Verma's Theory of Feminist Relativity

Bell Hooks once said that feminism is "a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression" (Hooks 1). With such a simple sentence, she harnesses the power behind the belief in feminism. It amazes me that anyone could disagree or not support it. After all, it doesn't say that it is a movement towards equality for women, a movement to end exploitation of women, or a movement to end female oppression. It's implied that true feminists do what they do because they care about all genders. It just blows my mind that there are people who don't think that inequality is an issue in today's society.

The word "feminist" itself has a bad connotation. People see what they consider to be ugly women. They think feminists are fat and aggressive and selfish and anti-male. Let me share a particularly rude post I found on the internet:

It astounds me that anti-feminists choose to ignore those feminists that look like this:

Or (the most attractive in my opinion): 

Like... everybody say a silent thanks right now for attractive men that are politically aware. 

Women with acid burns on their faces.

However, all of this does not go to say that I agree with every aspect of feminism. Do I agree that rape is an issue? Yes. In my own opinion, there is no way that you can spin this rape to say that the woman had it coming. She was dragged off of a bus and raped by 6 men, who also used a metal rod that was used so violently it damaged her intestines. Oh my god. It makes me physically sick. That being said, I think some feminists are picky about what they fight for. I can understand not fighting for something that you disagree with, but if you are going to fight for something, fight for it so that everyone can gain whatever right you are trying to make yours. Do it once and do it right. The part that I disagree with is the fact that people ignore the crazy problems around the world. Right now, feminists in America are concerned with being able to walk around without shaving their legs and having people accept it. I can imagine the replies. Don't you think physical appearances should be accepted? Shouldn't people be comfortable in their own skin? Yes, I do. People should be accepted. But I don't agree with the idea that being forced to shave your legs as a societal norm is the biggest issue around. Where are the masses of feminists fighting to end acid being publicly thrown on women in Pakistan? Read this harrowing story. I would rather have women with shaved legs than those with caustic burns on their face.

The problem is that the loyalty to the movement is relative. The less of an effect it has on someone, the less likely it will be for that person to change the problem. That is my theory of feminist relativity.

Feminism is a complicated movement, but in the end, I believe that it's a good one.

Lyrics of the day: "Oh mother dear we're not the fortunate ones, and girls they wanna have fun!" from Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper (which is literally the best song to dance to and it talks about girls living life the way that they want to).