I'm Not a Feminist, But...
?? Amy Stokes-Waters
The Cyber Escape Room Co. ? | Security Education, Awareness & Engagement | Experiential Learning | Corporate Events | Non Exec Director | Full Time Feminist | Oh FFS...
It’s FRIDAY! I’m a FEMINIST! And we’re back with a new edition of ? FEMINISM FRIDAY ?! This week, we’re talking about that phrase... the one that makes feminists everywhere do a deep, exhausted sigh: “I’m not a feminist, but…”
Ah yes, the classic disclaimer. Usually followed by something like, “I just believe in equality,” or, “I think men and women should be treated the same,” or even, “I love my husband/son/brother, so I’m not a feminist.” (Seriously, wtf???)
And to that, I say: Sis, you are a feminist... you just don’t want to use the word. Which is ironic, considering that the only reason you can even HAVE that opinion, voice it publicly, and not be immediately dismissed as property of your nearest male relative… is because of feminism.
A Little History Lesson for the “Not a Feminist” Feminists
Do you vote? Thank a feminist.
Do you have a bank account in your own name? Thank a feminist.
Do you drive a car? Own property? Run a business? Got a degree? Wear jeans instead of corsets? Thank. A. Fucking. Feminist. (You're welcome).
Because let’s be real.. without generations of actual feminists fighting, suffering, and pushing society forward, we’d still be legally barred from owning homes, earning money independently, or making choices about our own bodies.
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And if you’re thinking, “That was all in the past, things are fine now” ... girl, firstly... sigh. Secondly, open a damn history book. Or the news. Rights are not permanent. The moment we stop defending them, they get chipped away. Looking at you, reproductive rights.... ????
So Why the “I’m Not a Feminist” Stigma?
Well, let’s be honest... feminism has a branding problem. Years of media misrepresentation, anti-feminist propaganda, and fragile male egos whining about “man-hating” have convinced some women that the label is too "radical". But feminism isn’t about hating men (seriously, find a new argument). It’s about dismantling the systems that limit ALL of us.
It’s also about choices. You know, that thing you enjoy daily because of feminism? Whether it’s the choice to be a CEO or a stay-at-home parent, to wear makeup or go bare-faced, to date men, women, or no one at all... that’s feminism at work.
Own Your Feminism
So, to my “I’m not a feminist, but…” ladies: You don’t have to burn your bras (trust me, I definitely need mine). You don’t have to march in the streets (though, also fun). But if you believe in fairness, if you enjoy the rights you have, if you want FUTURE generations of women to have even more freedom... then congratulations! ?? You’re a feminist. No “but” needed.
Now go forth, say it loud, and wear your trousers with pride. ?
Senior Security Consultant @ Risk Crew | Security Risk Management Specialist
1 周And no tits talking about boobs! yay!
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3 周Hell yeah! Thank you feminists ??
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3 周Yesss - thank you! I can't count the amount of times I've had to try and explain this premise to people, well, women?! I tend to start off with the fact that my 'man-hating' is just a fun hobby, it has nothing to do with being feminist haha. Between this and trying to get my male friends to see how the patriarchy fucks them over too, it gets frustrating but they are necessary conversations. I'd liken the level of frustration to that when I try to get my dad to grasp the concept of privilege.