Madison Rathburn

September 28, 2015

UWRT 1102

The Other F-Word

I debated for several days on whether or not to write this paper about a feminist
question. The possibility of unapproving looks from my peers, judgment from my professor, and
the fear of being negatively labeled all crossed my mind. However, these were specifically the
reasons I chose to write about and research feminism. When did feminism become a bad
word? When did the label feminist translate to mean an angry, bra-burning, hairy, masculine
woman who cant find a husband? When did society begin to view these supporters of equality as
advocators for a matriarchy fueled by hatred for men?
In order to understand the misconceptions of feminism you need to know what feminism
actually is. There are many different forms of feminism but all forms tend to agree on a set of a
few basic rules. The first being that women and men should be equal before the law and valued
equally by society. Feminism, as defined by Merrium-Webster dictionary is the theory of the
political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. This in itself disproves most of the lies
society and social media spread about supporters of this cause. Feminism at its roots is exists
solely to promote womens rights and to raise awareness of their inequality. At no point in
history, from womans suffrage to what we know now as modern-day feminism has the feminist

agenda been to raise above men and create a society that oppresses the male population.
However, the idea that feminism is bad for men still manages to creep throughout society like
an intrusive weed.
Five Ways That Feminism Has Ruined America from Phyllis Schlafly
1. It hurt marriage. Women want to wait so that they can keep their identities longer and men are
finding easy sex, taking away a big reason for marriage.
2. Undermines child rearing. More kids are in childcare where discipline is lax resulting in a
"epidemic" of bad kids, childhood obesity, and bullies.
3. Two-income trap. With both husband and wife working it's hard to live without life's luxuries.
4. Undermines college sports. Title IX has ended many male-only sports at some colleges
5. Emasculates men. It's better to be a wuss than speak up or mouth off and face charges of
harassment or chauvinism.
This is a list comprised of the reasons of how author Phyllis Schlafly says feminism is is
ruining modern-day America. Last time I checked it was okay for women to want to be
independent, have a career, or play sports. In fact it should be a womens basic human rights to
be able to participate and strive in these areas of life without scrutiny. Why is it that women are
being put down and judged for being successful in areas that men are most often congratulated
in? Why is it that we care if a man is emasculated because he has to shut his mouth but we dont
worry about the womans sense of security or worth when men are catcalling at them? Why is it
assumed that it is the mothers duty to leave work and care for the child, and if she doesnt why

does it become her fault that the children are sent to daycare? Why isnt childcare viewed as an
equal partnership, like it should be?
The second widely agreed on feminist ideal is that there are changes in the law and in
society need to be made to ensure a better life for women. However, this cannot happen when
women are being so heavily underrepresented in governments all over the world. Rwanda is the
only government out of over 200 countries globally that is dominated by women, having 55
percent of their parliament comprised of women. The Unites States falls short, currently having
only 17 percent of seats in congress being held by women. Only 11 countries have elected a
woman as head of state, of course, the U.S. is not among those nations.
The third common agreement is that violence and repression against women worldwide
needs to end. Unfortunately, I could write an entire paper focusing only on this section. The
statistics on violence against women are both plentiful and horrifying. One in every five women
has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape. Every nine seconds a woman is assaulted
or beaten. One in three women have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner. 83
percent of girls in the United States ages twelve to sixteen have experienced sexual harassment
in public school. I could continue this list for pages. If there was no other reason for me being a
feminist, standing up against violence against women would be it.
The final agreement is that women need to support each other's decisions and cultural
differences, and stand together as sisters. Zena Agna, a self-proclaimed Islam Feminist who gave
a TED talk about her experiences with the Islam culture and her feminist beliefs said,The best
way to unknit patriarchy once and for all is to inspire other women so that they walk straight and
with their shoulders squared. How are we supposed to inspire eachother in the name of
feminism if feminists are being slandered? How will we inspire young girls to stand up for

themselves and their rights if the celebrities that they look up to continue to spread
misconceptions about feminism? Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, and Lady Gaga have
all openly said that they are not feminists. By saying that you are literally agreeing that you and
all women shouldnt be equal to men. This is not only astounding but it is truly disappointing.
When actress Shailene Woodley was asked if she was a feminist she said, No because I love
men, and I think the idea of raise women to power, take the men away from the power is never
going to work out because you need balance. The heavy influence these a-list celebrities have
on the media help spread misconceptions about feminism. The first and only female Prime
Minister of Britain, Margret Thratcher, who should be a raging feminist who helps to use her
position to inspire women openly says, The battle for womens rights has largely been won. The
days when they were demanded and discussed in strident tones should be gone forever. How
can she say that when out of the 73 past prime ministers only one of them has been female?
Now that you know what feminism is, I want to tell you what feminism is not. Feminism
is not the belief that women are superior to men. Feminism is not the hatred of men. Feminism is
not ignoring male oppression. It does not say that you cant be a housewife and be feminist. If
does not exclude women who are feminine. Feminism is simply just the belief that men and
women should be socially, politically, and economically equal.
There are a lot of misconceptions and confusion about what feminism is. I want to learn
at what point this concept of equality started to be bashed with lies. Feminism is and will always
be a huge part of who I am and will continue to influence how I live. Feminism is simple, it is
the way that human being should be treated, as equals.