I am a feminist.
I’d like to address Rush Limbaugh and point out that this doesn’t make me a “feminazi.”
The entire idea of the “feminazi” is actually one of the most pervasive and harmful stereotypes of our time, besides being incredibly insensitive. No feminist has ever committed atrocities on the same plane as the Nazis.
The blatantly disrespectful reference aside, the connotation of “feminazi” is preventing women from gaining the same respect as men. It’s students of both genders who perpetuate this stereotype at JC. I’ve heard students complain about feminists more than one would expect from a younger and more educated generation.
According to CNN, women earn an average of 82 cents for every dollar that a man earns. Still, independent women fighting for equal treatment are made to seem crazy and unreasonable.
Feminists not only support equal legislation, but an equal image. This includes things like battling slut-shaming. If a woman is raped after going out to a party, there is almost always a “but” in the sentence explaining it. For example, “It’s a shame that he took advantage of her like that, but did you see what she was wearing?”
There shouldn’t be a “but.”
Even JC girls fall victim to this trend. Girls get nothing but grief for wearing revealing clothing, and snarky comments on appearance are made by females and males. Words alluding to a loose sexual past are not out of place in our hallways.
Women shouldn’t be viewed as sex objects for men can use at will, which is part of an equal image. Women make up over half of the country but only 17 percent of Congress. It’s no wonder that women aren’t seen as more powerful when there are so few elected to office.
About 37 percent of working women have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to only 35 percent of working men, according to ABC News. Even women in high ranking jobs with high degrees fall prey to the women-are-less-than-men mentality. When talking about a high-ranking female CEO, there’s usually some mention of the fact that she’s the “first woman in the field” or something of that nature. We should appreciate them as people, not as lesser citizens.
Feminists are not only fighting for equal rights under the law, but an equal image in the minds of all. Feminists will be here until slut-shaming is over. Feminists will be here until we don’t have to hear about the first woman in every field. Feminists will be here until women aren’t seen as an interest group, but as people.
I believe in equal rights for women, but I shave my legs and don’t burn bras, contrary to the typical “feminazi” stereotype.
Martha Schick is the Multimedia Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.