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Monday, April 1, 2013

"I Need Feminism Because..."

I really fucking hate that statement. "I need feminism because..." I don't give a shit! Everyone needs feminism. I understand that this is a great consciousness raising exercise, but don't confuse it for activism. It isn't. Activism is saying "Feminisms need me because..." Because let's face it, when you say "I need feminism because" it sounds like you want some magical force Feminism to make things better for you without actually doing anything. Also, what we need are comprehensive and protected human rights and a basic sense of human dignity and respect to be upheld.
*Side note: I also hate that it hegemonizes feminisms and to an extent.
We need to be focusing on how we can further feminisms and make those needs and dreams realities. Basically, stop bitching. Bitching is when you complain about things without trying to solve the problem. That is what this phenomenon promotes. If it had a focus on how we can get the things we need, it would be brainstorming or ranting. Maybe if the phrase went "I Need Feminism Because...and this is how I plan to get it..." I would be less annoyed.
I have also compiled a list of "Feminisms need me because..."
...because "I'm not a feminist but..." still exists
...because there is constantly confusion as to what feminisms are and what they do and who feminists are
...because Sarah Palin shouldn't be able to claim herself as a feminist
...because feminists, especially young ones, are getting shit for just sitting around and complaining and not taking action
...because the "angry feminist" stereotype still exists
...because feminisms need to be diverse
....because it isn't fair for feminisms to be expected to be all-inclusive, all the time in everything that feminists write.
...because having a woman in the public sphere shouldn't be seen as having "diversity"

I understand that this is a more controversial post and that not everyone is going to agree with me. This is simply my opinion. Raising consciousness through social media campaigns is a lovely first step to activism and a necessary part of feminisms. Consciousness raising is not the end goal of feminisms; changing the social structure of patriarchy and fighting for gender/sex equality is. We won't get that just by talking about it.

1 comment:

  1. I think you are being extremely rude. Creating change is raising awareness and by you attacking a campaign like this is not educational.

    When we talk about wanting to create change, we need to make sure that it comes from of place of love and patience.

    You are creating a space where only your opinions and ideologies are right. Guess what? We all have the same goal, but different ways of getting there.

    Please stop acting like you are the only one with the right answers. Being a feminist also means that you help others grow and see your point of view. You are being condescending, instead of challenging in a positive way.

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