"Feminists are just fighting for things they already have," a close--and who I had previously considered to be quite intelligent--male friend stated. Unfortunately, this mislead opinion isn't an uncommon belief when it comes to discussing the feminist movement.
From the ratification of the 19th Amendment on August 26, 1920 that gave women the right to vote to the most recent victory on January 2nd, 2016 allowing females to serve in any military position, there is no question that women have made tremendous achievements in gender equality since their battle first begun.
So if women have gained these rights, why the hell do we still need feminism?
16 Reasons We Still Need Feminism
1. Because there are still women who believe they don't need to be a feminist.
2. Because some people actually believe females already have equal rights.
3. Because males think that feminism doesn't include them...
...but they still feel like they have the right to voice their opinions on what they think women should and should not do.
4. Because people still ask a woman if she's on her period when she shows her emotions...
...and try to legitimize the idea that females shouldn't hold positions of power because they could make irrational decisions when they are on their period.
5. Because men in politics can vote to get rid of public funding for Planned Parenthood, making a significant amount of low-income women unable to afford birth control...
...yet they still believe they should have a say in a woman's decision to have an abortion.
6. Because people use your biological identity as a judgement of your capabilities...
...and a women's value is still based more on her looks than her intelligence or personality.
7. Because young girls tend not to pursue careers involving positions of power, such as being a CEO or politics, since they are often shamed for making decisions and taking charge....
...even though males who work in those same positions of power are treated with respect.
8. Because people still question women who choose to continue their career after having a child...
...and some women believe that if they choose to take on those traditionally-female roles, they can't be a feminist.
11. Because people still think of feminists as unshaven, abstinent, angry man-haters...
...and if woman who embraces her femininity she can't also embrace her strength and independence.
12. Because we are still teaching our daughters to dress more conservatively, instead of teaching our sons to control their sexual urges...
...and when a woman is sexually assaulted, the rapist often escapes with little-to-no punishment, while the victim is blamed for what she wore and is told she was asking for it.
13. Because when a woman rejects a sexual advance, males often respond with anger--saying they were just paying the woman a compliment and calling her a prude...
...but when a woman takes part in a positive, sexual relationship, she is slut-shamed for being sexually active.
14. Because when a woman runs for office, she is questioned on her abilities as a mother and what she is wearing...
...but a man is questioned about his political platforms and opinions on current issues.
15. Because being a female still means you have to fight twice as hard as a man to prove yourself...
...even if you're more qualified and capable than a male doing the same work.
16. Because females are awesome human beings...
...and as human beings they should already have the same rights as men...
...so give them the equality they deserve so they can stop fighting so hard....
...because you know they won't give up until they get what they deserve.
