Forward: When I even think about writing this and getting my point across, my head starts to hurt.
My favorite youtuber, Cartia Mallan, recently posted a video where she mentions something she is really passionate about. Something that not many people agree with, and many find hypocritical for her to believe in. Hypocritical because of her many acts as an open feminist and strong female activist.
The topic is men’s rights.
Now this post won’t really make sense to you if you don’t know that I am a feminist. I like to think that, to some extent, I’ve always been one, and always will be.
Now this post also won’t make sense if you still believe feminism means “the belief that woman are above men.” And in that case, here’s an amazing life lesson that I hope you will never forget. Feminism: the belief that females are equal to males.
Back to the rights for men.
Over the past century, females have gone through many stages of feminism. The first wave of feminism in America was led by Susan B. Anthony in the fight for woman’s suffrage. (btw women’s suffrage mean female’s right to vote not women suffering. I learned that in the 3rd grade after screaming “End women’s suffrage!” when my mom asked me what I learned at school that day.)
Then to the 60’s and 70’s when women started fighting for equal rights in the workplace. Before this, women were only valued in the office as coffee makers and secretaries. (one of my favorite shows, That Girl, season five really touches on this- highly recommend.)
Fast forward to current feminists, fighting on a more open topic of equal opportunities for all females.
You’re probably wondering what men have to do with this post… I’m getting there.
In our society and current generation, the world is full of amazing female powers who have truly changed the look of what it means to be a feminist today. Still upholding the same beliefs that the nasty gals before us held, but with a more open way of expressing and sharing it with the world. The amazing number of strong, independent females is so empowering and uplifting to the younger generation, us, the future.
But with all of the female empowerment, the equality can be lost. As a feminist, I fight for equal rights for ALL. For women to be the lawyers and doctors and to be able to pay for a meal for her boyfriend. And for men to be creative and open about who they are, who they love, and who they see themselves as.
I am so blessed to be a female and I would never change that. As females in this world today, so many of us are empowered and actively trying to empower others. In the case that we ever feel a sense of doubt in ourselves or what we want to be, we have so many amazing and uplifting females to fall on.
I feel that the current generation of men don’t have the same ability in many cases. Most men feel closeted to focus on a more business driven career, become family-men, and live this life to uphold the standard. As Feminists and as People, we should be a constant reminder to everyone that it’s okay to be different. Let’s not end the empowerment with just females.
One of my favorite feminists, Leslie Knope, said it best “You’re ridiculous and Men’s Rights is nothing.” But she also said this “If you wanna bake a pie, that’s great. If you wanna have a career, that’s great too. Do both or neither, doesn’t matter. Just don’t judge what someone else has decided to do.” That statement isn’t just for females, it’s for everyone.
If you take anything away from this post, let it be this; be the person in the world who inspires someone to be themselves and to chase their passions in life.
Here’s to seeking and sharing positivity and all the love that comes along with it.
FAB
Philippians 4:8
★faith anne b★ 