Feminism still necessary

The word feminism is misunderstood and carries many negative connotations. In fact, men can be feminists, and the movement has gotten us a long way.

For example, without feminism, women would not be in college.

There are a lot of definitions of feminism, but a basic one is “support of equal opportunities for all genders, sexes and religions and a commitment to ending oppression and domination.” It is not just about women’s rights.

Many individuals who uphold these beliefs still refuse to be called feminists because of the negative stereotype or because they think that feminism has already accomplished its goal. Maybe the term is outdated and a new word would be more representative, or maybe a lack of education is the problem. Either way, I urge people to educate themselves and stand up for what they believe in.

I do not believe that feminism’s goals are accomplished, and there are always going to be new ones. For example, Roe v. Wade is constantly threatened, pay is unequal in the workforce between men and women, women are unable to break the glass ceiling (most CEOs are male etc.), same-sex marriage is a constant debate, women and minorities are treated as separate to the main history texts even though they are half of the population that has experienced history, and the list goes on.

Furthermore, what about global issues such as female genital mutilation and bride burning?

If everyone is equal already, then why are people worrying how Palin is going to raise her kids and be vice president at the same time, instead of assuming that the father of the children will take over? The question of how Obama is going to be president and a father is never a logical predicament.

There is obviously still more to be accomplished by feminism. Hopefully, if people stop seeing it as a four-letter word, more can be accomplished.

Sarah Goldbort
IU senior