A Letter to the Feminist Boys

To the boys who woke up:

I don’t necessarily want to praise you for having the sort of mindset that all men should have. Feminism is defined by Oxford Dictionaries as “The advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes.” I firmly believe that all men should value women as their equals. The fact of the matter is that, in our society, women are treated as less than people. Even the slang “b****” stems from the definition of a female dog, comparing women to dogs, to beasts. Instead, I wish to acknowledge your “wokeness” in realizing the systematic oppression women/girls face on the daily. I want to thank you for your actions in being active allies and encourage you to continue to do so.

Thank you for…

… agreeing when I say “boys suck” and being secure enough to know that I don’t mean you when I say that.

… acknowledging my makeup when it looks good and still calling me beautiful when I’m not wearing any.

… encouraging me to get as educated as possible, in all ways.

… never calling me “fat” or “heavy” because you understand the weight those words have.

… never complaining about how hairy my legs are.

… encouraging me to wear whatever I want.

… not getting grossed out when I talk about my period, nor changing the subject.

… not asking me how many people I’ve slept with.

… not asking me my bra size.

… letting me rant about the patriarchy and yelling along with me.

… protesting with me and for me.

… getting angry at sexism.

… flipping tables over jerks who call girls “sluts” and “whores.”

… not using sexist phrasing like “you throw like a girl” or “you’re a pussy.”

… responding “yes, obviously” when I say “I’m a strong, independent woman.”

… treating me as an equal to my brothers.

… treating me as a princess, not because you doubted my capabilities but because you see all my potential and want me to be able to reach it.

… hearing me when I speak.

… not interrupting me.

… making me sandwiches and not blinking an eye about it.

… never telling me I belong in the kitchen.

… being open to the conversation about whether or not I want to take my husband’s name if I choose to get married.

… always asking for consent, always.

… never pushing me past my personal boundaries for your own gain.

… countless other things.

Keep resisting,

Your fellow feminist

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