What do you think of when you think of feminism…Working a “man’s job”…Not cooking or cleaning…Not shaving…Having short hair? 

Many people think of these things, too, but this is not feminism. Feminism is women supporting women, whether they want to disregard typical gender roles completely or go right along with them. 

The many mis-representations of what feminism truly is and tend to turn people off to feminism and give the concept a negative connotation. 

So many people take feminism as “anti- traditional women” and “anti-men. People think feminists  go against norms and only support women who also go against norms. But the fact is, feminism is just pro women, pro women doing whatever job they want to do, even if that is nothing at all, pro women doing whatever makes them feel most comfortable, whether it’s “normal” or abnormal, pro women advocating for themselves and being the best people they can be. 

Feminism has nothing to do with putting down or hating men, but rather bringing up women. Feminism overall is equality of the sexes, not female hierarchy. 

Women’s empowerment can look so different in various situations. Not every woman feels empowered by the same things. Some feel their best in a non-traditional suit, some in a traditional “girly” dress. Clothing type, hairstyle and occupation do not define a woman. There really is no “what a woman should look like.” 

Young women and girls should have a variety of prominent women in their lives that show them not every woman has to be the same and being a woman can look many different ways.

I personally have gained this viewpoint mainly from my mom, sister and social media. Since I was little, my mom has always been very pro doing whatever makes you feel good (within reason, of course). My sister usually embodies the “anti-men, anti-traditional women” ideals but has still shone the part of feminism that goes against the grain and showed me a new perspective on women and femininity as a whole. 

Growing up, I was always told that I could do/be anything I want whether it was “masculine” or not, because it really didn’t matter. My mom was always very about women empowerment not only in our house, but in society. 

One recent example of feminism implemented in our society was Minnie Mouse sporting a new pantsuit for International Women’s Day and the 30th anniversary of Disneyland Paris. This new look showed that women don’t have to wear dresses to be femine. It also doesn’t mean anything was wrong with Minnie’s original dress. Yet having this concept in a children’s setting, like Disney World, really helps young women broaden their viewpoint of what it means to be female. 

Another example of feminism implemented in our society is Joe Biden nominating a female, African Americane judge. He specifically only considered Black women because he recognized it was important for there to be representation of women in major societal roles. As of February 25, 2022, Biden has elected Ketanji Brown Jackson as our first female Black judge. This is showing to all women that women can, and should be, in all roles of power.

A great role model who exemplifies feminism to me is poet and activist Maya Angelou. 

I agree with critic Mary Jane Lupton, who said, “She is one of the most effective feminist writers who exhibited her consciousness and awareness toward the racial power of the American society.” 

As not only a woman, but also a Black woman, she is a great example of feminism and empowerment. She has written books, attended civil rights rallies and was awarded the National Medal of Arts. She is so influential and a great example for women everywhere. 

“I would like to be known as an intelligent woman, a courageous woman, a loving woman, a woman who teaches by being.” – Maya Angelou