Feminism 101

Hello, everyone. Last week, I wrote my Women's Studies Midterm paper, and it got me thinking about feminism and how the definition and purpose is misunderstood by a large group of people. So today, friends, we talk Feminism.

What is Feminism?

The definition of feminism is the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. So basically, equal rights of the genders in all aspects of life. But it's not only gender-focused. Feminism also involves the advocacy for equality of all races, genders, and sexual identities in every aspect of life. 

When people think of feminism, the first thing that comes to mind is usually angry women who hate men. But let me be the one to tell you that this is completely, 100% false.

Here are some other misconceptions about feminism you may have heard or that you believe yourself.

1. "Feminism is only for women. Men cannot be feminists."

This one is very, very wrong. Notice that the definition of feminism is advocacy for equality among ALL genders. If you are a man, and you believe men and women should have equal rights, you are a feminist. If you are a woman and you believe men and women should have equal rights, you are a feminist. It's not a bad word. It's an empowering one. Let's treat it like it is.

2. "All feminists hate men."

Again, wrong. Feminism does not imply the hatred of men, or women, or of any gender. It's the equality. Fighting for equality between the sexes does not mean you hate the other sex. It just means you would like to be treated the same as the other sex in all aspects of life, and that you don't want to be put down just because of your gender. Feminist does not equal men hater. Get that lie out of your brain.

3. "Feminists believe women are better than men."

And again I say, feminism is about EQUALITY between the sexes. You can't be fighting for equality and believe women are better than men, or vice versa. We are all equal. Feminism is about fixing the imbalance of power between the sexes without believing that women are better than men or the other way around. This is a very common misconception, and I'm here to tell you it isn't true.

Am I A Feminist?

I am incredibly proud to call myself a feminist. It's a cause I want to spend my whole life fighting for, and is one of the reasons I write things like this. 

Now, are you a feminist?

There's one simple question that can be asked to figure it out.

Do you believe in the equality of all genders?

If the answer is yes, congratulations. You, my friend, are a feminist.

How to Be a Feminist

Being a feminist is about more than just believing in the equality of the genders. There are several other aspects that are vital to the purpose of feminism.

Speak Up

Talk about it. Have those uncomfortable conversations. Make sure you're standing up for what is right and you're willing to call people out (in a non accusatory way) on their rude or unnecessary comments. Acknowledge it and correct it, but do so kindly.

Reading=Knowledge

Read all about it! I got to know what feminism was through reading articles and books, and it truly helped me understand what this movement is all about. Don't be afraid to get up, go to your local library, and just do some research. Books, the internet, magazine articles, anything. Real anything you can. It helped me out so much, so I know it'll help you too.

Get Involved

If you're a college kid like me, I can bet you almost anything that there's a feminist or equal organization on your campus. If there isn't, learn about what you can do to start one. All it takes is one person to spark a change. You could be that spark.

That's all for today!

Love, Hannah