WHY FEMINISM MATTERS

Feminism. It's a word that has taken the world by storm, despite the fact that it has been a concept for nearly two centuries. This movement in which strives to bring about gender equality has evoked a wide array of responses, positive and negative.

For some people, the word 'feminist' or 'feminism' instantly connotes negativity. Perhaps the 'fem' part is what throws many people off, and I agree it can be a confusing word to represent gender equality when it so similarly resembles the words female/femininity. However, do not be fooled by the name, feminism does indeed encompass all; men, women and gender-fluid alike. So why is it that there seems to be such a hatred towards the movement? Is it the ignorant and farcical stereotype that all feminists hate men? A silly and untrue statement that is not specifically applicable to feminists. I am certain that there are some misandrists among the supporters of the feminist movement, although they are in the few and cannot truly support and understand feminism if they believe it encourages misandry. Surely, it cannot be this one assumption that dismantles and invalidates all that the organisation stands for?

If feminism isn't a man-bashing, voodoo doll witchcraft cult then what is it? In its simplest terms, feminism is compassion. It is empathy for all humans. Feminism is for women. Feminism is for men. Feminism is for children. Feminism is about giving someone the freedom of choice and speech. Feminism isn't demanding one to be the complete opposite of their traditionally given gender role, it is about giving one the choice as to whether or not they want that role. And to ensure that that choice hasn't been integrated or affected by centuries worth of social conditioning. If you want the traditional family roles of a stay at home mum and a working dad then of course, by all means, sustain those roles. However, do not stop fighting to ensure that all women and men have this choice. There are women and men out there that are forced into these roles and spend their lives confined and deeply unhappy. Feminism is so much more than a trend or angry women not shaving. It is hope for a better future for all.

So, back to the title of this blog post; why on earth does feminism even matter? It matters because it affects EVERYONE. The toxicity of gender inequality, misogyny, gender discrimination, and sexism are poisoning our society. It may not directly affect you or cause you any primary harms but it will definitely indirectly affect you whether this is unbeknownst to you or not. Aside from this, feminism matters because it genuinely encompasses all. It was created for men and women alike. The only reason that women's injustices tend to be discussed more when feminism arises in conversation is due to this simple fact: overall women have historically experienced more discrimination than men. However, that does not mean those injustices matter more than men's. Men are still brought up with the ridiculously unnatural high standard of being 'masculine'. Robert Webb excellently presents the pressures boys face growing up in this interview Robert Webb - Hay Festival or Robert Webb - Toxic Masculinity. It is crucial to remember the injustices men face while simultaneously attempting to conquer women's too. For instance, men are three times more likely to commit suicide, the majority of homeless people in the UK are male, men are more likely to be sentenced for committing a comparable crime and typically receive longer sentences than women. These issues are not 'minor' compared to those faced by women and deserve the same recognition. Men and women's injustices are intrinsically linked. Therefore, it is also important to realise that by working through issues faced by women we will simultaneously and inadvertently be working towards fixing men's issues too. In addition to this, a lot of issues will resolve themselves as we work towards a more gender equal society. As women are encouraged more and more to strive for a career and education, the pressure will gradually lift off men to be the provider of the family which may eventually lead to lessening male suicidal rates.

It is crucial that we recognise that this is a collaborative endeavour and we need to work together to dismantle years worth of toxic social conditioning. And so, to reiterate: feminism is important as it is hope for our children, and generations to come. We must strive to curate a safer society and environment for these generations to grow up and live in. In We Should All Be Feminists, Adichie writes;

Gender matters everywhere in the world. And I would like today to ask that we should begin to dream about and plan for a different world. A fairer world. A world of happier men and happier women who are truer to themselves. And this is how to start: we must raise our daughters differently. We must also raise our sons differently.

(p.25.)

There really is no better way to sum it up. So, next time you hear the word 'feminism', refrain from rolling your eyes and discard any thoughts of barbaric women hating men. Feminism is so much more than a 'girl club', it is an opportunity to come together and redirect our society into a place of peace, love, and hope.

Recommended introductory reading on feminism:

• We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
• Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
• Women & Power by Mary Beard.
• Nasty Women published by 404 Ink. 

But ultimately there is no better way to learn about feminism than through discussion. It comes to a point when books can only teach us so much about certain topics, talking to people about their experiences can be incredibly insightful and educational.

Until next time,
The Lost Student.