We often tumble across this question, “Are you a feminist?”
and I feel proud in saying that Yes I am. I believe in equality among men and
women. God made men and women different which should be respected and
appreciated but not to be marked as weakness of any one of both the sexes. People
generally are very skeptical in getting related to this word and opt not to
express on this subject yet it remains an important part of our daily lives. Lets
brisk ourselves with the real Feminism and let’s not be afraid of this.
Many of you might not be aware that the word “Feminism” was
born on the lands of France and achieved worldwide magnitude around 1900s.
Around then, women were casted as a weak race meant for child birth and
household chores. This theory brought a radical change in the thought process
of both men and women, raising their voices on the forever on-going inequality
on women and thus the revolution caught up speed. This was the first wave of
this ocean that hit us all and I feel this was the best thing that humans
witnessed. However the revolution brought with it another set of group with
agenda “We hate Men”, with female members who were badly oppressed voicing out
their hatred against men. An epic event in New York took the world with a shock
when a small group of women bought tickets to a pageant show with banners
reading “WOMEN’S LIBERATION,” and shouting “Freedom for Women” and “No More
Miss America,” hereby exposing the public to an early second-wave feminist
agenda.
The best take out from the second wave of Feminism was that
this era focused on the notion and interests of all the oppressed groups:
women, blacks and homosexuals yet hatred for men grew along. Well to be true I
am not a fan of this radical movement as I strongly believe it is based on
irrational vitriol on all men. By basic definition, Feminism means political,
economic and social quality of the sexes and not one sex even if the same sex
has been oppressed for ages known to mankind. It just does not make any sense
how you can be unequal when equality is the actual agenda on hand. I feel this
was the era when Feminism lost its essence.
In an interview, Sharon Stone was quoted: “The more famous
and powerful I get the more power I have to hurt men.” Another quotation from
famous author Marilyn French “All men are rapists, and that’s all they
are.”
Is this what Feminism mean? Per me these sad presentations
from such pivotal women portrays disturbing sentiments. I guess the real
problem with the theory is it exploits the legitimate claims of equality as a
blanket for neurotic interests. We have a right to anger if we are oppressed
but we cannot turn anger into rage because that is meaningless. I would never
ever think of a life without my loving husband, my darling father and my loved
brother rather I would teach my kids about equality of all irrespective of sex,
color and religion. We are just as strong as men yet we need them to escort us
when we are alone as men are potential rapist. Blaming does not help solve the
concern. The best medication is imparting right education to our kids so that
no female has to go through a rapist.
I have experienced inequality during my childhood at the
hands of my grandparents, when my brother was allowed to play cricket and I was
asked not to because it’s a boy game. However small this act was but it builds
in when added with many more examples. I feel I was blessed to have parents who
stood up for me and allowed me to go out and explore life. Having so many
friends who had a list of do’s and don’ts from their parents, my life turned
out a blessing. I wonder how come people have become so comfortable living in this
menace and choosing not to talk. I feel talking generates change and it should
be a healthy part family conversations.
Today we have entered the era of modern Feminism and I am a
firm believer and a supporter of this. This the age where both men and women
flaunt their femininity to seek global perspectives. I feel proud in creating
alliances with blacks, lesbian, gay, bi and importantly all religions. We have
amazing women leaders like Malala Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Nobel Prize
laureate who does not blink without quoting “Extremists have shown what
frightens them most: A girl with a book”.
Very rightly said by this young revolutionary, education
grows you as a person. For me, Feminism means being human to one and all. An amazing
movement launched by British actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma
Watson to give a new face to equality called HeForShe. This project
brings forward a new concept where men need to take up the mantle of speaking
against inequality. Her speech gave me a sense of pride that if this 24 year
old can arouse new meaning of Feminism in modern age then what is hampering us
in walking away from this peril.
Feminism is beyond the borders of race and
color. Appreciating it not as a threat and as an opportunity only can take us
forward in creating a safe and comfortable home for all.
For all those
interested, here is the link of Emma Watson’s speech on HeForShe campaign. It is
worth watch and definitely to be absorbed in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-iFl4qhBsE
