Ahh, feminism, a surprisingly controversial word considering we’re in 2021 and the most open-minded we’ve been as a society. Yet there is still a large part of the population who believe feminists are “man- haters” or “male oppressors”. If you look at the simple definition of feminism you will come to find that feminism is “the belief in social, economic and political equality of the sexes”.
The History of Feminism
Feminism can be dated back as far as ancient Greece and ancient Rome when women staged a protest over the Oppian Law which prevented them from having access to gold and other goods.
Modernish Feminism
We can divide feminism into a series of three waves. The first wave of feminism began in 1848 and saw women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott fight for the right to vote and work. The second wave of feminism began in 1963 when the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment began. This Amendment sought legal equality for women and ban discrimination based on gender. The third wave of feminism is what we currently find ourselves in with powerful movements such as #metoo and #GBV being voiced and supported by many women globally. Although we have managed to win the feminism war on a political level, we have yet to overcome the social aspect of it all.
Things About Feminism That Many People Still – Surprisingly – Don’t Know
1. You do not have to be a woman to be a feminist.
Men can identify as feminists as well. The fight for equality is one that all genders can and should get involved in.
2. No, we do not hate men.
While to some it may seem that feminists are attacking men that simply isn’t the case. We are rather fighting the social stigma surrounding what is acceptable for a woman to do.
3. There’s no one size fits all feminist.
Not all female feminists are business owners or entrepreneurs. There are plenty of stay-at-home mothers and caretakers who still believe in equality for all and identify as feminists.
4. We are not offended by everything.
Although the feminist movement has been around for a while, we still have a lot of work to do on a social level. There are still people who believe that a woman’s place is in the kitchen and are not afraid to voice their biased opinions. In the same sense, I refuse to just keep quiet if I don’t agree with your pov.
5. We do shave our armpits.
Woman all over the world do many different things to express their feminism. However, we must remember that the way one person chooses to express themselves is entirely their own decision and should not be seen as norm for the masses.
There is nothing wrong with wanting equality for both men and woman. Change your view on the matter by educating yourself. Feminism shouldn’t be another F word.