Today while reading my History assignments, I came across a woman by the name of "Olympe de Gouges" a feminist of her time. In 1791, she wrote the Declaration of Rights of Women and Female Citizens which is more or less a rebuttal to Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Rights of Man and the Citizens. She basically just added "women.." or "...and women" or even "no woman is an exception" to Jefferson's "rules." She firmly believed, just like feminists today, that women should have access to the same opportunities as men, and that is SO important coming from a woman from the 1700's. Gouges is not the first feminist on record, however. After some very quick research online, I found records of feminism that dates back to the 1300's! Now, I'm not about to sit here and blog about the history of feminism, but I just wanted to make it clear that women, and men, have been fighting for this for a LONG long time.. it's 2016 and women still don't have the same rights or respect that men do.
It blows my mind how many women ARE NOT feminists because "it will make them look bad." Like being a woman doesn't already make you look bad in the eyes of a man... Feminism is so much more than people tend to believe. As a woman, it kills me to think that my future daughters won't have the same opportunities as my future sons just because they have a vagina.. ISN'T THAT RIDICULOUS?? Do people really think that just because they have certain genitalia they're better than others? Why hasn't this been solved.. its 2016...it's past time to do something.
Feminism is the equality of the sexes. Plain and simple. It isn't hating men or belittling men. It is believing that we are equal, despite our differences. I shouldn't have to out sprint a man, or make more money than a man, or whatever to prove that I too have worth. Men shouldn't bow down to me because I am a woman, but I expect to be treated with respect, and nothing less. There are so many reasons why you should be a feminist-
- because organs shouldn't determine success
- because rape isn't taken seriously
- because "like a girl" is used as an insult
- because men should be comfortable showing emotion
- because beauty standards for BOTH genders are ridiculous
- because sexual consent is not taken seriously
I don't need to lecture as to why we need feminism. You already know why. So, why aren't you a feminist? I want a legitimate reason as to why feminism "isn't for you."
To think that women were/are forced to "stay in the kitchen" and had/has to be a housewife is sickening. To think that women weren't/aren't allowed to vote or speak up for themselves is insane. I am so thankful for the men and women who have fought for YEARS to reach equality. We are not done yet.. there is still SO much more fighting left to do.
I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes.. "Feminism isn't about making women strong. Women are already strong. It's about changing the way the world perceives that strength." G.D. Anderson
God Bless,
Kara Nelson
