A friend of mine recently posted a Gordon B. Hinckley quote about how wonderful women are with a comment that was something to the effect of, "We don't need feminism because I know my worth!"
I sat and blinked at my phone screen.
She and I both come from a religious tradition that has included statements from church leaders given over the pulpit about the evils of feminism. She and many of my sisters in the gospel feel that feminism is unnecessary. You know, because of our inherent worth.
When I told
Erica about my friend's post she said, "I'm so happy she knows her worth but sadly that doesn't stop sex slavery."
To the women who think we don't need feminism because your life is just dandy- this isn't about you.
You were given an education. You can
drive a car. You can choose who to marry. You have access to birth
control. You can get a divorce.
You have legal recourse if you are raped or abused. You were not
aborted simply because you were a girl.
But millions of your sisters around the world are not so lucky.
They need feminism. I need feminism. We all need feminism.
I'm so tired of people proudly declaring that they're not feminists. Because unless you are in favor of selling underage girls into sex slavery in Thailand, you
are a feminist. If it bothers you that women in the middle east have acid thrown in their faces because they dared to learn to read and write, you are a feminist. If you think women deserve to vote, you are a feminist. If you think rape is never justified, you are a feminist.
It has
nothing to do with bashing men and everything to do with basic human rights for all people.
I am a feminist. It bewilders my husband a little bit but I know that he's actually a feminist too. He just hasn't made his peace yet. He'll get there. Maybe you will too. You don't have to wear a scarlet F around and I promise you can keep your bra. Just be aware that your privileged situation is not universal. Maybe read
Half the Sky. Don't laugh when someone makes a joke that demeans women. Make a micro loan on
Kiva to a woman who is trying to pull herself out of poverty. Don't
slut shame.
Come to the feminist side. We have pie! And basic human rights. It's a win/win.
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