I think I'll let that one sink in for a second.
I am a feminist but I shave my armpits, I do in fact wear a bra on a regular basis and I like to kiss boys.
But I am a feminist.
With the recent chaos in the media about school shootings and gun regulations, may we not forget the recent tragedy at UCSB. Where a hate crime took place against women. Where 3 young women and 3 young men were killed, including the shooter, making a total of 7 bodies. As well as 13 wounded.
The motivation behind this attack, "annihilation of women". The disturbed killer was a 22 year old virgin out to seek revenge against the female population for "choosing other men to have sex with" instead of him, someone he described as an "alpha male". He believed that women at his school were intentionally denying "his right to sex".
Now I have my opinions on gun control but lets talk for a minute about the sexism and misogyny that were obvious proponents in this massacre.
This young man truly believed that the women he was interested in, owed him sex. And because they denied him that "right", they deserved to be slaughter. This is a prime example of objectification. The women who were targeted were no longer considered human beings to him, and instead merely sexual object denying him pleasure.
Immediately after this tragedy, the hashtag #yesallwomen began. A way of empowerment for women who have experienced, rape, sexual harassment, sexism etc. It was an attempt to create a conversation about the war on women that many people in this world are convinced does not exist nor deserves action.
Sexism and misogyny is a learned behavior, a social norm that has been embedded into our society since the beginning. It wasn't until 40 years ago with the first introduction of the feminist movement started. With this came the backlash on feminists who were simply fighting for equality and attempting to eradicate gender stereotypes.
The word feminism instantly adopted this inaccurate definition of crazy, lesbians out to ruin the male sex and burn some bras along the way. This is a shame, when in reality the definition of feminism goes something like this,
"noun: The theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes."
Scary huh?
Feminism is equality of the sexes.
I became interested in feminism and equality the summer after my freshman year of college. I had just transferred to the U and was taking some summer classes. I signed up for my first Gender Studies class and would forever be inspired and interested in the topic. The class was called "Gender and Contemporary Issues." This class was my first glimpse at the injustice that takes place all over the world and that having a vagina is a weakness. Mind you, these majestic and fascinating body parts are capable of giving life.. Weak, totally.
I also learned how socialized I have been growing up with these crazy ideals about women's bodies, abilities and all around purpose in this world. I realized that as much as all this new information angered me and the more I grew passionate about standing up for what I believe, I was also responsible for perpetuating this culture, by absentmindedly fueling the fire that is sexism.
Granted, it was not on purpose. I do not believe that people who are sexist are purposefully out to hurt women, but it is how we've been raised to think. This is how it's always been. The Glass Ceiling has always been a part of the work force because let's be honest, women are meant to be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen right?
I contributed to this by slut shaming, by calling a girl a bitch without even knowing her because for whatever reason she received more male attention, by not using my VOICE when I was a victim of sexual assault.
But then again I was also raised in this rape culture. I catch myself still today worrying about being skinny out of fear that a man will never like my body and will therefore never want to be with me. As if my breasts and my curves are for his pleasure and do not belong to me.
As if I'd prefer to be looked at than listened to.
No, I am responsible for being ignorant to the issue and injustice against my own gender. But ignorant no longer. It was an easy decision to declare a second major in Gender Studies last Spring.
When I am asked about my areas of studying, I always expect to hear in response "Well what are you going to do with that"
I am going to be an informed human being of this world about the injustice against women.
I am going to be an activist and continue to fight the good fight and raise awareness about rape culture.
I am going to continue to own my body with confidence and remind myself that I am not here solely to please a man.
I am going to continue to be an advocate for the middle school girls that I mentor.
I am going to be a feminist.
Because we teach girls how to not get raped, as opposed to teaching boys NOT to rape. #YesAllWomen
Because for high school graduation I received pepper spray to bring to college. #YesAllWomen
Just because I have a uterus does not mean I have to be a mother in the future. #YesAllWomen
Because Feminists are "crazy man haters" #YesAllWomen
Because I'm hear to be looked at, not listened to. #YesAllWomen
Because I was only 6 years old and he was a teenage boy who thought I was pretty, so I must have asked for it. #YesAllWomen
Because I learned what a Rufie was in 7th grade. #YesAllWomen
Because getting ready to go out always ends up being a battle between what is "hot" and what is comfortable. #YesAllWomen
Because getting checked out in the gym is not flattering, its actually quite uncomfortable. #YesAllWomen
Because no one "deserves" sex. #YesAllWomen
"When a man gives his opinion, he's a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she's a bitch."- Bette Davis #YesAllWomen
"I'm tough, I'm ambitious and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay."-Madonna
#YesAllWomen
Because being called a Pussy is an insult. #YesAllWomen
Because 14 year old girls are getting boob jobs. #YesAllWomen
Because being an openly sexual woman
means I'm a slut. #YesAllWomen
Because of the sexual double standard. #YesAllWomen
"Why do people say 'grow some balls'? Balls are weak and sensitive. If ya wanna be tough, grow a vagina. Those things can take a pounding."-Sheng Wang #YesAllWomen
Because Modest is NOT Hottest. #YesAllWomen
"Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings." #YesAllWomen
Because women like orgasms too. #YesAllWomen
Because I am not my biological clock. #YesAllWomen
Because it's my body. #YesAllWomen.
Namaste
The 20-something old soul
