Feminism...

Ahh, so the "f" word. Feminism. A very controversial topic. One that very easily sparks up heated conversation. So let me start with the Oxford Dictionary's definition of feminism, which is "the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes" so basically having equal rights to men, that is a cause I can understand, but it seems to me that a majority of modern day feminists seem to have forgotten what the original cause was for... Feminists were not men haters - they didn't want men out of their life's, they weren't all lesbians and they weren't out to gain power over men or to create a role reversal, they just wanted everyone to be treated the same, so that we're all equals... We should all be feminists and not let anyone treat us any less than an equal *sassy finger snap*

Before feminism came about in the 19th century, women were treated so horrifically by men, as if they were objects that men had complete control over. But back then it was the norm and not many people thought it was unacceptable and they just allowed the men in their lives to treat them in those ways. So I really respect the women who actually stood up and said that it wasn't acceptable and that women deserve rights too, as they achieved so much and came so far...

Thanks to Feminists:

We have the right to vote

We have access to credit 
There is easily accessible and effective contraception

We can earn a decent wage and can have economic security without needing a husband

There's punishment for husbands who beat and rape their wives, as it is no longer legal to do so

People no longer shun divorced women
We have access to higher education if we wish to do so
There are so many more career opportunities available to us
We can file a sexual harassment claim when treated inappropriately in the workplace

It's illegal to fire women from their jobs if they fall pregnant...

Just read those things and let them sink in. Our life's as females would be so different if feminists hadn't fought for them rights, but we don't know any different in our current generation - we're all too ignorant and take what we have for granted without even realising that we are doing so, which in my opinion is a sad thought.

Every female should be thankful for what feminists have achieved for us women. Looking at how they have effected my life without directly doing so, I for one wouldn't have the opportunity to study at University, I wouldn't have my part time admin job, I wouldn't have been able to have my phone in my name... All of that if it weren't for feminists! They have made our lives what they are today and we have no idea how much they suffered before achieving these rights but they worked hard enough to stop us from having to find out. 

So those extreme feminists you only find on the internet really need stop dragging the word "feminism" in the dirt by complaining about the most pointless things you can think of... They're the reason modern day feminists are laughed at, not because they claim to be a feminist but why they call themselves a feminist. 

Both of the pictures above are ridiculous. How are either of them classed as feminism? 
The first one in my eyes is anti-feminism because she is basically saying she feels bad that men don't cat-call her... I know she probably means for men to stop cat-calling women in general than to start doing it to her, but her reasoning is not because it's degrading to women, but because they don't perv on her and that makes her feel inadequate. Really?
Then the second image is all kinds of stupid and I really hope it's really well photo-shopped or a joke because that is the most ridiculous claim I have ever heard. How are we most affected by climate change!?

Then there is "the women against feminism" which is equally just as sad as the extreme feminists. Do you want to go back to the 18th century when women had no rights? Where your husband could rape and beat you and no one would batter an eyelid? Having a ridiculously low paid job, where the men could sexually harass you how they please and you not having the ability to do anything about it? But it's okay because you have your femininity? Then there's the ignorant ones, feminism is about equality. Not gaining entitlements for being a woman, and not to be superior to men. People really need to do their homework on this topic. 

I, myself believe in equal rights for both men and women, so I suppose that makes me a feminist. However, I let my boyfriend buy me things (only if he wants to do so, ofc), I care about my appearance, I read female magazines, I give in to the female stereotype quite a lot. But that's how I choose to live my life, that doesn't stop me wanting equal rights! 

Sorry for the rant!

Emma xo