The idea of feminism is one I’ve never been remotely interested in or drawn to. The whole concept always seemed dated and unnecessary to me. There’s only so many ‘empowering women’ quotes that one can take – that and the fact that up to this point, the majority of feminist figures/campaigners have all seemed to be some sort of stunt doubles for Margaret Thatcher. I always felt like these women were just trying to be men.
It wasn’t until I came across various recent articles, interviews and social media posts on the topic which have gone viral, that I have discovered that there indeed is a whole new wave of feminism or ‘Fierce Feminism’ taking effect at this time. It’s bold, unexpected and in my opinion – far from unnecessary. As I’ve studied different viewpoints on topics such as the female body, desire, self-acceptance, attention an assertion, there has been a dramatic shift in my mindset. Women are coming together in a mission to ‘reclaim the body’, and I think it’s a very good thing indeed. A few weeks back I came across a quote which read: “We teach girls shame. Close your legs. Cover yourself. We make them feel as if being born female, they have already guilty of something. And so girls grow up to be women who cannot say they have desire. Who silence themselves. Who cannot say what they truly think. Who have turns pretence into an art form.” I couldn’t decide at first if I agreed with it or not. As women, we’ve all had experiences when we’ve been told to “cover up a bit” or “hide that bra strap”, or “dont wear that, people will get the wrong idea..” Its something that I’d never really given any thought to, but it’s definitely there. It’s the small things, the little comments that are for the most part said mindlessly or even unconsciously. I experienced it on a whole new level as a child/young teen while visiting my Dads family in the Middle East. When we visited Egypt each summer, the temperatures where always in the high thirties so naturally we were in little shorts and sleeveless tops, which was all fine until I was about nine or ten. After that, I remember constantly being told to cover up. At the time I didn’t really understand the culture difference fully, and I was just confused! Small things like my brother being greeted by our male relatives with a big hug, while I received a cold handshake, is enough to leave any child wondering ...Why?? I think subconsciously those experiences stayed with me for a long time. Too long really. As odd as it may sound, I was almost afraid of my sexuality for a long time. Blissfully unaware of it, even. Like a child trapped in a womans body, I was simply baffled if a guy took an interest in me. It’s really only now at 23, that I have finally accepted that – Yes, I am a woman, with a womans body, and that has given me a whole new sense of empowerment. I’m excited by it. It’s strangely like a whole new adventure! Females in the public eye such as Emily Ratajkowski, The Kardashians, Taylor Swift and Beyonce are all keen advocates of Fierce Feminism, all shamelessly showing off their curves – all sending out the message to women to be proud of their bodies. I think we all remember that Kim K selfie?! These figureheads take their fair share of scrutiny mind you. In a recent article published in the UK Independent both Ratajkowski and the Kardashians were accused of demeaning and “dehumanising women.” Despite her efforts to criticize the girls the journalist concerned managed to make a total ar** of herself by concluding the article with “They are not our sisters; they’re our rivals.” I mean I can’t even comment on that one! Are you a journalist for a national newspaper? Beyonce – a woman who defines feminism and has done for years, has been accused of being ‘inappropriately sexual’. In my opinion, she is an artist who expresses herself with a confidence every woman would aspire to attain even a small amount of. I know I would!! And, Do we have a model for how women can be ‘appropriately sexual’?? I can envision the opinions on these women from some people I know. They would think they are silly, uneducated, bad role models for young girls(you get the idea). While researching these modern day feminists myself, even I couldn’t help but wonder – Are these fame hungry ladies using their new brands of feminism as mere marketing?? In reality though, these are extremely clever business women. They have made it to the very top of their individual professions and are using their platforms to shape the future for women everywhere. Even if it is for their individual gain, doesn’t that only show the sheer power of it? I think what us ladies have finally realised is that by simply being female is a force in itself. We’re questioning why on earth we’ve been trying to be anything else? We’ve found power in our bodies – Strength in our vulnerabilities - and liberation in the knowledge that the world is becoming a place, in the west at least, where women can enjoy being just that.
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