Feminism is a now-global concept and belief system that has an absurd idea that all people are equal. Crazy, right?! Growing every single day, the feminist community has become notorious for social media advocacy. As a passionate feminist, I’m excited to see the movement become increasingly diverse and accepted in a myriad of cultures, countries, and communities. Through our common goal to bring justice to all human beings regardless of race, sex, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, etc., we have touched millions of lives and changed the world in the process.
After reading a recent article here on Affinity titled “5 Signs You Were Meant To Be A Feminist”, I felt unsettled. The overall theme of the article didn’t sit right with me. I fully believe the author of the article intended the piece to be purely positive, but I feel as if it contrasts the very essence of what feminism is supposed to represent as a whole: inclusiveness.
The article states five characteristics in a girl’s childhood that represents that she is “meant to be a feminist.” These qualities include being bossy, not playing house, being a tomboy, etc. In other words, defying the traditional female gender role. This is great, of course. Young girls shouldn’t be held captive to the societal expectations placed on them, and if they decide to reject them, awesome, more power to you! But what about the girls that don’t? Are they “not meant to be a feminist”? The answer is no. We are all meant to be feminists. Yes, you. And me. And your mom, dad, grandparents, friends, cousins, siblings, peers, teachers, distant relatives, and creepy uncles.
Feminism is all about inclusiveness and the ability to make independent decisions; there are no certain requirements or qualities to be a feminist. Girls and boys who defy gender roles are meant to be feminists. Girls and boys who follow traditional gender roles are meant to be feminists. We shouldn’t put restrictions on who is meant to be a feminist. I feel that this article sends the wrong message to anyone learning about feminism.
I acknowledge that everyone’s feminism is different, and I embrace that. Diversity is a vital aspect of feminism, but that doesn’t mean we should be putting limits on who is meant to be a feminist. Therefore I decided to extend the aforementioned list of five to a list of six, adding one more sign that you are meant to be a feminist:
6. You believe that all humans, regardless of background, are equal.
