The Five Questions Feminists Are Tired of Hearing

Feminism is one of those terms that has multiple negative stereotypes attached to it, which can actually make people scared and unable to even utter that dreaded f word.   Unfortunately, those who are scared are just misinformed (and being misinformed can lead to some pretty ignorant questions and reactions).  Personally, I have no issues answering questions about being a feminist or feminism as a whole to better educate others, but sometimes the questions can be a bit repetitive.  These are the five questions that I hear the most (and are tired of answering):

1. “Is feminism even relevant anymore?”

Is the wage gap real? Are women still objectified and cat called on the daily? Are women still being turned down jobs because of their looks? Just because we have the right to vote does not mean our battle is over.  Third wave feminism, the current stage feminism is in, has evolved into something that is not only relevant, but necessary.

 

2. “Okay, but what about men’s issues?”

Yes, men also face being stereotyped and oppressed.  They have constant expectations to always shove away their emotions and be the leader. Feminists are not ignoring or denying the facts, they actually want to help you too! Feminism is about equal rights for BOTH GENDERS, so getting rid of gender norms and expectations for everyone is a top priority.  Are you a man and want equal rights for both genders? Congratulations, you can join the feminist movement too and work towards BOTH gender’s success!

3. “Wait you’re a feminist? Isn’t that a little too exclusive?”

I am a feminist because I can’t imagine just sitting while being told I can’t do something because I am a woman.  I want the right to choose, I want the right to get that job or that raise, and I want to be able to express my beliefs freely.  This is where people get confused about the definition of a feminist.  It’s not meant to be exclusive, it’s meant to be all inclusive, everyone just wanting the same matter: equal rights for all.  Anyone can be a feminist: gay or straight, white or black, male or female.

4. “If you’re a feminist, why do you wear so much makeup and shave?”

Ah, another stereotype.  Other examples of this include “You’re too pretty to be a feminist” or “you don’t look like a feminist.”  Newsflash: feminists don’t have a certain look! It’s all myth information that feminists have short hair, don’t shave, and swear off makeup.  Have you heard of the “this is what a feminist looks like” movement? Its specific agenda is to make myth information like this disappear for good.

5. “You’re so critical of everything, are you a feminazi?”

I have a feeling that the whole reason there is such a stigma against feminism is because of this word feminazi.  Described as an overly radical different breed of feminism, being a feminazi has just turned into an insult to others.  And why do we have this word? It’s because some people are scared of change. However, don’t put down my beliefs and call me a “feminazi” just because I disagree with you.

 

Actress Jana Kramer Speaks Out on Domestic Violence

Photo from abcnews.go.

Video can be watched here.

Women all over the world suffer from being domestically abused and it can happen to just about anyone.  Actress turned singer, and one of the stars featured on this season of Dancing With the Stars, Jana Kramer, recently spoke about this issue.  She was in support for those who deal with domestic violence and even spoke out on her own dealings with domestic violence.  An issue that is usually hard to talk about, the interview depicted Kramer recalling the painful events the night she says she was almost murdered by her first husband, Michael Gambino.

This interview was important for all females, making it known that, yes, even celebrities deal with these types of issues.  It helps them realize that they are not alone and that there are ways to overcome the fear that comes with domestic violence and to grow from it.

This issue relates to feminism because it is a subject that third wave feminists help to conquer.  There are many ways to help those who are dealing with domestic abuse.  As Kramer discusses in her interview, there are shelters for victims that can assist in dealing and recovering from the situation.

For questions and answers regarding how you can get involved in helping others dealing with these issues, more information can be found on abuseintervention.org.

Reactions to Sexist Dress Codes

Photo from thisisinsider.com

“We were sitting in our community meeting, and the teachers told us about the dress code… and then the girls asked why it mainly applied to girls.  Then they said it doesn’t, it also applies to boys, but also it’s because it’s a distraction for boys. It made me feel uncomfortable, because I don’t want boys looking at me in weird ways and it was awkward. It made me feel sad, because I knew friends in that room who were lesbian or gay who were left out, and I saw another girl look down and looked upset because they said that.”

-Molly Neuner

Previously, I had made an article regarding sexist school dress codes and how feminists are reacting and responding.  Some parents are raising their kids as activists, and a great example of this is 6th grader Molly Neuner who purposely challenged her school’s dress code to start a movement.  Molly experienced this sexist behavior first hand when she wore a tank top to school and was called out.  The teacher insisted that if she were ever to wear that shirt again she would get detention.  This is when Molly found the #IAmNotADistraction movement.  To protest, she went to school the next week in a tank top and the words #IAmNotADistraction on her arm.  This 6th grader started a movement at her school, several of her friends joined the movement as well and purposely broke the dress code as well.

Some of you may be thinking that this is silly and a 6th grader can’t do much, but it actually persuaded the teachers to voice their own opinions about the dress code and actually have the school review their dress code policies.

 

Feminism and Planned Parenthood

Photo from bumblebar.com

With Trump in office, he’s bound to make tons of changes.  One change that recently has caused backlash is his plan to defund Planned Parenthood because of it’s ability to issue abortions.  Sure, Planned Parenthood provides abortion services, but that’s not the only thing they do.  What Trump fails to realize (or chooses to ignore) is that Planned Parenthood contributes to many other things other than abortions; in fact, only 3% of Planned Parenthood’s services include abortions.  They also help with STD/STI testing and treatment, providing birth control, and providing cancer screening and prevention.    With Trump’s plan to defund such rights, many people will not get the correct health services that they need.

Feminists alike are fighting to make sure that Planned Parenthood is not defunded.  Rallying against their rights being taken away, women are labeling people being against Planned Parenthood as people being against a women’s right to choose an abortion or a women’s right to their health.  What it really comes down to is separating church and state.  It’s religious belief that abortion is wrong, therefore since Planned Parenthood provides abortions, then they must be wrong.  However, if church and state were to be separated, then defunding Planned Parenthood would be totally out of the question.

One way to participate in the fight is to join “My body, my choice” rallies that feminists have been participating in to get their word across to Trump.  There are also always donations being taken online to help with the cause.

5 Reasons Feminism is Necessary

Photo from theodysseyonline.com

Feminism is a controversial topic, but it is a necessary component to receive full gender equality.  With biweekly findings on this blog on issues pertaining to women’s rights, you, the audience, is most likely a feminist already or unsure still what the term is.  However, some people may still not be convinced that feminism is relevant anymore.  I can assure it is and here are five reasons I composed as to why we still need feminism.

1. Women still earn less money than men with the same education level.

The wage gap is a relevant matter that affects every women, no matter the job or educational level.  Not only that, but it also affects every nationality and is worse depending on what country this occurs in.  In America, women earn about 80 cents to every dollar a man makes.

2. Women still deal with catcalling on a daily basis.

Catcalling = being objectified.  There’s nothing worse than just being called after like a piece of meat on the side of the street.  Women have a lot more to offer than just being something nice to look at and this is an issue many people just don’t understand.

3. A woman’s appearance still identifies what she is capable of.

CEOs of companies actually turn down girls that don’t “look good enough.”  As stated above, there are SO many more qualities women have to offer other than looks.  Period.

4. Because rape is a daily occurrence some women face and more often than not, the victim is blamed.

Were you dressed a certain way? Did they buy you a drink? Were you being flirty? You are most likely going to be blamed in a court of law.  Seem unfair? It’s because it is.

5. Women experience terror when walking alone at night.

Heard of a rape schedule? It’s when women don’t do certain activities, like riding the train, when it’s dark out or if they are alone.  Women shouldn’t have to be afraid to run errands or go out with the fear that they would possibly be raped.

Feminism and Dress Codes

Photo from Seventeen.com

One issue that I will never understand is school dress codes.  Don’t know what I’m talking about? Girls in elementary and middle school are taught at such a young age that their body is sexualized and cannot be shown.  Teachers, principals, and parents constantly pull girls out of school for showing their shoulders or legs; some schools even go as far as banning leggings or dresses for girls to wear.  Boys are allowed to wear any form of clothing they would like.

These moves are sexist and discriminating for girls.  At such a young age, they are taught that their bodies are viewed as a sexual objects.  People still don’t see this as a problem even though girls are taken out of class to change because their shoulders or legs are seen as distracting.  There is an obvious issue when girls’ educations are compromised.

Student activism and feminism are arising again and a movement against these dress code problems are being held.  Girls in younger grades suffer from self- confidence issues already and these dress code bans only add to it.

The one way that parents can help their children that end up in this debate is to just let them wear what makes them feel comfortable and to fight for them if the school tries to send them home.  A girl’s education and self- confidence is more important than some silly sexist rules.

Trump’s Views on Feminism

Picture from SunSentinel.com

Our POTUS is Donald Trump and has been for a few months now.  He feels strongly about some issues, but one issue that he isn’t so strong about is women’s rights.  Some are wondering why we need feminism at all anymore, but right now it’s more important than ever to identify as a feminist.

Trump lacks a concern for victims of sexual assault.  Once tweeting, “26,000 unreported sexual assults in the military-only 238 convictions. What did these geniuses expect when they put men & women together?” it’s evident that he won’t do much in his presidency to assist those hurt. Also, with the way he talks to girls, you can tell sexual assault is not a main concern, but instead he glorifies the mistreatment of women.  I mean come on, everyone knows the “grab them by the pussies” mantra he had going on for a while.  He even goes as far as verbally sexually assaulting his daughter, saying that he would date her if she wasn’t his daughter.

Trump also is pro- life, meaning he is against women having the right to choose for their bodies, and the right to choose abortion.  This is fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and many people are pro- life or pro- choice.  Trump, however, as President, has the power to make his opinions voiced.  He’s doing so by creating plans to defund Planned Parenthood.

Trump bases most of his decisions and opinions on women based on looks.  Calling Rosie O’ Donnell a “big, fat pig”, calling Arianna Huffington “extremely unattractive”, and even going as far as reporting to Rolling Stone saying “Look at that face!  Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?” regarding Hillary Clinton.

Times are turning back to how they were when women had no rights.  Without feminism, we will lose what we have fought so hard to achieve.  Many people don’t believe it, but we need feminism now more than ever.

Celebrities on Feminism

Photo from thedressdown.com

If you’re still weighing the options on why to call yourself a feminist and still thinking it’s “uncool”, you may be wondering who you know who publicly calls themselves feminists.  Not surprisingly, many celebrities call themselves feminists, and even go as far as using their celebrity status to work for the cause.

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler is a full on feminist and believes that everyone should call themselves one.  She doesn’t understand the not- a – feminist trend and has a word about women who renounce feminism.  “That’s like someone being like, ‘I don’t really believe in cars, but I drive one every day and I love that it gets me places and makes life so much easier and faster and I don’t know what I would do without it,'” she said.  The analogy perfectly describes why the current feminism movement is so important.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé is no stranger to feminism.  The Shiver Report reported that 42 million women in the United States are either living in poverty or are on the brink of living in poverty. Beyoncé felt so strong about the cause that she wrote an essay regarding gender equality as a response to it.

Ashton Kutcher

See it’s okay for guys to publicly call themselves feminists!  Ashton Kutcher has been seen as an activist on multiple different occasions regarding women and equality.  He feels strongly about how women are sexualized and feels that it should be stopped.  His passion is so strong that he has created a program to help minimize sex trafficking and sexualization of girls and women.

Miley Cyrus

Peace loving Miley just wants everyone to be happy and spread good vibes.  Equality is an issue very dear to her.  She feels the way she acts is a way to get the conversation on equality going.  “I mean, guy rappers grab their crotch all f–king day and have hos around them, but no one talks about it,” she said, “But if I grab my crotch and I have hot model bitches around me, I’m degrading women? It’s not equal.”

Feminism and the Wage Gap

Photo from CNN Money.

Something that may come to a shock to most of you is that women are making less than men.  Weird to think about, right?  I know what you’re probably thinking, “the wage gap is only a myth made up by feminists,”  I can assure you that you are mistaken and that the wage gap actually exists.  In fact, women make 80 cents to every dollar a man makes, for the same work load.

Some people wonder why they should worry about it if it doesn’t affect them, but statistically, it affects women of all ages, races, and education levels.  Women of color experience the most discrimination where, in some states, women of color receive 64% of what men do.  Even with a higher education, women still receive less than men.  In a graph provided by AAU, there’s still an average of a 75% gap between men and women, comparing educations consisting of less than a high school diploma, a high school diploma, some college, a Bachelor’s degree, and an Associate’s degree.

So what can be done to help fight the wage gap? Individuals can learn strategies to better negotiate their salaries.  Feminists today, continuously protest for better wages and equal treatment.  Some CEOs of companies are very vocal about their treatment of workers.  Some businesses have started to conduct salary audits to monitor and address gender-based pay differences.

Looking for more ways to help? AAU is collecting donations for Equal Pay Day coming up on April 4th! Link for that can be found here. Don’t forget to celebrate by peacefully protesting or making a difference in the gender- based pay world!

This is the Price of Your Woman Card

“Woman Card” A New Poem by Los Angeles Teen Poetry Collective “Get Lit” provides insight from four teens about the oppression of women in the work force, relationships, etc.  I WAS going to write a review applauding these teens for making such a powerful, moving, and creative way to express themselves, BUT I then read the comments and was infuriated and felt that a response to those people commenting was more necessary.

Starting off, I would like to make clear that yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I’m just pointing out topics relating to my blog and the issues feminists deal with.  One issue that kept being repeated was “No, females are not oppressed.  Get over yourselves.”  First, I would like to say that these were almost all old white men that were commenting negatively (if that doesn’t say anything, then I don’t know what will).  Second, it amazes me that with the constant facts that rape culture, the wage gap, and sexist behaviors are indeed real, yet people still seem to ignore them.

Yes, the video was controversial, but I didn’t expect this much backlash on four teenagers. Comments such as, “Sounds like a lot of complaining about things you do willingly. If it’s the same product, don’t buy the pink one? If your boss is harassing you, report him or at the very least quit? Don’t spend money of hair products if you don’t want to?” were repeated frequently.

The questions I have in response is why should a woman have to quit her job because a man is harassing her?  Why should a woman have to pay for sanitary towels when condoms can be acquired for free and men still refuse to wear them? Why is the wage gap STILL A THING?  Some brave women replied back to defend their rights, but it added fuel to the flames.

My overall concluding question to this is why does this issue have to be so difficult to talk about? Nobody can state and defend their opinion without being ripped apart every time.  There shouldn’t be an uproar when equality is discussed.  Us women don’t ask for much, just to be treated like regular human beings and receive basic human rights.