Rugile+P’s+2015+OpEd+Article



**The Misconceptions of Feminism **

I am a human being of the 21st century. I am a woman of the 21st century. And I am a feminist of the 21st century.

I am proudly a part of this recent wave of feminism that has swept the halls of Congress and schools alike and I stand for my beliefs against not only sexsim, but racism and homophobia as well. I have very strong opinions on the under-representation of women in politics as well as on the issue of equal pay in the United States of America. Fun fact: Women of this day and age still only earn 78 percent of what a man makes. Take from that what you will.

But with this righteous movement towards equal rights (because that’s seriously all it is), there has been much controversy and a sudden backlash towards the issue as well. My own father’s response to my proclamation of my feminist ideals was “No you’re not [a feminist]; you’re not one of those raging bitches that runs around with her boobs flopping everywhere.” True story.

And so I’m writing this blog, or ‘raking the muck’, to address any misconceptions or highlight any false negativity that is associated with the word ‘feminist.’

First off, feminists do not hate men nor do we believe that women are better than men just because we have vaginas. Feminists are not all lesbians (just clearing that up because I’m pretty sure a lot more people were thinking that than willing to admit) nor are we against marriage or any other traditional value. Feminists don’t dream of taking over the world, upholding a matriarchy, and making all men our slaves in the process. The only

thing we truly believe in and uphold is the fair treatment and equality between men and women. That is literally it.

Sure there are extreme feminists that will go days without shaving or will refuse any act of chivalry bestowed upon them to prove a point but that’s definitely not a necessary part of the ideal. Shave if you want to, don’t shave if you don’t want to. Let the guy pay for your dinner, split the bill if you please. Sleep around if you like, abstain from sexual actions if that’s what makes you happy. None of this proves or disproves what a ‘true’ feminist is.

I truly hope that any misconceptions were solved and any questions were answered by the end of this rant. Feminism is not to be looked down upon by anyone as it is an important movement of further equal rights in our country and a necessity in an evolving cultural, economical, and political society. Women have helped built this country and continued to make it prosper and it is only right for us to be given the equality we so assuredly deserve. If we want to see the world thrive, the battle of the sexes must end.

//So, are you a feminist? //

P.S. Men can be feminists too. P.P.S. For a great critical analysis on meninism, I highly recommend reading Charlotte’s blog. P.P.S. Go home and hug your mom (and your dad)