Let’s cut to the chase: it’s 2016. I’d like to think we all know that feminism isn’t bra-burning, man-hating, lesbianism. It’s truly about equal rights as women, independence, and strength. The subjects in between are all up to the individual woman. And for the sexy ladies out there who question their stand on feminism because they like to give oral sex and wear lipstick, yes: you are still a feminist. And there isn’t a single thing wrong with it.
In a recent interview with Time magazine, the Fault in Our Stars lead actress Shailene Woodley gave her take on feminism. When asked the question, “Are you a feminist?” she promptly replied, “No, because I love men, and I think the idea of ‘raise women to power, take the men away from the power’ is never going to workout because you need balance.”
When I read that Woodley stated this, I was baffled. How can a woman be so ignorant to modern feminism? I then realized that a lot of women continue to think that feminism is that bra-burning, man-hating concept. The same concept I thought was extinguished decades ago.
I think it’s interesting that a lot of women and girls believe that if they want to make-out with their boyfriends, they aren’t a feminist. Or if they wear make-up and shave their legs, they aren’t a feminist. Let’s be honest, women have naturally hairy legs too. As a woman who is in a three year relationship with a man, I know what it’s like to question if I “qualify” as a feminist. But let it be known that I do, and there is such a thing as sexy feminism.
In fact, there is a recently published book called Sexy Feminism: A Girl’s Guide to Love, Sex, and Style by Heather Woof Rudolph. The book describes how women can use their own style of feminism to do what they chose to in life (i.e. wearing a mini skirt because your butt looks good). Bitch Media, a website hosting feminist articles, had a different opinion. In a nutshell their opinion had separated the word “sexy” and “feminist” and looked at the title as more of a feminist that just happens to be sexy. That putting “sexy” in front of any name for a woman feels “off,” and it takes away the idea of strength, independence and perseverance. I disagree with that case.
Feminism to me is the freedom to chose how you want to live as a woman. How you want to be, act, dress, talk, and feel. So in this case the term “sexy feminist” means having this freedom while also wanting to embrace your sexual side as a woman. Don’t be fooled to think that a woman can’t be intelligent, independent, brave, and also sexy at the same time. Because we can.
So next time you get up in the morning and happen to love yourself that day, remember that wearing a crop top and putting on mascara doesn’t make you any less of a powerful woman. It is merely exercising your right to be who you want to be as a woman because you can. Sexy. Bare. Beautiful. Horny. You are still a feminist.
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