The Popularity Of The F-Word
By LYDIA AMES
Staff Writer
Notorious celebrities such as Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Amy Poehler and Emma Watson all have one thing in common aside from being famous— they openly identify themselves as feminists.
In society today, there is more conversation surrounding feminism than ever before, yet studies indicate that only 18 percent of Americans consider themselves feminists.
“I am tired of hearing people say I can’t do certain things just because I am a woman,” said Colleen Black, freshman. “I am woman and I deserve the same rights and treatment that men get.”
Feminism often comes with the connotation of man-hating and bra-burning women who are screaming “down with the patriarchy” at the top of their lungs. And while that may be an explicit perversion of feminism, it is not the average sort that exists this year.
In September 2014, actress Emma Watson gave a speech to the United Nations about feminism as an issue for everyone. “For the record, feminism by definition is: ‘The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.”
In this day and age, most people who consider themselves feminists strive merely to be given the same voice and same opportunities regardless of their gender.
“The only difference between men and women are the biological ins and outs,” said Black. “But when it comes to the workplace or school, we should be equal. Women are just as great and powerful as men.”
Feminism is equally an important topic for men as well, Because it has “fem” in it, most people do not understand that striving for equality between the sexes benefits members of both.
One of the things males are taught at a young age is that they have to be tough and that emotions make them in some way weak or inferior. On the other hand, females are told it is completely okay to talk about their feelings and to express themselves through behaviors such as crying.
Feminists would like to change that and offer equality for all. “Feminism is a step toward a more equal society where men and women are valued the same way,” said Black.
While the Federal Communications Commission will not censor this harmless “f-word” when celebrities utter it on live broadcast, the controversy surrounding it might otherwise lead one to believe it should be.
