#YEAR12PROBLEMS

Why feminism is for everyone – not just women

As Emma Watson famously said in her United Nations address, “feminism has became synonymous with man-hating”. And it has to stop.

Feminism is the belief that all sexes are equal and that there should be no prejudice or discrimination against someone because of their gender. At first glance, this looks like it’s all about women. After all, women have been discriminated against (and still are) for as long as we can remember.

For some men, this isn’t enough for them to see that feminism is worthy of their attention. That’s because of the way some women and some men present it. Through the misuse of the term, so many people feel ashamed to label themselves as ‘feminist’. Or when they do, they say, “if feminism means…”, justifying their belief.

However, with this definition I have presented to you, it means feminism can be utilised for everyone of all genders.

In the media, men are constantly presented as having to live up to certain unrealistic standards in the same way that women are too. You’re not a ‘real man’ if you cry or show emotion (see the Daily Mail‘s headline: ‘Why are so many grown men blubbing in the jungle?’) and you’re weak if you don’t have huge muscles. Oh, and you’re pathetic if you haven’t got plenty notches on your belt.

These representations are just as unhealthy as those of women expected to be anorexic to live up to Vogue‘s standard of beautiful.

Transgender people are barely even recognised in the media, government or even on sites where you can express your gender. But only then can you select ‘male’, ‘female’ or ‘other’. This is another way in which feminism is for everyone.

Feminism can be a tool for everyone who needs liberating because of gender prejudice and discrimination.

If the frightening statistic that the highest suicide rate in the UK in 2014 was for men aged 45-49 at 26.5 per 100,000 doesn’t frighten you, what will?

We need people to see that feminism is not an inclusive, militant group. It has been and it still could be. But right now, it’s a movement. A movement for everyone.