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:

Indiana first state to defund Planned Parenthood

A few weeks ago, I did a post discussing the importance of Planned Parenthood and the dangers of what it would mean if Planned Parenthood were to be defunded. As of Friday, Governor Mitch Daniels announced that he would soon be signing a bill that would take funding away from Planned Parenthood in Indiana.

If Planned Parenthood is forced to shut down, services for Women will greatly decline. For many women, Planned Parenthood is the only resource to get proper birth control. Not only does it provide services for women that have no other option, but it is also a great resource for sex education. Indiana will not be the only state defund Planned Parenthood, unfortunately. So, resources for women will be greatly decreased in the coming months.

Here's some more to throw at ya...

Men outnumber women 6 to 1 in top corporate jobs.

Even though the Equal Pay Act was passed in 1963, Women continue to make just 76 cents to a man's dollar, and this average decreases with each kid a woman has.

A few years ago, the UK did a study that showed that women who work outside of the home have better health than stay at home Moms.

Yeah. That's fact.

For the next few days, I will be posting some facts that are important to know. They are taken from Jessica Valenti's Full Frontal Feminism. READ IT for more information.

In recent years, Target and other mega-marts have sold padded bras that are geared towards size 6 and up. Apparently, 6-year-olds need to make themselves look like they've hit puberty.

Fewer than have of all rapes and sexual assaults are reported to the police.

In 2005, the Supreme court ruled that employees can sue when businesses retaliate against them for making sexual harassment claims.

NOW

Feminists have taken great strides since the Women's suffrage movement started, but that doesn't mean men and women are equal yet. There are actually women out there working for organizations to help put justice to economic and social rights for women.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) has been working to get equal rights since 1966. NOW promotes and advocates for issues like Abortion and Reproductive rights, Lesbian Rights, Sex Discrimination, etc.

Check out NOW's website at http://www.now.org/

Stop it with the name calling already...

There are a lot of harsh names out there, and a heck of lot of them are degrading towards groups of people. We all hear people call other people "retarded" multiple times a day. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say, "that's so gay." And believe me, I know I'm preaching to the choir. The issue with calling things retarded and gay are brought up, probably not enough, but at least a decent amount. In recent years, a campaign called ThinkB4YouSpeak has been set up to call the issue to peoples attention. But it's not only members of the homosexual community or people with disabilities who are being harmed by name calling; it's women too.

Think about it. If a guy doesn't want to do something another guy, or girl for that matter, dares him to do, what is the usual response? "You're a wuss." "Quit being a girl" or "Bitch." And on the other side of things, how often are girls called sluts, whores, bitches, etc. All of these names whether it be bitch, slut, whore, girl mean the same thing: girl. The worst thing a guy can be called to ruin his ego is a girl and the worst thing a girl can be called is, well, a girl. How royally messed up is that? And it's not like guys are the only culprits! Women call each other whores and skanks possibly more often than guys call them that! And women often call guys bitches if they draw a line while showing off. It's ridiculous, but it's oh, so true.

This week, I'm going to talk a lot about societal issues that degrade women. Hello, media.

Can Men be Feminists?

Many women think that the word "feminism" should be a word only applicable to women. They think that in order for women to stand together to push for equality, men should not enter the equation. Feminists don't hate men, so why do so many think it's such a big deal that some men refer to themselves as feminists? Some say men should have nothing to do with feminism, and others say men should refer to themselves as "pro-feminists."

Here's my take on it all: Guys, call yourselves whatever the heck you want. I feel it is important that it is not only women seeing wrong in gender issues. Men in feminism, I feel, is pretty important to the movement. Other than wanting a word for yourself, why shouldn't a guy that is knowledgeable on women's issues call himself a feminist when a feminist is simply a person who strives to make right gender inequalities?

Any thoughts? Shout 'em out with a comment!

Let's talk about the ideal woman.

Women have been telling other women how to act for what seems like forever. Granted, it's not like anti-feminists and non-feminists are the only culprits. It doesn't seem to matter whether or not you think women should have the right to be individuals. There are just too many opinions on women. Thoughts on women's rights are always good, but it's time to address the issue that still lies at the heart of things: what should a woman be?

I don't necessarily have the same answer as everyone else, but I strongly believe that a woman should be and do what she likes. Back in the 1800s and early 1900s, a woman was supposed to be obedient and a servant to her hubby and kids. Feminists entered the situation, and women were supposed to be individuals: strong and independent. And now? There is still a huge mix of opinions.

Read about wave feminism on a different page, because here comes the reference. Second wave feminists, although in theory wanted to change the view of women, tend to simply want to shift what a woman should be like. It's like people think that there are only two options: all women should be homemakers, or all women should be independent. THERE IS AN IN-BETWEEN.

Here's my opinion: women should be what they want to be. If you are independent and driven, go ahead and ride the successful, business road. All the power to ya! If, however, you feel the need to take a break from work and be with your kids, that's your decision. Just because a Mom is a stay at home Mom doesn't mean she is defying all other members of her sex. But also, just because you are independent and successful, doesn't mean marriage and and having kids is bad. You can be both, you know?

Feminism shouldn't be about what a woman should be, it should be about what any woman could be.

Discussion can be a lovely and powerful thing

I would love to elaborate more on this subject in later posts, but I would also like other peoples' input before I give my opinions.

Society tells everybody how to act in different ways. It is because of society that many women are interested in fashion, make-up, and all kinds of pop culture. Many feminists would say women should do everything they can to be "liberated" from societal stereotypes. Is it harmful to women to have interests in topics that SOCIETY says are "feminine" subjects (i.e. make-up, gossip magazines, fashion & trends, etc.)? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE feel free to discuss.

Bras are for support, not for burning

Feminists are made fun of all the time. Whether it's the frequent "homemaker" joke or the vague allusion to bra burning, something about calling yourself a feminist threatens people. There are tons of stereotypes regarding feminists. So let's just set those straight right away.

In 1968, a group of feminists protested a Miss America pageant by tossing feminine objects such as bras, make-up, and heels into a "freedom trash can." There was no fire or women stripping their bras from themselves in a radical fit of man-hatred. A simple exaggeration has affected how the world sees women since then. The bra-burning image has been placed with feminists since the pageant and frankly it's just annoying.

Feminists don't hate men. We tend to hate chauvinism, yes. But that doesn't mean we hate all men. Women should be considered strong, powerful members of society. Looking down upon that is not okay. But guys, as long as you are respectful and fail to crack any stupid jokes about aprons and ovens, you'll have the feminist seal of approval.

Feminists aren't hairy, ugly, or unfeminine! This lovely little stereotype is as degrading as the men that expect all women to be homemakers. Saying or thinking these generalizations are defense mechanisms for those that fear feminism.

Enjoy being called a feminist.

There are not enough young feminists out there. In fact, it is rare that I meet a woman my age that considers herself a feminist. Sometimes, I think this is because teens don't necessarily always think a ton about what they believe in. Believing in something comes with time. You have to figure it out. I don't mean this as an insult. I just think when feminism isn't taught as a current movement, girls in high school might not necessarily think to consider themselves a part of the feminist movement.

Feminism is important, and it is important that young women think of themselves as feminists. A lot of girls have strong opinions about women individuality and equality, yet I don't think they ever really match their views to the word feminism. Is the reason that young women fail to consider themselves feminists because of connotations to the word, or because people consider the feminist movement a story of the past and not present?

"It is possible for men to think about nothing." - Jacqui Sheehan

Men and women don't have the same psychological make-up. Women and men are DIFFERENT. Yet, searching for equality among men and women is really important.

There are a lot of talks about chivalry and about treating women right. I am all for feminism, believe me. But I have to throw this out there because of my own curiosity, and also to hopefully get some discussion going (HINT HINT): Can women and men ever truly reach equality when at the heart of things, how we think about things and act on things are very different?

A quick feminist anecdote

About a month ago, I discussed my interest in feminism with my Grandma, Imo Jean. She said to me, "You, know I think I have always been a feminist. Maybe not in the way that you are, but when I was growing up, my dad and my brothers would go out and work in the fields all day. At lunch time, they would come inside and take a long nap before going out again to work. And I always thought that was so unfair because my mother worked all day, just as hard as they would, but she never got a nap!"

My grandma and I probably have some very different views on different women's issues. But I think it's important to recognize that although there are some very different women out there, it is important that women continue to push for change concerning social inequalities.

Planned Parenthood too important not to mention; feel free to discuss

Above, Kate Newman poses for a facebook profile picture to stand with many others that are gathering together in hope that Planned Parenthood funding will not be cut.

Reproductive rights and feminists go way back. I'm not going to talk about anti-abortion and pro choice much, because I think other issues are too important to be jipped due to overwhelming discussion. But this is such a current, important issue, that I felt it had to be mentioned.

In case you didn't know, back in February the House of Representatives voted to cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood, an agency that is known for providing abortion services. Around 330 million taxpayer dollars currently go to Planned Parenthood, but NONE of this funding goes towards abortion services. If the senate votes to cut funding, this will be a huge loss in services for women. Planned Parenthood is not only a great education facility for women, but it provides resources like family planning, cancer screening, and medical and preventive measures for women. This is huge and feminists are a buzzin'!

Preventing Procrastination by Exploring Important Interests

Feminism is awesome, but I'll get to that a little later. In case you don't know me or what this whole site is, I felt the need to do a little explaining before it all begins. I am currently in a Humanities class at PMHS that requires each student to do a long term, 9-weeks project based on an era of time in a specific discipline. For my last project of the class, I used my strong interest in womens' issues to create a self based project: this feminist blog. I will be focusing a lot on current issues but I will also try to provide a primer to the historical movement that unified women in the first place.

As you read through posts, you'll find that a lot of ideas discussed have a lot of my own opinion. This cannot be helped, seeing as not everybody (maybe not even you) agree with the ideas associated with feminists. Feel free to discuss through comments on this page! Discussion is good, especially when it comes to feminism. So read up, and be prepared to have an opinion.