Introduction
Despite being a woman, I do not identify as a feminist. Feminism encompasses various aspects, including women’s rights, gender equality, and the advocacy for women’s social, political, and other rights to be equal to those of men. While some may argue that gender equality has been achieved, recent statistics suggest otherwise. The feminist movement has been active since the mid-1800s, but what has truly changed? In this article, I will summarize the history of feminism and discuss how its approach has evolved over the years, often in ways that I believe are detrimental to society. I will share my perspective and propose more effective solutions to some of the controversial issues the feminist movement addresses.
Brief History of the Feminist Movement
The history of the feminist movement is divided into four distinct waves. The first wave formally began at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, where three hundred men and women rallied for women’s equality, focusing on securing women’s right to vote. The second wave emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 90s, unfolding within the anti-war and civil rights movements, as well as the growing self-awareness of various minority groups worldwide.
The third wave of feminism began in the mid-90s, emphasizing “universal womanhood,” body, gender, sexuality, and heteronormativity. Women of the third wave are known for being strong and empowered, defining feminine beauty on their own terms, and resisting male oppression. A significant event during this wave was the MeToo movement, which campaigned against sexual abuse, harassment, and rape culture. By this point, many goals of the second wave had been achieved, including greater female representation in leadership roles, abortion rights, access to birth control, expression and acceptance of female sexuality, and widespread public awareness and discussion of women’s rights and patriarchy.
Feminism Today and Opinion
The fourth wave is the last stage in which we are today. What sets this wave apart is the fact that the digital era, when the word about the movement spread way faster, easier. The wave started around 2012, and its main event is the Women’s March that took place in Washington DC on January 27th, 2017, with many other marches around the country.
Women in this movement often demand things that some may see as controversial or challenging traditional norms. They assert that women should have the freedom to wear whatever they choose without facing violent or sexual behavior, and advocate for the right to enjoy activities like drinking and partying without fear of harassment or abuse. A key phrase of this movement is “NO MEANS NO,” emphasizing that rapists and abusers must respect women’s boundaries. However, watching “NI UNA MAS” on Netflix, where a girl is taken advantage of after drinking and starts a movement for justice, I feel the approach can be misguided. It suggests women can act without consequences, which is unrealistic. The Book of Mormon teaches “there should be opposition in all things,” reminding us of the world is imperfect, and opposition exists. While I support women fighting for their rights globally—given 2.4 billion women lack equal economic opportunity and countries maintain barriers—our approach can be irresponsible.
I believe that working on the right issues can bring better, and smoother resolutions to society like how to properly punish rapists and sexual harassers and prevent their actions in the first place; how to illegalize child brides; how to secure our reproductive rights. These types of issues that will affect our next generations the hardest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while feminism has achieved significant milestones over its four waves, from securing women’s suffrage and advancing civil rights to challenging gender norms and addressing sexual harassment. It is crucial to critically assess the direction of the movement today. The current wave of feminism emphasizes individual freedoms and rights, but it must also encourage responsible behavior and awareness of consequences. Ensuring women’s safety and equality requires a balanced approach that addresses both societal norms and individual actions.
Feel free to check out my other post: my top 10 favorite books.
RESOURCES
Caprino, K. (2017, March 8). What Is Feminism, And Why Do So Many Women and Men Hate It? Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2017/03/08/what-is-feminism-and-why-do-so-many-women-and-men-hate-it/
History.com Editors. (n.d.). Feminism. History. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/feminism-womens-history
Netflix. (n.d.). Ni Una Más. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.netflix.com/us-es/title/81557682?source=35
Pereira, I. (2023, March 13). Examining Modern Feminism: What the Wave Is Now. ABC News. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/examining-modern-feminism-wave-now/story?id=97617121
Pruitt, S. (2018, March 30). The Waves of Feminism, and Why People Keep Fighting Over Them. History. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/news/feminism-four-waves
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.). The Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 2. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2?lang=eng
Women’s March 2017. (n.d.). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/event/Womens-March-2017
Womankind Worldwide. (n.d.). Women’s Economic Rights. Womankind Worldwide. Retrieved from https://www.womankind.org.uk/womens-rights-facts/#:~:text=Women’s%20economic%20rights,take%20control%20of%20their%20lives