech at the U.N. headquarters in New York to kick off the “HeForShe” campaign. Watson describes, “[I] think it is right that as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country. I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men.” It is not wrong for women to want equal rights and rather than working against men, it is crucial to work with them so that both sexes can achieve the same fairness and justice.
As John Legend said, “We are better off when women are empowered – it leads to a better society.” So the next time someone is bad-mouthing feminists, give them the 411 on what the real definition of feminism is. Guys and girls shouldn’t be afraid to admit they’re feminists. After all, who doesn’t want equality for both genders in the world? It can be hard to go against the grain in college, but stand up for what you believe in and release your inner feminist!