The truth is being a feminist is a jumble of things. First wave feminism was, in a nutshell, about getting women to be seen as persons in their own right, instead of property of the men in their life. Second wave feminism was (again, in a nutshell) about giving women the right to entry into all areas of workforce. A lot of people say that we are in the third wave of feminism now. These days feminism (in Canada) is about much different things than it was a hundred years ago.
But fundamentally, feminism has always been about respect between people in varying degrees.
So why do we still need feminism? There just isn't enough respect going around for anyone. Because of a lack of respect of typically feminine traits, women can get pushed into situations where they are in danger, uncomfortable and alone. Creeping radical conservatism is happening at the same time as the hyper-sexualization of girls and women. That is why we still need feminism.
I'm not saying that things aren't better than they once were. We're lucky to live in this country where feminism has accomplished so much. But we can always be better and lead by example for countries that are struggling to recognize the potential in their women.
Another article on this very topic
The dire need for more feminism outside of Canada:
India's Dalit girls
Half the Sky
And on raunch culture:
Female Chauvinist Pigs
On boys and feminism:
It's time boys learn the F-word
...this is (oneofthemany) reason(s) why you are awesome.
ReplyDeleteHalf the Sky -that's who they are. Awhile ago I watched their founders speak in an interview on Oprah, and there is one story that has stuck with me ever since, or weighed on me is probably a better way of putting it. Did you watch that interview? It was about a woman they came accross in a hospital (from what I can remember it was in Africa, but unfortunately I can't remember more detail than that) who had been in labour for 3 days, and eventually out of desperation her midwife sat on her stomach to try and push the baby out, which ruptured her uterus. She was laying in this hospital all on her own (if you can even call it a hospital),in her own vomit and urine (sorry this is a bit graphic) and nobody was paying attention to her while she was slowly dying from the dead baby's body decomposing inside of her, and the exhaustion of having been in labour for so long. The film crew spoke to the doctor and he said he could only operate for $100, so they paid him and then he went home for the night. I believe she eventually died, and what a horrendous, agonozing way to die it would have been. You can see so many horrible things on TV, but something about this just felt too sad to ever forget- there aren't words to describe it, really. I had forgotten the name of the organization who were being interviewed, and now after reading your post it's all coming back. I can't wait to learn more about the work they do, thanks for including the link to their website in your post.
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