Malala Knows Best: A Quick Reintroduction to Feminism

Did you feel the earth shake recently? Did you happen to feel a shift of tectonic plates, or perhaps a complete reversal of the electromagnetic field? Well, you should have, because a few days ago our world witnessed one of the most groundbreaking acts of girl power in recent history.

On Thursday, November 5th, Emma Watson and Malala Yousafzai — arguably the two princesses of the modern movement toward women’s equality — got together for a lil’ bit of girl talk. In other words, they had a little chat about the future of worldwide equality and the necessity for people of all genders to take up arms in the fight. That’s right: straight-up girl talk.

The subject of their discussion in general was altogether nothing new. Of course we should all fight for women’s rights. Shouldn’t this be a no-brainer by now? But what has really taken the world by storm is the new way that Malala is now identifying herself: the 18-year-old advocate for girls’ education who has overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to change the world — namely, being shot point blank by members of the Taliban in 2012 — is officially a feminist.

That’s right. Capital F-E-M-I-N-I-S-T. Even Emma Watson was shocked to hear her use the term. Like I said, this is a big deal. Malala has been one of the most influential voices in the fight for women’s rights, and now she is officially on our side. You hear that, Meninists? Do you have a Nobel Laureate on your team?

Malala’s recent, let’s call it, ‘coming out,’ does pose a prime opportunity to try and re-familiarize — and in other cases simply familiarize – ourselves with what it really means to be a ‘feminist.’ So, let’s try and tackle this tricky little term.

First and foremost, I want to make one thing brutally clear: I do not hate men. Malala does not hate men. Emma Watson does not hate men. The feminist movement in general is not one that harbors a generalized, seething desire to exterminate the male species. And if you think I’m lying to you, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the concept of ‘misandry,’ because that’s probably what you’re confusing feminism with. Listen to those trustworthy folk at Merriam-Webster:

Feminism (noun) – the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.

See? We come in peace. Feminism does not imply man-hating. For goodness sake, Malala said that she wouldn’t even want revenge on the man who shot her in the face! Of course, it’s not hard to see why men might get defensive and some women might get confused with the term. Just ask “good girl” Shailene Woodley, who, when asked if she identified as a feminist, answered, “No, because I love men.”

The popular interpretation of the feminist movement is that feminists are bra-burners turned angry and bitter toward the male population because of imposed inequality. I believe the popular term is ‘Feminazi.’ And, sure, women like this do exist; they’re extremists on a mission, just as every other sect of belief gives rise to radicals. Militant extremists love attention, and outsiders love to generalize.

But really, the movement, as a whole, holds non-discrimination as a core practice. Equality of the sexes is an attainable goal that needs support from those of all genders, races, sexual orientations, ethnicities, ages, socioeconomic classes, countries, religions, and so on. In other words, anyone can be a feminist as long as they’re working toward equality.

“But if feminists want equality,” you may ask, “why are they only focused on issues affecting women?” Good question, inquisitive reader. Let me put it this way:

Imagine you’re a fire chief, okay? And you’re sent to go handle a situation in a neighborhood full of 100 houses. 50 of those houses are burning down, and the other 50 are perfectly fine. Now, why would you send out your firefighters to attend to every house when only some are burning down? You wouldn’t. You would need to put out the fire first. Help those that need help most, and the situation as a whole will improve.

That is feminism, granted in very crude terms. Feminists want equality, and they acknowledge that, as a disadvantaged population, there are far more problems that women exclusively face than there are problems that men are forced to deal with. Think about it: nobody is out there trying to tell men what they can and cannot do with their bodies. And we aren’t paying them less just because they’re men. There’s a fire in our world that needs to be put out. Help those that need help most, and the situation as a whole will improve.

PHEW! I know. This seems like a lot to take in. But I promise it’s not that complicated. There are just some serious misconceptions about feminism that need clearing up. Malala herself even admitted, “It has been a tricky word. When I heard it the first time, I heard some negative responses. I hesitated in saying am I a feminist or not?”

Yes, Malala, you are. You don’t discriminate between who deserves equality and who does not. Congratulations!

With current controversies like Meryl Streep’s refusal to identify as a feminist (instead identifying as a “humanist”) or the belief that feminism is really “White Feminism” that often denies the experiences of women from other cultural backgrounds, it’s not hard to get a little mixed up and dizzy when thinking the dreaded “F-Word.” Indeed, feminists can seem like a tricky bunch. So, to identify or not to identify? That is oftentimes the biggest question.

And, thank goodness, Hermione Granger seems to have an answer (as always): “Let’s not make it scary to say you’re a feminist. I want to make it a welcoming and inclusive movement. Let’s join our hands and move together so we can make real change. Malala and I are pretty serious about it but we need you.”

Well? You in?

Picture credit

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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