The fact that the word “feminist” even exists shows the segregation between men and women when it comes to equality. The fact that there is such a thing as “women’s rights” but not “men’s rights” should make us as humans strive for the day when there won’t be a differentiation between gender rights—it will just be called “human rights.” I feel that every human being should have equal rights regardless of factors like gender, race, religion, and sexuality, among other things.
Most people cringe at the word “feminist,” but why? When people think of feminists they think of radical, protesting, angry, men-hating females, but that isn’t the case at all. It’s the same argument for any group of radical people—you cannot judge all based on a few. Feminism in its most basic form means you believe in equality for both genders. It isn’t women > men, it’s women = men. Feminists are people who stand up for the rights of women and advocate complete gender equality.
Globally, both genders have never been treated equally. The difference of a few body parts should not be an indicator of intelligence, potential, ability, etc. Every human should be granted equal opportunities, possibilities, and respect. The character of a person lies in the person themselves regardless of their gender, race, sexuality, and so on. To judge someone by any other means besides who they are as a person is prejudiced and unfair. Just because I was born a female does not mean that I should make less money than my male counterparts or that I am incapable of holding a position in government, law, or medicine. Simply because I may give birth to a child someday does not mean I am weak or fragile. It does not mean I am “too emotional” to play a serious role in our society.
Women should work full-time jobs just like men do. Both should take maternity and paternity leave from work if they have a child. It is not solely the mother’s duty to stay home with the child 24/7 just because she physically gave birth to the child—the father had just as much a role in its creation. Gone are the days that men go off to work all day while the wife stays home to cook and clean. Even financially, it would be difficult if both the husband and wife did not generate income. We need to stop associating females with the lesser. When someone says you “hit like a girl,” why should that be taken as an insult? Females are commonly depicted as weaker or less skilled when it comes to “male activities” such as sports, and quite frankly, it doesn’t make any sense. Only we as a society can stop sexism. We have to recognize gender inequality and put a stop to it. Whether or not you want to be associated with the word “feminist,” you should want to be associated with the movement. The day where gender inequality is no longer a thing is the day we are one step closer to eliminating human inequality.
