Feminism is defined by Merriam-Webster as “the theory of political, economic, and social equality of the sexes”
and even more simply defined as “the belief that women and men should have
equal rights.” In its context, the word feminism did not truly exist until
1890, coined by socialist Charles Fourier and since then the fight of women to gain equal
rights has been very present and is still a battle being fought today. The
world in which the word emerged was one very much so dominated by men and a
world in which to stand up as a feminist demanding equality truly shattered
ages of women being seen as submissive, domesticated property but times have
changed and where the definition of the word is unchanged and applicable, societies and some womens definition of it has not altered with the world. We are now in an age where the discussion of not only changing the roles
of women but rather breaking down gender roles in general is a very active conversation,
especially with the ground paved in regards to sexuality and gender expression. There are still many women who identify as feminist
that are almost over-correcting in an effort to remain steadfast in the autonomy
of women and to fight objectification. This has resulted in the isolation of many women
and sometimes the attack of women who are utilizing the freedom
gained through women becoming more outspoken and heard as individuals. Feminism emerging in a still misogynistic world has
prevented the breakdown of the box women are put in and instead created yet
another box, one that defines the expectations and standards of a feminist woman that has rejected pre-existing standards. As we see in the
definition however, feminism is about equality and freedom, for both sexes.
Emma Watson did a photo shoot for vanity fair and in response, many women attacked her, question her as a feminist and it is just one
example of how a movement started to help women break free of the societal
restraints, has ultimately created new restraints and divided women.
As Emma Watson says in the video posted, “ feminism is not a stick with which
to beat other women” but it is used that way, and this is something I have
experienced myself. Being a relatively outspoken, educated, gay woman who
worked in an abortion clinic, too many people have assumed that I am the stereotypical
definition of a feminist and this is not at all true. Working in the clinic the
veil was actually lifted and I began to see more and more how men are also bound by societal restraints and expectations but to defend men’s rights with
my some of my friends who identify as feminists has gotten me beaten with the feminist
stick so to speak. Feminism gave women a voice but also created women who rightfully so, see the injustice of how women are treated still to this day, and attempt to stifle the voices and opinions of women who deviate from their views.
Feminism
was the best word when this movement began because women were the oppressed sex and they needed to finally stand up to be seen and heard but feminism, with
the root being being as it is, definition aside, masks what the true fight is,
which is breaking down gender norms completely. Anyone can be a feminist but
not everyone knows that, it is time for a new word, or a re-acceptance of the definition of the word. A word that welcomes everyone to be a part of evolving into the new standards of
society that are slowly emerging on their own. We too often forget that
language itself is a social construct created by humans and that there is not a
word for everything yet, that there is wiggle room within our language that can
lead to misinterpretation or reframing.
Safe spaces for women, and people in general, to own their
bodies and express themselves in the way they see fit are everywhere and they
are important in pioneering a more egalitarian and individualistic world. The cry for a change is there right in front of us, models of all shapes and sizes are becoming more present and much like in the video above, the portrayal of women, embracing being female and reshaping the way that is seen can be found in many advertisements and media sources but they still are not the ones you will generally see watching cable. I play
roller derby and the experience in that world is one of a woman’s strength and
confidence in a space of of femininity reflected in
prowess. It is a space where a woman can display attributes that are still to
this day not encouraged in women but also choose to wear red lipstick and fishnets
if she chooses. In order to negate the sexualization of women, women have to
own their bodies and show the world they are not an object. The drag scene is a space for both men and women who
do not fit into the boxes of our society, to explore
gender and it’s fluidity, allowing individuals to define and create themselves
as opposed to letting the world do so. Both of these worlds, as with many of these spaces that are so important are still underground, unknown or not approached by individuals who reject or do not feel welcome.
The root of feminism is equality and ownership of ones self and definition but the unfortunate caveat is that it is equality for the sexes still reinforcing some sort of competition between the two. Feminism is still driven by misogynistic standards, and until we fight for equality of all individuals, women will still be restrained by the standards we have fought for so long.
So my questions for you are:
What is feminism to you and how has
what you have learned from or been taught by our society influence that?
How does feminism positively and negatively
affect the women and gender norms?
Why do you feel some feminists choose to questions another woman's expression of self?
What changes do you feel need to be
made to end the idea of competition between sexes?
