Things I’m Not

Unfortunately, the word feminism has gotten a bad rap over the years causing the subsequent attachment to the word to be seen as something negative.  Often when I tell someone that I am a feminist I have to dispel false ideas that they have about me just because of my association.  The negative stereotype is enough to make one hesitant to claim the title which is unfortunate because at its core feminism is the belief that ALL people are created equal and should be treated in a way that promotes this idea.  This is a sentiment that most people can agree with, but the moment you add the title of feminist people start scurrying back to their corners denying all association.  So what are the issues that many feminists have to contend with, here are just a few…

I am not a lesbian

Yes, there are women who are feminists who are lesbians and there are some that are not.  However, just because I say that I am a feminist does not automatically mean that I am romantically attracted to other women.

I am not a man-hater

Along the same lines as not being a lesbian all feminists are not man-hating monsters.  I am a lover of men, and my hearts starts a twitter when I see Channing Tatum dance.  Yet, just because I am attracted to men doesn’t mean I can’t be a good feminist.  Similarly, feminism is not an exclusive club for women, MEN CAN BE FEMINISTS!

I don’t wear combat boots and I shave my armpits

There is no dress requirement for being a feminist, you don’t have to wear combat boots and baggy camouflage pants though you can.  You can, as described by one of our bloggers, be a lipstick wearing high heel trotting fancy dress wearing feminist.  There aren’t any limitations to body hair either, though for everyone’s sake, feminist or not, shower!

I don’t exaggerate facts about violence against women

Violence against women is a serious issue that needs to be addressed within our society, to make up facts is disrespectful to the victims who have experienced this violence.   Many people do not take into account that violence experienced by women is often unreported and/or misreported.  The fact is that women’s subordination within our society leads to a culture in which violence against women is common.

I don’t think women are better than men

Often people think that all feminists believe that women are superior to men and that is why they deserve to be treated better.  This is not the case; most feminists believe that women are EQUAL to men and that women deserve to be treated better because they are human beings worthy of respect.  It is important to note that when the term “better” is being used it is not meant to mean better than men, but better than the current treatment that many women receive.

 

I can take a joke

Just because I am a feminist does not mean that I do not have sense of humor, I still laugh at jokes, and I still find things to be funny.  However, I just do not think that jokes that are demeaning based on gender, sex, or race are funny.  Nor do I believe that jokes that make light of rape or domestic violence are appropriate or humorous.

I am not anti-sex nor against marriage

Just because I am a feminist does not mean that I am against sex.  Sexual freedom for any gender or sexual orientation should be something that is encouraged.  I’m also not against marriage itself, though I am against the fact that not everyone can get married.  I believe that marriage is a testament of two people’s love and commitment towards each other, which should be celebrated.

I do still need to exist, as a feminist, because women are still not seen as equal

No matter the progress that women have made over the course of time, there is still much to be done in regards of equality between genders.  Until women are seen as equal and given voice in both societal and political spheres the fight for equality will never be done.  In addition, the core of feminism is equality for everyone regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation so that until those objectives are achieved the need for feminism will be constant.

These are just the tip of the iceberg in regards to issues that many feminists have to face, but these are the ones that bother me most specifically.  What are some that you’ve had to deal with? How often do you have to defend your feminism?