Feminism- the “f-word” that has been considered cringe-worthy for decades. Some falsely assume that it is the theory of female superiority, while others view it as a man-hating revolution led by an army of bossy, bra-less, barbate women.
These far-too-common misconceptions have given the word negative connotations and have made the movement for gender equality a constant uphill battle. As young feminists, we are here to clear up any confusion there may be surrounding the idea, starting with the definition of the word itself.
Feminism: “the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.”
While the movement is still often shown in a bad light, it is beginning to receive more positive attention thanks to Emma Watson, who has recently been appointed UN Global Goodwill Ambassador. In her powerful and passionate speech, she addressed the scrutiny that feminism too often receives. She claimed that men shy away from the fight for women’s liberation because they feel that it is not their problem or that they aren’t given a warm welcome. To combat these complaints, she delivered a formal invitation to men, claiming, “Gender equality is your issue, too.” She then introduced a new campaign called HeForShe, “a solidarity movement for gender equality that brings together one half of humanity in support of the other of humanity, for the entirety of humanity.” Watson’s efforts have widened the scope of feminism and enlightened the global population to the harsh realities of sexism worldwide.
The omnipresence of gender inequality in today’s society is disconcerting to say the least.  Women are taught not to dress in a sexual manner because it is “their fault” if they are raped. Women are told that a brazen attitude will lose them respect, while men are encouraged to be bold.
Women make 77 cents for every dollar that men earn, even with laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender in the US. In September, Republican senators unanimously voted against the Paycheck Fairness Act… for the fourth time. It is 2014. Just let that sink in for a moment.
Gender inequality is not a problem confined to women. We live in a world where men who show emotion are considered “weak” or “prissy” and where acting effeminate is a sign of deficiency. Men can be affected both personally and indirectly through the woman in their lives. Men, can you imagine your sisters and mothers being paid less because of their “inferior” sex? Can you imagine your daughter sent home in shame for “distracting boys” with her clothing? Is this a world that you want your beloved women to live in? If you answered no to any of these questions, congratulations: you are a feminist.
As feminists, we are by no means suggesting the eradication of men. Nor are we advocating that women should never wear bras or shave their legs (but if they do choose not to, that’s perfectly okay). We are simply saying that women should be granted the same opportunities and treatment as their male counterparts. We are fully aware that America is not exactly an oppressed country in comparison with others, but we want to be the catalysts to social change everywhere. If we sit around and do nothing in the US, then the issue surely won’t be resolved elsewhere. We know that there will always be people who oppose gender equality, and to those people this is all we have to say: there are worse “f- words” than feminism.