Boards
A girl after my own heart. | Source: Tumblr
I’m only slightly embarrassed to tell you that my introduction to feminism came from afternoons at home watching Saved by The Bell. Not from my mother, not from any of the tough women who’d had a hand in raising me, but from SBTB’s resident caffeine-abusing smartypants, Jessie Spano.
Sure, she was an early-nineties caricature of epic proportions, but even on an after-school sitcom with a laugh track and, well, Screech, it was kind of amazing to hear the word “feminist” said out loud.
Love this shot of Alexis Bledel as feminist icon Rosie the Riveter! | Source: glamour.com
that.)
But it didn’t end there.
I can’t even tell you how many dates I’ve gone on with dudes (smart ones, I thought) who have said things like–-no joke–“I don’t read chick writers.” Or who, when I talk about the things that bother me about what people in power say about women, or how I get treated on the job, respond with my personal favorite: “What are you, a feminist or something?” The same way they might say, “What are you, someone who eats babies for breakfast? One of those people? Dear God!” Like it’s something so outlandish, something to apologize for.
who is a feminist
NOTHING to apologize for. | Source: etsy
Because even though, just like snowflakes, no two feminists are exactly alike in what they believe or how they identify themselves, the basic premise of feminism as far as I’m concerned is that women don’t deserve to be treated like anything less than human beings because, you know, that’s what we are. That our lady-business doesn’t give anyone an excuse to behave or expect otherwise. That everyone is equally deserving of the same weird, awesome, beautiful and scary things that life has to offer.
So. What are you? A feminist or something? Tell me in the comments. I want to hear those F-bombs loud and clear (just not the four-letter ones!)
Want to hear more about a girl’s right to be who she wants to be? Yeah you do.
who is a feminist
Can You Trust Him?
If the basis of feminism is all humans should be treated equally as human beings then why is feminism restricted to females instead of all humans? That’s dangerously close to excluding a group because of their sex, a very unfeminist idea.
I’m an agnostic, bi feminist, and really…no shame. When I call myself a feminist, I mean it in that women should be treated as equals, with the same rights, and not be discriminated against in ANY way (even in ways that some people think are good). For example: It actually bugs me when guys go out of their way to open a door for me. If they are already there, that’s fine, it’s rude to shut a door in ANYone’s face when they’re right behind you. If my hands are full or I am otherwise physically incapable of opening it, I welcome the assistance. But those kinds of things should be done for EVERYone, not just women. When bugs me is when I’m about to get to a door, and a guy literally rushes ahead to open it for me. Like… that was just not needed. I’m all for common courtesy, but don’t do stuff like that JUST because of my gender.
And yes, I do understand that men are biologically physically stronger than women in general (but not as a rule), and therefore there are some things that I have to let guys do. But that’s only when I’m actually physically incapable of doing it. Don’t just assume I can’t do more physical labor until you give me the chance.
Being a feminist doesn’t mean you think women are better than men. (Yes, there are some like this, but not ALL feminists are this way). It just means you want to be on the field playing the game, not sitting in the dugout for the whole season.
I’m not chauvinistic feminist, but I do think women are equal in the majority of things (except using the same toilet as men and I don’t get why some of the feminists say we should be able too). I should point out that I cannot stand lipstick femminists. I find it contradictory that they believe that becoming prostitutes and other adult entertainers is female empowerment. By objectifiying themselves therefore they are no longer their own woman.
Just curious, what do you mean, using the same toilet as men? Do you mean that literally, or is this just a term I’m not familiar with….
Ignore that last comment, I TOTALLY wasn’t think of like, public restrooms, but just literally using the same physical toilet as a man. My bad.
hi i like thz article,i belong to a patriachal society where females have secondary position,i strongly bleiv in equal rights ,but my bliev crush me alot because i couldnt act like tht
I AM AN ATHEIST HUMANITARIAN AND I AM FRIGGING PROUD! everything about me people stereo type. im not a bad person, and i stand up for what i believe in! come on ladies! GROW A PAIR AND TELL SOCIETY WHOSE BOSS!!!!
I’ll label myself as a feminist just to simplify things, but I believe more in seeing people as humans instead of just sexes. It’s almost like pansexuality. Don’t fall in love with the sex/gender, but fall in love with the personality. My way of thinking is similar. Look at the person for their traits and strengths/weaknesses, not for their genitalia.
I think that ‘feminism’ is a bit like religion, in that it can be interpreted however you feel is right. I understand feminism to be humanism, or, egalitarianism. I think that all girls are (either secretly or not) this kind of feminist because my guess is that all girls expect to be treated the same as all other people of other gender identifications. On that note, I think feminism (equality) is something that everyone has to work toward—regardless of gender.
i wouldn’t say i’m a feminist (its etymology would imply a belief in women over men) but oh gosh, i’m SO in love with femme power, more than i have ever been. and i don’t surround myself with people who don’t believe in women. there’s no space in my life for them. perhaps except for physical ability, women and men are counterparts of one another.
Feminism is such an extremely touchy subject. I mean, yes, I do consider myself a feminist after taking an introductory Women’s Study course in college (I now am pursuing a subsequent minor in Women’s Studies), but before that, I felt I wasn’t and never would be one.
I believe that many, many people in modern times are feminists, though they just don’t want to label themselves as “feminist”, I constantly bombard my boyfriend with questions like: “do you believe in equal rights for women?” He’ll always say yes. Then, “you’re a feminist.” He’ll say: “no I’m not, I believe in equal rights for everybody!”
That’s all well and good, as I think feminism definitely overlaps with other humanist efforts, we’re now just focusing on women’s struggles. Feminism paves the way for other struggles in the world, not just female subordination. I definitely wish more people would understand that, and understand being a feminist doesn’t mean what you actually think it means. Feminism doesn’t have one compact definition. It means something different to everybody!
I’M A FEMINIST AND I’M PROUD!!!!!
Man it feels good to say that! Honestly I am so sick of people, men and women alike, acting like being a feminist is a bad thing. Why? Standing up for myself and my rights and not letting anyone walk all over me is not good? I guess it’s because they whine about the extreme feminist that act “holier than thou”. Yeah, there are feminists or feminazis out there that act like that, but not ALL of us are like that. Honestly I think there needs to be a resurgence of feminism, especially with the popularity of Twilight consuming everyone.
i 100% agree. i hate wen the stupid sexist guys in my class say stuff lik get bak in the kitchen! i dont mind a little joking but some of them are serious and quote the bible!! haha im a catholic but seriously?? c’mon!!!!
I’m actually not a feminist. I can honestly say that every feminist I’ve came across has come off as annoying with this “better than thou” and “know it all” attitude. I’m all for equal rights and opportunities which is why I identify more as a humanist. I’m going to sound like a total hippie but why not focus on the entire human race? We all can do better so let’s all share the and prosper as one. Let’s all rise up.
I identify as a feminist. Everyone has their own definition of the word, mine is much like your definition of a humanist. I believe in equal rights for EVRYONE, but I’m more passionate about equality between men and women. I think the reason you associate the word ‘feminist’ with negativity is because usually only the extremist identify as such, leaving the peaceful and positive people to be scared to call themselves feminist. These extremists give the title feminist a very bad rep. Just remember there is good and bad in all groups. You have a great opinion, I’m not trying to correct you or anything :p, just want you to know that we’re not all stuck-up/bra burning crazies!
This post is pure awesomeness! I am a feminist through and through
The thing about calling people out on sexist things is that you will automatically be labelled “the feminist” which in lots of peoples’ minds translates to man-hating extremist lesbian. LOL.
But of course we have to speak up anyway. Without apologizing. Just try not too come off as too angry because people won’t take you seriously.
I love this! People are always shocked when I say -very proudly- that I am a feminist. All the word means is that you believe in equality between the sex’s. Its not about belittling men in anyway. I grew up in a feminist household, my brother and I were raised as equals. I take care of him half the time! People need to understand that its great to be a proud feminist. If a guy isn’t one, I will look away.
i love this article.