Feminism

I am probably not the best qualified for writing on a subject such as feminism but I've found that it is a topic which has become much more important to me since beginning university. It's probably a term that you have come across before, but will find being used more frequently now you are at uni. 

Feminism means different things to different people, this is something I have learnt. Like most terms, its meaning has changed with the society in which it has been used in, and it means something different now than it did 20 or so years ago. I would refer to feminism as the movement for the equality of the sexes. This means that if you refer to yourself as a "feminist" you believe that both sexes should be equal to one another, in all areas.

Dapper Laughs has been in trouble recently, with ITV dropping his show due to public complaints over him being sexist.

It's not hard to understand why we need feminism. The wage gap, and number of women in high powered jobs, shows the difference between men and women in the workplace, but there are many other areas in which one could say that women and men are treated differently. Feminists often call for a thing called the patriarchy to be brought down. A patriarchy refers to a society run by men for the needs of men. They believe that we live under double standards and unfair expectations because of the perceived difference between men and women. 

Feminists don't have to be female. They can be of any sexuality. They don't have to believe that women are better than men, only that we are, and should be treated as, equal. (This is something I have come across a lot too, people thinking that feminism means hating men. That's not the case at all. If feminism was about hating men that would make feminism about men... It's not. It's about equality).

If you are interested in why feminism is important the web is a great place the start. There are lots of twitter accounts, Facebook pages, websites and blogs which speak about feminism and can help you learn even more. "@EverydaySexism" documents, via tweets, sexual harassment & assault experienced by everyday normal women, helping women to know they're not alone. You've probably all been catcalled or had someone slap your bum, @EverydaySexism tweets other womens experiences, and your own (just @ them or #everydaysexism). "Whoneedsfeminism.com" asks exactly that. They take in submissions from people all around the world voicing their reason for needing feminism. 

These are two great web pages to start looking at if you are interested, want to know more or have a question which has gone unanswered.

Finally, although these are the things that I have come to learn about my perceived feminism, feminism can be a very personal and individual thing. Just like other things in the world, not everyone believes the exact same thing. Although the basis and premise may be similar, there are many branches and different ideologies, just like anything else. Bare that in mind when reading anything or speaking to anyone. It can be a case of opinion, so don't be discouraged if someone does not wholly agree with you, or has a different idea altogether.