I've learnt a lot in the past two years; especially when it comes to Feminism. Although sites like Tumblr have many flaws, particularly in which that they have become accustomed to saying whatever they like and just passing it off as an "opinion", some of the site has been good for gaining insight into particular issues.
Now, I was once one of those women who was a bit ignorant to the world, and especially ignorant to those issues we face as women. It's funny because some things become internalized for so long, the same routine happens over and over again, so you think some things are normal as you've never seen or known anything different. Twitter accounts such as Everyday Sexism, and people I follow on Tumblr opening up about being Feminists, really opened my eyes to the world. I've begun to question myself; did I really excuse behaviour such as catcalling and being allowed to be slut-shamed for what I wore or who I slept with? Did I really think those kind of things were okay? I'm astonished now.
It's safe to say my perspective on things have changed. I feel like a grown woman, and no man or even woman (as much as it breaks my heart, there are still thousands of anti-feminist women out there) will ever be able to tell me how to lead my life when I'm not hurting anyone. That's my strong philosophy on things; as long as no one is being hurt in any capacity, people should be allowed to do what they want. Yet, somehow, why are women still being shamed for having multiple sex partners? Who has this got to do besides the woman herself and why is it okay for men to have them and not women?
Day by day, I experience sexism. Whether it's walking down the street and being shouted at by a man from his car (this has happened far too many times to me, including as a young teenager) or being subjected to co-workers "banter" when it comes to objectifying women. Most of my female friends have experienced sexism in one form or another but that sad thing is, a lot of people don't THINK that certain behaviours are misogynistic as they have been ingrained into our society for far too long.
Education is the key; start from an early age; remind your children, brothers, uncles, cousins, boyfriends and fathers that NO MATTER WHAT A WOMEN WEARS: SHE DID NOT ASK FOR IT. We are really failing ourselves and failing our country if we do not teach these things in school and to our friends and family, especially from as young as possible. Teach men that they are responsible for their own actions. Boys shouldn't be mean to girls and have it be passed off by teachers or parents as "oh he just fancies you", this means this kind of sexism already starts in primary school.
I'm always going to be a feminist but I don't believe anyone should be labelling themselves one if they do not include POC, Disabled or LGBT and so on in their agenda. Celebrities such as Caitlin Moran and Lena Dunham, they only care about their own middle class white feminism; this doesn't apply to all women.....so why would they be feminists?
I AM angry. I am angry that all of us women are being treated as if we are second class citizens and I'm not afraid to call out your bullshit.
*This post is not sponsored or written in partnership with any brands. All words are my own and products I genuinely love
No comments:
Post a Comment