I’m a feminist

I’m going to say something that might make some people roll their eyes and scoff under their breath. Before you read the following statement and form preconceived notions about this article and quit reading, open your mind a little and listen to what I have to say — it might not be what you think.

Here it goes: I’m a feminist.

I know what the connotation of feminism tends to be: an angry woman (or man who feels for the woman) who has felt years of inequality finally wants to be on top, squashing man underneath her feet and ruling the world. But no, that’s not what feminism truly is.

I’m not going to say there aren’t people out there who think that. There are always extremists on both sides.

For example, there are those out there that think men and women should switch places, giving them the opportunity to discriminate against men. On the other hand, there are men who might think women are only good for childbearing, should only speak when spoken to or belong only in the home.

Unfortunately, the extremists tend to yell the loudest, effectively squelching the people just trying to make a difference, leading people to take a stand against something perfectly reasonable.

Feminism merely means standing up for gender equality, accepting that a man can be a stay-at-home dad and a woman can bring home the bacon.

And in the same light, there is absolutely nothing wrong with accepting the role where the woman stays at home with the kids and the man takes on the workforce. Feminism highlights choice.

Essentially, feminism says women can take on whatever role they want to take on, and men can do the same. There’s nothing wrong with a male nurse. There’s nothing wrong with a woman CEO. They should be treated the same as their opposite-sex counterpart should be treated.

Men should not be made fun of for picking a traditionally feminine role and women should not be made out to be weak and unable to handle the stresses of a male- dominated position. And when she does reach that position by showing her strength and ability, she should not be denounced for her methods – the same methods any man would be praised for.

Men can cry. Women can like sports. Men can like romantic comedies and show tunes and not be immediately labeled for it. Women can choose to not wear make-up and high-heels and not be told she isn’t trying hard enough.

I’ve barely scratched the surface of what feminism means. There are many inequalities and injustices women face that men do not, but each one has its own problems.

So, before you denounce feminism, think about what it truly means and what you truly think.

Are you really willing to be led by a man the rest of your life, never making the same amount for the same job and being told what you can and cannot do, wear and say? And men, do you truly think you as a gender are better than woman? We aren’t trying to take over — we’re just trying to dispel the double standards that have so long plagued society.

Leah Sikes is a senior at Oklahoma Christian University and the features editor of The Talon.

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