syntaxandsalt.com

I am a feminist for so many reasons, not the least of which being I am human and I have rights and privileges that so many do not, regardless of their sex. When I tell others that I am a feminist the reaction is often, “Well, of course you are.” It took me awhile to realize what they mean is it is easier for me to be a feminist. I am white, well educated, well employed and there isn’t anyone directly threatening my livelihood as a result. Speaking frankly, this probably isn’t far off the mark. I do not have to fight day in and out to receive equal pay. In fact, I am paid as well or better than many of my male counterparts.  Many women still are not working under the same conditions. Until every human being is genuinely weighed by his or her ability, fairly and objectively, in every country, I will consider myself a feminist.

Women in the United States have only been allowed to vote for 91 years. That is a staggeringly short period of time. There are women alive today who were born without that right. There are still regions in the world where women cannot participate in elections that directly impact their health, safety and wellbeing.  I am a feminist because I cannot fathom not being able to make myself heard when I choose to do so.

I am feminist because in this country, where I am able to vote, many decisions regarding women’s health, safety and rights are consistently under attack, often by wealthy, privileged men. More concerning, the issues are considered minority issues. As if womanhood is not so much a sex, but a whole other less worthy category. I am feminist because the idea that my genitals make me less valuable even still in 2011 rankles beyond measure. Women comprise 51% percent of the world’s population and it goes without saying that women’s issues are human issues.

I am feminist because I have survived rape and abuse and shame along with one quarter of the female population in the United States. I am feminist because my clothing options, body-type and color of lipstick do not in any way mean that I am “asking for it.” I am a feminist because 10,000 MSU fans at a sporting event booed two women brave enough to hold up a banner protesting the university’s lack of action regarding two students who assaulted a woman on campus.  I am feminist because every time a woman is silenced or ignored when she is assaulted it affirms our suspicions that we are still less valuable. I am a feminist because rape might invoke feelings of outrage but rarely does it shock us.

I am a feminist because women are still property. It is shameful and terrible that women and children can be considered  so valueless in some countries that they are sold for sex or work or to pay bills. I am feminist because subjugating women is an old trick that damages men as well as women.  I am a feminist because women are still considered the weaker sex, as if there has to be one, rather than strive for equality. I am a feminist because this weakness is spoonfed from birth and then grossly used against us to keep us in line.

I am a feminist because feminizing a man is the surest way to insult him in any culture. I am a feminist because women hurl the same insults at each other. I am feminist because pussy shouldn’t mean weak or small or unworthy or any of the other demeaning connotations it has been given.

I am a feminist because I am a mother to one boy and one girl. They each face unique challenges based on their sex and already they understand that there is definitely a difference. One day someone will try to make it clear to them that one is better than the other and it is vital to society as a whole that our children do not base their value on whether or not they have the right parts. They already face inordinate challenges insofar as maintaining their feelings of self-worth.

I’m a feminist because a huge percentage of the people on this planet, male and female, young and old, rich or poor, are not able to speak for themselves or for others without fearing ridicule, displacement, excommunication, or even death. I’m a feminist because there is nothing shameful about loving your fellow person, whether they share your beliefs or not. I believe that being empowered to work towards the betterment of humanity comes with the responsibility to do so. I am a feminist because empowering women does not mean subjugating men.

Lastly, I am a feminist because of every woman who fought, especially those who fought and lost. For every woman who is recognized in the battle for equality there are many women who are pushed down, backed down, threatened, fired or silenced in some fashion.

http://michiganmessenger.com/42253/msu-sexual-assault

http://shakespearessister.blogspot.com/2011/07/photo-of-day_25.html?ref=nf

Summer is sweet.  

because sometimes purging is the best.