Feminism, Redefined

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Three months, maybe more. That’s how long I had to endure the almost daily harassment from the lunch table across from me. Most days, I wore jeans and a tee shirt, but still, the crass catcalls and comments still poured in from the myriad of boys. No one blinked an eye or even stood up for me, until I stood up for myself. And yet, I’m still asked why I need feminism.

I get asked why a self-respecting LDS woman would want to associate herself with a ideology intent on destroying the family, the Priesthood, and the world as we know it. Even when I convince one individual that “not all feminists are like that,” another three or four anti-feminists rear their angry heads. I feel like Hercules, fighting a never ending hydra of misogyny and hatred. What these women, and men, don’t understand is that feminism is crucial to survival in the socio-political sphere. It’s crucial to true equality. If someone were to ask my why equality hasn’t occurred yet, I would respond, stating that true feminism hasn’t been fully accepted. It’s my belief that in order for true equality to succeed and thrive, that the general public’s perception of feminism must undergo a drastic change.

Feminism recently has been most commonly associated with burning bras and having women become like the Amazons of ancient Greece. The public’s perception of this extreme version of the feminist ideology has been propagated by our love of fanaticism. This distortion of true feminism persuades many men and women alike that in fact, feminism is detrimental to many aspects of the LDS culture, namely, marriage and family and priesthood. However, true feminism is much different than the radical connotation many individuals think about when feminism is brought up. The most true and basic form of this ideology is that true equality is necessary to promote any progress. Wait, true equality? Then why would such a philosophy focus on females, you ask. Much like any other minority group, the rights of the individual are made to match the rights of the privileged. In order to achieve true equality, the historical denial of women’s rights, both socially and politically, need to be identified and rectified. Moreover, since we are still living in a patriarchal society and women are still denied rights, the term “fem“ applies to the true definition, as well as the radical versions. For our society to progress, we have to acknowledge the fact that historical denial of rights has occurred and realize, more importantly, that the more commonly accepted definition among feminists does not include subjugating men and burning bras.

            Because feminism is most commonly associated with the radical version, women’s rights to sociopolitical equality are being denied throughout both the world and the United States. One may argue that the United States and other major developed countries have laws against discrimination, so rights can’t possibly be infringed upon. While laws maybe in place for the protection of women, the denial happens by individuals and often, this goes unreported. Take, for example, the case of a woman being raped. Very few rapes are actually reported, and, as alluded to in the French short film, “The Oppressed Majority,” victims are often patronized and treated with disdain. Another prime example is the social normality of what is acceptable for men and women. If a woman is sexually harassed, she shouldn’t be offended, ‘because he was just complimenting her,’ or ‘that maybe she shouldn’t dress like a piece of meat.’ These examples show that while our society has taken the legal proceedings to protect women, the societal changes haven’t occurred. In the political realm, the same is true. Women in Congress, when taking a stance on a particular issue, are often described as “bossy,” and “______,” while men are called “driven” and passionate.” IN addition to adjectives describing one’s character, women are more often criticized for their decision to run for office, being called “poor mothers and wives.” These examples are overwhelming evidence that feminism is still needed in today’s society. While these denials are prevalent, while challenges to these are often called for, while true feminism is the driving force behind such societal changes, no rewriting of feminism hasn’t been widely accepted by the general public. Why? Because of the continuing negative connotation. If we are to change the sociopolitical denials to unspoken acceptance, then the definition accepted among the world’s population must change.

For a change to take place, several deviations to societal normality must occur.  We, as a society, must be willing to accept that first, feminism is not about destroying the LDS church, the traditional role of women, or any similar social structures. Equality must be recognized and discussed as the main purpose behind feminism, that is, equality for both men and women. Feminism must also be accepted as the driving force behind equal voting rights, equal pay, and equal employment opportunities for men and women alike. In order to truly reach an egalitarian society, in order for true leaps and bounds to be made in the name of sociopolitical progress, feminism must experience a change in connotation, especially in the public’s eye.

            Feminism is an ideology of equality for both genders. It enables women to choose their own path, regardless if it is a male centered one or not. It enables women, and men, to feel strength after sexual harassment and even abuse. It empowers women, giving them the very life breath for sociopolitical involvement.  For this life blood to be fully embraced, feminism requires a drastic change of connotation among the public.