Feminism – Three Truths and A Big Fat Lie
“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman.” Melinda Gates
Photo by cottonbro
The concept of being a feminist launched to the forefront of the social dynamic in the ‘60s as women rebelled against the restrictive definitions of gender, and literally burned their bras. Women had been fighting for their right to exist on the same level, within the same context, and bound by the same rules for far longer.
While most people recognize the significant Women’s suffrage movement which demanded women could vote, there has been a consistent struggle to gain access to higher education, healthcare autonomy, athletic support, job opportunities, equal pay, maternal leave, and more especially when you take into consideration the need and fight for women of color.
Truth #1: About Burning Bras and Shoulder Pads
Feminism looks a lot different than it did a few decades ago, and even a few years ago. From the passage of Title IX allowing equal funding to sports to the rise and repercussions of the #metoo movement, feminism can take on many roles and touch on nearly every aspect of our lives. Despite its ubiquity, there is one pretty standard misconception about feminism we need to clear up, like yesterday. Feminism is dynamic, not static. It evolves with time, reflecting society, both its successes as well as remaining injustices. Feminists used to have some pretty lame stereotypes; hippie burning her bra or a fierce woman in shoulder pads and a pantsuit. We acknowledge feminists in all shapes, sizes, colors, creeds, and gender expressions. While the face of feminism shifts over the decades as does its demands, one constant is the need to stay committed to the cause.
Truth #2: About What Women Want
When we do the same job, we want the same money. When we go for a run, we want to experience the same freedom of movement and athleticism without fear of being followed, catcalled, or attacked. When we work with our colleagues, we want to share our input and contribute our efforts without sexual innuendo, comments, requests, or assaults. When we open a magazine or binge a new Netflix show, we want to see women that look like us in real life. When our daughter goes to pick out a toy, we want to walk into a store where the ‘girls’ aisle isn’t just dolls and pink plastic but filled with a broader definition of what’s fun. When we purchase razors and pens, we want to pay the same amount for the same product, even if it’s pink. When we go to the doctor, we want to be believed. When we look at our government representatives, we want to see our reflection.
Truth #3: About Equality.
Women Empowerment ≠ Male Emasculation. When women demand this equality, we’re asking to be treated the SAME as men, not better but certainly not worse. It is simply the desire to walk through this world unencumbered by the fear of violence, sexual objectivation, or recriminations due to our gender. We want to be equal. Not better than men, just better than it is now. Not more than men, but more than we have now.
The Big Fat Lie: Feminism is All or Nothing
So how does one become a feminist? Donate to Planned Parenthood? Attend a rally for equal pay? Post an inspiring quote on your Instagram? YUP and NOPE. You can do all of them or none of them and still be a rad feminist. Feminism is unique to you.
That’s the nasty factor of being a feminist we love so much. Being a feminist is simply believing in the concept of female equality. If you believe women and femmes should be treated the same as men in all walks of life, then mind blown – you’re a feminist. You don’t need to change who you are. You don’t need to be extreme. You can be a feminist in your own way. You just need to show up.
Here’s the HOW. To follow up that feminist belief with some action, to take the concept and bring it to fruition, here are four ways to flaunt that inner feminist.
How do YOU show up as a feminist? Four ways to show up as a feminist.
1. Believe Black Women
I put this first as so often in the struggle and fight for women’s rights, it’s white women’s rights that come to the forefront with the right to vote as the clearest example of this racist tendency. We must ensure our acts for women are inclusive and intersectional, that they don’t center whiteness, but instead uplift and highlight the work and voices of women of color. That white women listen, learn, and allow Black, Indigenous, Asian and other women of color the opportunity to speak truth to power.
2. Money Honey
This is a fun one – spend your money with women. Since you’re on NASTY WOMAN WINES blog, you already know that this is a core tenet of our company. We love that by purchasing something you love – be it wine or a pair of earrings, you could be supporting women simultaneously. Eat at female-owned restaurants, attend women’s sports, shop at women-owned stores, purchase from female crafters and artisans, listen to women musicians, and more. Let your wallet do the talking.
3. Like, Share, Follow, Tweet, and Uplift
Change doesn’t have to rely upon money. So much work can be accomplished for free. Use your time and energy instead of your cash to celebrate the women you care about. Wield the power of the internet to your sisters’ advantage – share a post, post a pic, use various media platforms to spread the love online.
4. Not Funny
When someone makes a sexist joke or comment, don’t laugh. Don’t smile. And if you’re feeling brave and strong (see the title quote of this blog), then CALL THEM IN. That’s right. There are a couple of ways to handle it. The simplest and most direct is to state that it isn’t funny and it’s sexist. A less direct approach is to have the person explicitly explain the joke. Say that you don’t understand it and for them to explain it to you. Eventually, the lame comedian is forced to confront the sexist and unfunny nature of their comment. You can be sure they won’t make the mistake of repeating the so-called joke again.