Feminism is one of those things that I tend not to think about. I live it, I have just never had to chose it consciously. I was raised in a matriarchal family of strong, smart women. We actually need to pay special attention to our boys. Like the Polish Kardashians, but without all the plastic surgery and money.
It's not something anyone in our family has to think about. That is, until I see an injustice or see someone who needs some information. The "someone" is a lot of people, actually.
It seems there are people, even young and smart women, who feel like feminism is synonymous with hating men.
First thing you should know: It is NOT.
Feminism doesn't mean anything negative about men at all. I'm a feminist and I chose to be married to a man. I chose to take my husband's last name, to stay home with my children, putting my career aside to be the homemaker, diaper changer, CEO of Toilet Cleaning. That was a choice we made together, my husband and I.
Most of the time when someone talks about feminism, or being a feminist, really all that means is they believe, as do I, that women and men should have the same rights and opportunities.
This is from MiriamWebster.com
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| from miriamwebster.com |
"Feminism
noun
: the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities."
: organized activity in support of women's rights and interests
That's really all it is.
Equal rights. Equal opportunities. Period.
Women should have rights.
Yes, we're also fighting for equal pay for EQUAL work, and it's hard to even figure out what that means sometimes. We know men and women are different, so you don't have to come at us with tired old examples like,
"Oh, so men should be surrogate mothers and wet nurses?"
*eye roll*
No one is suggesting a woman run for Chief Output Officer at the Sperm Factory. We're just saying that in general if a woman has the same education and experience as a man, they should be on the same pay scale. That's it.
They should be able to apply for, and hold, the same positions.
Yes, there are a lot of factors that tip the scales, different college majors, maternity leave, etc. WE KNOW. Most feminists just really want a more equal opportunity.
Part of the solution would be for women to ask for, and demand when necessary (it's almost always necessary) to be paid what we are worth.
I've had to fight, I've had to demand. I've left jobs that told me "You're already at the top of the pay scale." Then when I found another job and gave my notice, hey all of a sudden it turns out they CAN actually give me a raise if I'm actually going to leave. Well, whattayaknow? I never studied finance, but is that a supply and demand thing? Not sure.
I don't want to bring up crazy quotes from celebrities who really just don't understand what words mean. It might not be the best idea to look to television actors or actresses as an example to live our lives. I'm actually trying to help us here. A little information goes a long way.
Whatever you do or think, don't hate the idea of feminism.
Especially if you're a woman. Why root against yourself?
You don't think you should have rights? Please explain.
Feminism is about choices. If you chose to get married or not, or have children or not, or change your last name or not, or have a career or NOT, it should be YOUR CHOICE. Period.
That's it.
Just let us have the same choices.
We're fighting for what men just automatically get. You don't have to choose that, but why shouldn't it be available? Even if you don't believe in equality in general, maybe just don't stand in the way?
My point is this:
If you don't think men and women should have equal opportunities and rights, that's your business. Here are 4 things you need to do RIGHT AWAY though:
1. Close your computer. (After you read the rest of this.)
2. Cancel your internet provider.
3. Sell or donate all of your electronics. Especially the ones that help you communicate with people.
4. Churn butter for the rest of your life.
It's obviously the 1800's in your head, and hey awesome, it's your America too. But please do make yourself useful. Butter is delicious.
Yes this is a celebrity, but it makes sense.
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| from feminspire.com |
