The F Word
FEMINIST or FEMINISM
Why, in our culture today, is that word so controversial? I am hoping it’s because there is just some confusion over what the term means. I mean, after knowing what the term means and actually stands for, who WOULDN’T be a feminist?
Let’s take a look at common definitions of the word(s):
the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities
the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the genders
organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests
So, again, after reading these definitions, who are the people that find this word offensive, or polarizing? One must really evaluate their own beliefs and values if s/he refuses to accept the label FEMINIST. If you don’t, doesn’t this mean that you do NOT believe that men and women should have equal rights? Or, that men and women should NOT have equal opportunities? I guess there are people that believe this way. But I would argue that a majority of Americans do believe in the basic idea that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. However, I also believe that most Americans would not consider themselves, or accept the “label” feminist. WHY?
Maybe some people think that being a feminist means you are a lesbian. Or they think that being a feminist means you hate men. Or maybe some people think that being a feminist has something to do with being pro-choice. But none of these issues has laid stake to feminism. In fact, there are feminists that have strong opinions on both sides of the abortion debate. And, I’ve truly never met a feminist that hates men. And while I’m sure there are lesbians that are feminists, there are just as many non-lesbians that are feminists as well. Also, I’ve met men that I believe consider themselves feminists. [The question is whether they would admit to that in a group setting. Again, why WOULDN’T they?]
Wait, what? A MAN CAN BE A FEMINIST??????? Of course. Again, read the definitions above. There is no language which would preclude men from being a feminist. Just answer the question: Do you believe that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities? If the answer is yes, then you are a feminist. Man or woman.
So embrace the F word. Don’t run away from it. A lot of brave women and men fought very hard for the rights women do have today. We need to honor those people and the progress that has occurred. Women can now vote. Women can now own property in their own names. Women can choose to divorce. Women can sit on a jury. Women can hold political office. Women can decide when to get pregnant. Women don’t have to wear dresses to school. Women can go to college. If you value ANY OF THOSE THINGS, you are a feminist. If you proudly wear that label and explain why you do so, maybe others wouldn’t be so damned afraid of it. If someone questions you, just ask them that question:
If they answer yes, proclaim them a feminist and congratulate them. If they say no, then you really need to evaluate whether this person is someone you wish to spend more time with.
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I was inspired to write this post by a story I read today about a middle school girl in Ohio that had the word “feminist” photo-shopped off of her T-shirt for a class picture. Apparently, the school’s Principal, Kendra Young, said that the alteration was her decision because some people might find it “offensive” or “controversial.”
First of all, I just want to point out that there were a lot of students who were wearing graphics on their clothing that day. In fact, the girl next to the “feminist” had on a Pierce the Veil t-shirt. Maybe I find Pierce the Veil offensive? Should that have been removed too? Several other students had sports logos on their shirts/sweatshirts. Now, I know some people who can come to blows over which sports team is the best. Those discussions can be very heated and controversial. Shouldn’t those graphics have been removed too? No? Why not?
Second, I just want to state publicly to MS. KENDRA YOUNG, the school principal: You should be ashamed of yourself. You are the leader of an educational institution. Why don’t YOU do some homework next time and actually educate yourself on the term feminist. Instead of stifling a message and the potential to actually start a conversation and educate those that you profess to lead, you took it upon yourself to determine what the word meant, or might mean, to others. This is not what (good) educators should do. And, by the way, the fact that you are a school principal, and have been given the opportunity to be a leader and an administrator in your profession, is a direct result of many FEMINISTS who fought for your right to do so. You should be thanking them, not photo-shopping them out of existence.
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