Who says I can't wear heels and be a feminist?

Back in the old days (mid-20th century), many women said that women shouldn't degrade themselves by wearing typical "feminine" apparel. This inspired a lot of stereotypes about feminists being pants-wearing, short haired lesbians. Many people thought feminists were just angry and un-feminine.

But, boy, have the times changed! Many feminists (typically 3rd wavers) say wear whatever you want, just realize why you wear it! It doesn't take a highly intelligent person to realize that the reason people do many of the things they do is because society tells them to do it. For instance, I wear make up most days that I go out in public. There's really nothing wrong with it, because I am aware that society tells me I look better with make up on. The same goes for dresses, heels, etc. Ladies, wear whatever the heck ya want! Enjoy yourself! It's nice to feel pretty. But realize that beauty isn't just make up, heels, cute hair, and the perfect dress.

Now, there is a line to be drawn. Most people don't consciously realize when they're degrading themselves. Unfortunately, when many women don't realize the influence of society, they often don't know when to draw the line. Know what I'm talking about? Think "girls gone wild" and mtv trashy movies that put women in a vulgar light. Not okay. Society's influence still needs to be recognized and avoided. Be fashionable, have fun. But ladies, stop degrading yourselves by wearing nothing to cover yourselves.

What does a century change?

Fun Fact: In 1917, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman to be elected into the House of Representatives. However, the 19th Amendment, which established the right of all women to vote, was not passed until 1920. Many people wanted to make it so that Rankin would be unable to vote on issues, despite being elected into office.


Women have been pushing for their rights for a long time. It's crazy to think that it's been less than a century since women even had the right to vote. Still, women still don't have a lot of power in the government. The feminist movement isn't about hating men or about any of all the stereotypes that go along with it. Feminism is about equality.

More about rape...

More and more, people in our society are putting less blame on the rapist and more blame on the victim. Unfortunately, rape isn't a "black & white" issue.

For instance, many people in the United States will say that if the victim of rape was partying or drunk, then she should have been prepared to be raped. Some even go as far as to say that how the girl dresses is a variable in her rape. In a few court cases, the rapist was not convicted because the girl was wearing a mini-skirt. Apparently, if a girl shows to much skin, the disgusting guy that rapes her just couldn't help himself.

Even further, many people will say that if a girl has been previously sexually active, the rape isn't necessarily as serious as if a virgin was raped. Again, apparently if someone has had sex, that means they are fine with having sex with anyone that wants to.

Excuses, excuses. Right? It's an idea that irks me. By saying excuses like these, all it does is launch as into more of a violent culture. Blame must be placed on the rapist, not the victim.

The "Rape Culture"

I was first introduced to the turn "Rape Culture" while reading, again, Full Frontal Feminism. In simple terms, the rape culture means that more and more, society accepts rape and women are forced to adjust to the societal problem. I didn't fully understand what a rape culture would mean until Jessica Valenti described precautions women often take subconsciously to protect themselves from different forms of violence.

Think back, ladies. Do you feel uncomfortable walking through dark streets, whether you're alone or even with a few girlfriends? Do you automatically lock your doors immediately after getting in the car? Do you carry your keys in your hand as you walk to the car?

Sure, these precautions are simple, and maybe they're good things to do to protect yourself. But, it doesn't make it right that most women feel the need to take all of these protective measures on a daily basis. And sure. These precautions do not just apply to rape. Women are often protecting them from all forms of possible violence. But fear is ingrained in the minds of women because of violence is generally accepted.

Excuses, excuses.

I've been interested in Women's Issues ever since I did a research paper in my freshman year over sex trafficking. Just recently, I've had conversations with a few people about why I am so interested in Gender studies. The automatic assumption is that I hate men. Of course, the assumption is stupid, but it's what people want to believe. Why do I care so much about Women's roles? It's because of the brutal treatment of women through acts like Sexual Assault, Rape, and Sex Trafficking.

Many people living in the United States are unaware that Sex Trafficking occurs in America other than in the case of Prostitution. People are simply blind to the fact that Sex Trafficking is a world-wide problem, and that includes the very cities that you live in.

Rape is a completely different issue. We live in a violent culture. It is because of this violent culture that rape is a more and more accepted term. I don't mean to say that people view rape as "okay." I only mean that people are more commonly accepting the fact that rape "just happens." More and more, Women are getting blamed for being raped because of their background or for "letting" themselves getting into situations where they were raped. Excuses, excuses. Rape is not okay, whether the woman is conscious or not. This issue is really important to me, so a new post on this will be coming soon!

A testimony by a stranger

Rape and sexual assault is a huge problem, but it is incredibly overlooked. It is so so so important that issues surrounding sexual assault are talked about. Only 1 in 3 women will report a sexual assault.

A few weeks ago, while I was reading posts on Feminsting.com, I came upon this video that was posted in response to the House vote to defund Planned Parenthood. She tells her story of her rape. It is explicit. It is honest. And it an important account to hear. I thought that, although it is abrupt intro to sexual assault issues, it is important for people to see.

I know it's a long video, but it is the kind of story people need to hear on a personal level more often. Here ya go: