It is remarkable what can be learned when we simply take the time to listen to each other.
In my previous column, I addressed the role females play in the workforce, as well as potential reasons why women are still not on an equal playing field with male competition.
Toward the end of this article, I concluded that I support equality for all. I also stated I am not a feminist.
A wonderfully enlightening email from a reader explained to me the true meaning of feminism, which is something that should be embraced by all.
As defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, feminism is “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.”
This is the raw definition of feminism, and there is nothing impractical or radical about it. It is not the male-hating, bra-burning, outrageous concept some may have pictured.
To quote praised feminists Cheris Kramarae and Paula Treichler, “Feminism is the radical notion that women are people,” according to The Feminist eZine.
Why is it that so many seem reluctant to embrace let alone even understand feminism? Perhaps it is the typical, “fear of the unknown” concept, but I believe it is much more complex than that.
The modern day has engraved a very twisted image of the “ideal woman” into our minds. Not to say that the same has not been done for men, but the magnitude it has reached with women is extreme and inescapable.
Yes, even in 2011, the majority of the media portrays women as sex objects, inadequate if they do not conform to a certain look or answer to men’s needs. It is a disease that has taken over everything from TV shows to music lyrics.
It is an epidemic. This image of females subconsciously held by many, although seemingly harmless, has also placed women second to men.
It is a degrading image, and one that will not be easily erased over time. Feminism just may be the answer to what this world needs.
There are many widely supported and sophisticated organizations working toward a society more accepting of the female sex.
“The Feminism Majority Foundation was created to develop bold, new strategies and programs to advance women’s equality, non-violence, economic development, and, most importantly, empowerment of women and girls in all sectors of society,” according to the Feminist Majority Foundation website.
Feminist groups are not only supported by typical, working class civilians, but also by a wide range of celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon and Jay Leno — yes, a male.
If feminism legitimately served as an anti-male philosophy trying to place all power into the hands of women, I sincerely doubt so many men would support it.
The truth is, any educated man who supports equality could and should call himself a feminist. There is nothing bizarre or intimidating about a world where each sex is viewed in the same light and given the same amount of deserved respect.
How would any other way of living be satisfying or sufficient, let alone fair?
Everyone has their own prejudices, whether conscious or subconscious. The only way to work toward overcoming them is by education, and facing each day with an open mind ready to explore new possibilities.
I let my own prejudices define the term “feminism” without exploring its true meaning myself, and now proudly declare myself an active feminist.
Contact Isabelle at inovak@asu.edu.
