Feminism has been on my mind a lot lately.  Sadly, the focus has not been on the movement, but the concept and it’s perception.   Many current topics should be flooding our day-to-day conversations.  Human trafficking.  Equal pay for women.  The public criminalization of female assault victims, and the victimization of their attackers.  The de-humanizing legislation regarding women’s bodies and reproductive decisions.  The objectification of the female form, and the media and fashion industries’ dictate over self-worth.  Worse, yet, our own perpetuation of such ugliness in a society where People out sells Time Magazine by nearly half a million copies a year.

The debate regarding equality for women is being overshadowed by the idea that being a feminist is a bad thing.

The majority of the population is quicker to disassociate themselves with feminism than the inequality that spurred the movement in the first place.  This is alarming to me.  I think it should be evident and concerning to more people.

Katy Perry, sadly a role model for young girls with great influence and media attention, was quoted denouncing feminism, but that she liked strong women.   Excuse me?   These two things being separate in the eyes of the people is mind-blowing to me.  Because they are not separate.  Who ever thinks that strong women would have a voice in this country without feminism have missed the point.

Those strong women created feminism.

The misogynistic patriarchal mindset feminism fights against created this disdain and misrepresentation of Feminism.

Feminism is radical.

Feminism is angry.

Feminism is hateful.

Feminism is an evil word women are shamed to be associated with.   Being branded a feminist is a bad word, like whore. . . .   Nazi. . . .  Socialist  *gasp*.  The best way to combat an enemy is through negative propaganda and controlling public opinion.   And it worked.   Because here we are decades, centuries, into the fight of women’s equality, and we are loosing troops because they are afraid to stand up for what’s right because it’s not popular and they don’t want to be called a bad person.

Wait.  Am I coming across as too radical?   I must be one of the crazy feminists!  Man hater!  Lesbian!  (Seriously, could we be more hateful?)

I am not the only one thinking about the connotation of the term feminist.  Joss Whedon has declared a name change is necessary.  Utilizing the term Genderist.   Worth a listen, you can watch it here.  I love Whedon.  A man who writes strong female roles, supports the ideals of equality, tries to use his celebrity for awareness and good, and makes movies that fit into my favorite genre, Hot Men Blowing Things Up.  What’s not to love?   But it’s really not a name change that is required.  But a perspective change.

I am not a man hater.  I am not a lesbian.  I am not radical.   I am not “loose.”   I am not angry.     I am a feminist.   I wear a bra.  I shave my legs.  I wear make-up.  I wear both skirts and pants.  Because I can and it is my choice to do so.

I strongly believe I represent the largest portion of women.  Most women who want the choice to be feminine while remaining equal.   Women who understand that the two are not mutually exclusive.  Women who embrace their independence and want to rise to equality to stand at the spot men have dominated for millenia, not to conquer it.  To share it.

This fight is not “us vs. them.”   It is not men against women.  It’s not some radical faction of crazy females trying to take over the world.  Though, arguably there might be some good things to come of that…    The concept is that TOGETHER, as EQUALS, we can make the world better for not only women, but for everyone.

Feminism is not just women for women.  Some of the most important people in the feminist movement are men.  Yes, it is about our daughters, and sisters, and mothers, and wives, and girlfriends.  But it is also about our future.  What future do we want for ourselves and for our children?  What opportunities?  What kind of love and acceptance?

What’s the label for anyway?  Be a person.  Be a good person.  Want for yourself and for the next “guy” fair and equal treatment, regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, etc.   And don’t make the person standing up for those rights out to be the bad guy.  That’s just sad.  And not being a good person.

“When something needs to be done in the world to rectify the wrongs, if one is really concerned with benefitting others, one needs to be engaged, involved. ”  – Dalai lama