Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Modern Day Feminism

Firstly I wanted to give thanks to my viewers and those following! We reached over 100 views just before the first week anniversary! This is a huge accomplishment for me and it’s a true testament to myself, that what I’m doing is worth it.  

I had been thinking about how this blog metastasized into this unique channel to discuss feminism and the thought occurred: Just what is modern day feminism? Or who are modern day feminists? 


Mega music star Beyoncé used the terminology in a recent interview:

Beyoncé is a singer, actress, businesswoman and mother, and in a new interview, the multi-talented 31-year-old calls herself a "modern-day feminist." "I do believe in equality. Why do you have to choose what type of woman you are?" she (Beyoncé) told the British version of Vogue.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beyonce-calls-herself-a-modern-day-feminist-20130403#ixzz2jQSyZESO
But I questioned, do I even consider Beyonce to be a modern day feminist, or was that her own ill chose label..

In my last post I discussed the transformation feminism or the symbols and individuals that represent the ideology have transformed, and what it currently is for my generation. Feminism does have an overarching definition but throughout time, like all things it has evolved into three waves. But I haven’t truly taken the time to give fair discussion to what modern day feminism is, and what that phrasing incorporates that differentiates from good ole’ feminism.

I sort of see feminism as two ways in this current day and age. You’re standard stuck up white, baton-up-her-ass, old woman that sort of embodies old feminism but might allow some components of modern feminism in her thought process. 

And then you have the bitchin, fairly rude, sexy, I- don’t-need-no-man-don’t-want-no-man, modern day feminist who wants to debate and fight you on every bloody point they find to be right. I’m not saying this is the only modern day feminist you’ll find but a large portion of women seem to have taken the ideologies of feminism and transformed it into this taking up of arms, and bickering of “Oh I don’t need a man.” “Fuck patriarchy.” Or the lovely hashtag that I've noticed in passing other modern day feminist blogs…#killallmen. I wish I could say I was lying but feel free to search the hashtag and shake your head in disgust of these particular individuals.
That’s simply never what feminism was about; whether it is modern day feminism or classical; it’s all defined the same as the upliftment and power of women, NOT at the expense of degrading men.  Yes we were originally fighting oppression that was generated at the hands of men but that doesn't mean we start degrading and disrespecting in return.


The movement was started, at least in the Western world out of women’s suffrage; simply trying to get small rights like: women having reproductive rights instead of producing children every 9 months, being able to actually go to the police and not get kicked out on their ass when they explain to authorities that there spouse just beat or sexually assaulted them. (Both topics still needing severe ratification; 1 in 4 women have and will experience domestic violence usually at the hands of a spouse or intimate partner. Furthermore many countries still don’t recognize spousal/marital rape as actual rape.)  I mean arguably that’s where most feminist movements throughout the world regardless of region start; women attempting to get control of their own bodies; of their body’s reproduction and receive some level of respect.


I think the bigger issue at hand is what are feminist of today, modern day feminist fighting for? What is there cause exactly? Because all I notice is a whole bunch of arguing on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, about topics of no merit, like why women shouldn't make sandwiches anymore. It’s not about any unity or coming togetherness and it leaves me questioning what kind of feminist I fall under; by default I’m in the third wave (feminism is sectioned off in three waves, identifying time periods and struggles throughout) but do I truly want to be classified as a modern day feminist?

I’m not here to fight to the death about my opinion; I’m simply here to offer it. To discuss women’s worth, and if along the way I can offer a glimmer of light or finally allow a woman to realize she’s more than her lady parts, that’s great too.
Team Women

Team Humanity

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