The Feminist Issue

Feminism. It's a topic that has been getting a spotlight over the past couple of years. As someone who identifies as a feminist myself, I am ecstatic over this. Women and their allies have been fighting for equality for far too long. As a movement that has united women and created such strength, it is unfortunately surprising that there is such debate within the feminist community.

That being said, I do understand that there are many different views when it comes to anything, so why should feminism be any different? True, there are always going to be opposing sides, but at the same time, I feel that it comes to a point when picking sides just causes unnecessary arguments, moving backwards in terms of equality.

Let's take the whole pin pointing celebrities, as an example. Hollywood celebrities are targeted unfairly as it is. If they say one thing that can be interpreted as offensive, then they are publicly shamed and humiliated. The whole industry is sick in that way, taking away the privacy of individuals and turning their image into a marketing tool, rather than the being  of a person. So it's easy to take a self-proclaimed feminist celebrity, and point out everything that could be wrong about them and their beliefs.

Furthermore, why are words like feminism and empowering women used as means for some women to take other women down? Aren't those very words meant to give another power over our own lives? Don't get me wrong, there are times when it is important to use concepts such as feminism and equality to fight...we need to combat issues of sexism and rape culture. However, I see it far too often used as a tool for women to tear apart other women, when it could be used to help empower another.

What's Wrong With Sexy?

Summer is coming up, and that means a lot of short shorts, skirts, tank tops and bikinis. Being able to feel great about your body in those outfits is awesome. There's a lot of media that makes it hard to appreciate your own body. When you're able to wear those skin-showing pieces of clothing, feeling good about yourself, that's healthy. It shows you have a good self-esteem, and that's fantastic.

Unfortunately, not everyone feels that way. Many people find excuses to shame girls for what they wear. And that's part of what contributes to some girls having such a low self -esteem. It's common to make girls who dress like this feel like trash. Sluts. Whores. Skanks. You name it, I'm sure a lot of us gals have heard it all. 

The sad part is, what's wrong with showing off a part of your body you're proud of? I think that if you think you have great legs, you should show them off! Of course, there's always proper situations for that (I don't suggest you do it to an office workplace), but there are also great situations for wear short skirts and shorts too! 

What you wear has nothing to do with self-respect. Dressing a certain way is a form of self expression, and wearing "provocative" clothing does not mean you don't care about yourself. Here are some things that show you care about yourself: standing up for yourself, doing things you love, practicing self care... And it so happens, that wearing certain clothes doesn't take away from any of those things!

Then there are the people who say by dressing this way girls are "asking for it." Wrong! You cannot ask for it. By it I'm referring to things like sexual assault. NO ONE ASKS FOR IT. The only person at fault is the perpertrator. Also, sexual assault has to do with who seems most vulnerable, and who the assaulter can gain more of a sense of power from. It's not about attraction, just power. 

Our society is very flawed. No female should ever have to deal with slut shaming. Being proud of one's body should be seen as a great thing, and not something negative. Don't shame others for their clothing. And ladies, wear what you want and feel great about it. Because you should feel great about how you look. Every single body is beautiful.