The 'F' Word

A feminist is: “A person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.”

You may have heard this particular phrase in Beyonce’s song “Flawless,” but it was originally spoken by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a women’s rights activist, during her Ted Talk, We Should All Be Feminists.

As I’ve thought about it, I can’t pin the exact moment when I “became” a feminist, but looking back on my life, I think I have always been moved by strong women. My great-grandmother found her husband in the middle of an affair, divorced him (during the 1950s, which was very looked down upon), and raised their three children as a single mother (total badass). My grandmother, being one of those three children, grew up and married my grandfather but later divorced him, leaving her to raise their seven children. With her degree in psychology, she not only helped unemployed people with their resumes and gaining job skills, but was also a part of the National Organization for Women (NOW), the largest congregation of feminist activists in the United States. She gave birth to my mother, the strongest and most sensitive being I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. So, I like to believe that I come from a long line of capable and determined women (not to mention, men too).

The Women’s Rights Movement started in the mid 1800s and the first convention was held in 1848, where a declaration was signed by men and women to set an outline for equal rights for both sexes. But it wasn’t until August 26, 1920 when women were finally granted the right to vote. After this, women’s rights acts are scarcely found in high school history books until we reach the 1960s and ‘70s, when the Feminist Movement arose. During this time, women stood up to sexist work place inequality, such as unequal pay and refusal to access to better jobs. Right now, we are seeing a new wave of feminism, especially with social media playing such a large part, but contrary to what some may believe, the internet did not “make feminism up.” Women have been fighting for equal rights for more than a century and a half, and possibly even longer.

Along with this “new age” feminism that can be observed as you scroll through your Instagram or Twitter feed, there are lot of anti-feminism ‘activists’ that you will come across as well. I’ve seen these people verbally attack feminists, and most of the time their insults are irrelevant to the feminist cause, rather these people choose to attack others’ looks - as if being ‘fat’ or ‘ugly’ is the worst thing you could possibly be.

To be honest, I’m not completely sure why there are so many negative connotations behind the “F” word. If you refuse to call yourself a feminist, why? This is a genuine question, because I really don’t understand the controversy.

Sage Sukut hails from Glasgow and is currently a student at Montana State University. You can read more of her work at sagesukut.wix.com/sloaak