Feminism: The Struggle for Gender Equality

Hamda KhanTHE SANTA CLARAOctober 23, 2014

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s a self-identifying feminist, I find it troubling that I continuously have to fight the stereotype of a “feminazi.” It is a little unnecessary, considering I have great hair and shave my armpits. Jokes aside, it is exhausting to have men and even some women telling me why they don’t identify as feminists or that they simply don’t believe in feminism.

In popular media, we have Shailene Woodley, a prominent Hollywood actress, dismissing feminism because she doesn’t hate men. Insert cringe. Let’s also not forget my very own male friend who claims sexism isn’t a problem because his mom is a CEO of a big company. Well, one woman made it, so if the rest of us could all stop sitting around knitting socks for our unborn kids, maybe we could make it big, too?

I think it is time we clear up a few things. It’s important to clarify what feminism isn’t. Feminism isn’t the disenfranchisement of women who want to be housewives. It isn’t the oppression of men, and it certainly isn’t the creation of a woman-dominated world.

Feminism, simply put, is gender equality. Feminist theory works to abolish gender stereotypes and create a world where men and women have the liberty to openly pursue any role, free of judgment and institutional limitations.

While Shailene Woodley’s dismissal of feminism sparked a media firestorm, she was not the only Hollywood star to weigh in on the issue.

In an impassioned speech to the United Nations last month on feminism, actress Emma Watson, a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador, took a drastically different stance than her less talented counterpart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-iFl4qhBsE

“I have realized that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating,” she said. “If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop.”

While Woodley’s stance merits outrage, Watson’s courageous stance absolutely deserves the standing ovation that she received in front of the U.N. Assembly.

But one speech in front of the U.N. will not do enough to change the dialogue on feminism.

As a woman, I despise the pseudo-dichotomy that society has dreamt up. Either I am destined to be a mother or a power-hungry career woman.

To quote Taco Bell, “¿Por qué no los dos?”

It is the 21st Century; we need to engage in this critical dialogue, abolish our internalized biases and critique societal expectations.

We all must recognize that sexism is institutionalized. I shouldn’t be paid less for the same job just because I am a woman. If anything I should be paid more because I can do it wearing six inch heels.

All I ask is that as a male you recognize your privilege. Acknowledge that you are extremely lucky and that the world is catered around you.

Understand feminism and engage other men in dialogue. Females, don’t be afraid to own your sexuality, your assertiveness and a thousand pairs of designer shoes because why not?

A woman isn’t just a sister, a daughter or a mother. She is a person.

Hamda Khan is a junior biology major.