Feminists Are All Lesbian Man-haters That Yell About Nonsense, Right?

When people envision feminists, the stereotypical image of a livid, man-hating, bra-burning woman with hairy armpits becomes the forefront. For the most part, (of course there are those exceptions) this is almost never the case. It has become quite upsetting to see young women not wanting to take part in a movement that is made to not only to better their communities but especially their own rights. However, researchers are turning the tables on the feminist label. The Author of the article, Ken Branson, even suggested that “If African-Americans ridiculed and stigmatized Martin Luther King Jr., that would be really big news. This negative stereotyping seems to be happening under the radar. And to find out that college women didn’t know very much about Gloria Steinem and the other women who fought for the rights they enjoy … that was really hard to bear.” So before we can change our communities, we must first change our mind-sets. It is up to people to form their own opinions and morals. So instead of walking around with an ignorant mask on, our society should open its mind to the good that can come from feminism.

A further stereotype corresponds with the ambitions of upper-class white women who have customarily been given, and still are likely to have, limitless power to spread their message. However, the movement is so much more than that. Throughout history it is clear that various women with different races, ages and backgrounds support the same cause. For example, the itinerant preacher, abolitionist and feminist, Soujouner Truth. Or perhaps another model might be the first woman to both graduate from college as well as the first woman to keep her last name when married, Lucy Stone. As well as the legendary Susan B. Anthony, who lived her entire life as a women’s rights activist. Feminism is for everyone. It is for the poor and the rich. It is for the males and the females. And it is for anyone who is ready and eager to make some changes.

Again, feminism is not simply about women’s rights, it is very largely about human respect and equality. So lastly, another concept that boggles my mind is society’s acceptance of both slurs as well as racist and sexist jokes. We believe that as long as the person telling the joke or saying the term is part of the targeted group then it is all right. And I understand it's expected to pass as self belittling comedy, and audiences are supposed to be aware of that. However, they shouldn't be amusing to anybody; the majority of them are spiteful expressions of prejudice, and that remains true regardless of who made them up or told them. Women who want to run with the big dogs (men in this case), feel like they need to possess the same amusement as a man. For example, making jokes about how women should stay in the kitchen, that is sexist. Or calling a female a bitch because she would rather eat alone than with a man that is panting with his eyes, that is beyond insolent. Or even shaming a woman by calling her a slut, because she is comfortable and confident in her own skin. Researchers even say that these “jokes” can promote discrimination against women. All of these slurs and sexist jokes are cleanly put-downs, and I feel that they are ethically wrong regardless of who tells them.

I believe that women should control their own lives. I trust in equality. I reason that social justice is acceptable. I think ending violence and discrimination is the only path to peace. I also believe in wearing makeup and shaving my legs. As well as having a romantic relationship with a man. So you tell me, is your idea of a feminist still accurate?