The new F-Word: Exploring feminism at UMass

Get your mind out of the gutter

The F-word can be awkward. It rubs some people the wrong way. It may bring unwanted attention or ridicule. Most small children don’t know how to use it properly. It has the potential to raise questions about one’s morals. It’s 2016. Clearly I’m talking about the word ‘feminism’.

Over the past year ‘feminism’ has become widely popularized in a way most of us haven’t experienced in our lifetimes. Celebrities are no longer hiding from the word but rather embracing it publicly.

Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, and Amy Poehler have all defined themselves as feminists. Taylor Swift and her #SQUAD have created a new image for female friendship. Beyonce and Jennifer Lawrence have both published essays on gender inequality.

Emma Watson is now a United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador and has launched a campaign called HeForShe in order to educate men on how they can help stop gender inequality. The effort has crossed gender lines as male celebrities are now coming forward as proud feminists.

John Legend, Daniel Radcliffe, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and even Bradley Cooper have come forward in the fight for gender equality.

So, much of Hollywood seems to be on board with feminism. We may potentially have our first female president. Massachusetts has a widely respected female senator. There are more women than men in college. And yet, there remains widespread unequal treatment between men and women.

There seems to be a lot of debate over the word ‘feminist’. Some people don’t identify as feminists because it is too aggressive, or whiny, or anti-man. While others proudly identify as feminists in their fight for equality.

I wanted to see where UMass students fell on the spectrum, so I asked some questions. I wanted to know how they felt  about feminism, how they defined it, and whether or not they themselves identified as feminists. Here’s what students had to say:

“In my interactions on campus I find that most students support gender equality but shy away from the title of a feminist due to the negative connotations it carries. However, strictly based on my own personal definition, feminism does not degrade or disempower men, but utilizes men as key players in the movement to support women’s equality.” – Ari

“There’s been vehement opposition to feminism because it’s been purposely portrayed in a very narrow, negative and shortsighted way. Society hates change, even when that change is for the better. But feminism is pretty simple once you get down to to the nitty gritty.

“To me, feminism is simply the belief that men and women are inherently equal and deserve to be treated as such. When we consider that, and forget the stereotypical image of the angry ‘man-hating feminist’ that’s been force fed to us by the media, it’s hard for any half-decent human being to not consider themselves a feminist. So in short, yes…I consider myself a feminist.” -Forootan

Bringing together one half of humanity in support of the other half of humanity, for the benefit of all.

“When people hear the word feminist they envision bitter women who are angry at the success of men. Although I’m in favor of equality for both sexes, I don’t think that’s what feminism is actually represented as today, making it difficult to label myself a feminist.

“I read things about how purported ‘feminists’ have sour attitudes about issues such as the underrepresentation of women in politics, or the slim percentage of women business owners. Women airing their grievances about how men are superior financially is not going to bolster equality in any way.

“If you are a woman who is upset with the fact that there are almost no female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, don’t gripe. If you really want to feel empowered, work as hard as you can. Go get your MBA and be the female executive that you wish there were more of. Prove to not only yourself, but to society that you are capable of something amazing.” -Jane

In fact there are many women in power, such as Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer, who don’t consider themselves feminists due to the word’s “negative connotation”.

“Feminism  is the belief that women are entitled to the same rights, privileges, and treatment as men. For me, feminism must be intersectional and go further than ‘leaning in,’ it should lift up women of all races, religions, and socio-economic classes. I think all women need feminism, without it we will never defeat sexism, misogyny, and societal oppression.” -Shea Kelly

“I feel as though the term ‘feminism’ has been unfairly poisoned by many factors.  I’ve had more success explaining what feminism is without calling it ‘feminism.’  It is the equality of the sexes in all ways.  It’s the right to my own body.  It’s recognizing that my experience as a woman are different than that of someone who identifies as a man.  It’s beyond biological – it’s the cultural experience of how being a woman is socialized.  It’s feeling safe as a woman in this world and not having to worry about the safety of my body.” -Erica

Growing up a middle class white guy I never really had to face diversity. And by “never really” I mean never, really. I was never mistreated or expected to be incapable until I proved myself to be incapable (which has happened more than once).

My personal experience with feminism has admittedly come from a place of privilege. For me it has focused on expectations and behavior. I was raised in a house with a corporate executive as a mother and a stay at home dad who made sure the kitchen was spotless and the laundry was always folded.

My sister was encouraged to challenge herself athletically, while I was able to explore a creative side at my own free will. My extended family is full of outspoken, authoritative women and caring and compassionate men. I have learned that there is no difference in the criteria for a “good woman” and a “good man.” I was just raised to be a good person.

As I grew up I realized that this idea, while valid and something I’m thankful for, is very limited. There is a large part of our population that is mistreated, that has to work harder to prove themselves. They are taught to be polite and keep their ideas to themselves, to limit their ambition.

Through writing this article and seeing what UMass students had to say I realized that the word ‘feminism’ means something different to different people. Some women are concerned with safety, while others are focused on rights and professional equality. Feminism can take all shapes and sizes and cover a multitude of issues.

It seems that there is a consensus on the importance of gender equality. Yet, there is still some confusion on what ‘feminism’ actually means. People have differing opinions because they have differing demands. However, personally, I am a proud feminist.

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