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Modern Feminism

Definitions- Feminism: "advocating social, political, legal, and economic rights for women equal to those of men." Rape Culture: "a complex set of beliefs that encourage male sexual aggression and supports violence against women. A rape culture condones physical and emotional terrorism against women as the norm." These definitions will be sufficient for both sides of the debate. I will not accept other definitions. Good luck. Feminism may not always be relevant. It may not always have a place in society. There may come a day when feminism is a thing of the past. But that day is not today. That day is not tomorrow, or next week, or six months from now. Now, feminism is a necessary idea of empowerment, of strength and sisterhood. It is relevant in every country around the world including the so advanced and so equal United States. You see, feminism is not simply an idea that protects women who are treated as slaves by their husbands. Feminism is a belief that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated as such. I will agree that women in the United States are far better off than women in many Middle Eastern countries. But if for a single moment you believe women are treated equally, you, sir, are the problem. The actual concept of feminism itself is often warped into the idea of female supremacy and "man-hating." Feminists are not seeking female domination. In America, we are only seeking equal rights. A 2015 study found, "The United States is no different, as women earn $0.77 to every $1 men earn for the same amount of work. Currently, women hold 99 of 535 seats (18.5 percent) in the 113th U.S. Congress; 20 of 100 seats (20 percent) in the Senate and 79 of 435 seats (18.2 percent) in the House of Representatives. The United States has never had a woman president. Also, women in the U.S. military account for only 14.5 percent of active-duty force." Women still lack equal representation in the halls of government in America. I would not call that equal. You state above that "there are people in other countries, such as Afghanistan, or china, where women legitimately are objectified and they are oppressed, here in the United States they have many rights,". I agree there are women in other countries who are oppressed. Women in the United States (generally) do not face the same types of hardships as women in other countries. But different does not mean less than. In the United States, the beauty ideal for women is so disproportionate and unhealthy that we actually have "Anna Rexia" Halloween costumes. A study found that "one out of every 3.8 television commercials sent some sort of 'attractiveness message' to the people who were watching. These messages are directed to the American consumer more often than not to sell a product but at the same time they are telling the consumer what is essential to be beautiful in American society." There are constantly billboards and advertisements showing off the ideal image of "beauty." Women are always bombarded with images of this. Women are picked apart constantly and told we aren't good enough. Twelve year old girls are checked out by 50 year old men. Men will unabashedly stare at a woman's breasts in normal conversation. Girls are sent home from school for wearing yoga pants because "it's distracting to the boys." Do not tell me women are not objectified when I have battled anorexia because I was 115 pounds and was told I was too fat. Do not tell me women are not objectified when my ten year old sister has been cat called. Do not tell me women in America are not objectified when every single day I see billboards, pictures, and advertisements on how to "perfect" myself for a man. Do not tell me this does not exist. You argue that "In the current day they act as if we are still in that day and age, when women get raped it's because someone who has serious mental issues was allowed that opportunity, some are under the influence of illicit drugs and or they're potentially more uncontrollable counterpart, alcohol. Not many men rape or even have thoughts of rape, nor any desire to do so. A simply hello or a casual comment that is meant in a flirtatious or even a courteous way does not signify or blow a whistle (that's ironic) signalling rape." A study conducted by the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs found, "Somewhere in America, a woman is raped every 2 minutes." Another study conducted by the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network found that "1 in 3 sexual assaults, the perpetrator was intoxicated — 30% with alcohol, 4% with drugs." Most rapists are not, in fact, intoxicated or under the influence. Two-thirds of all rapes in the United States are conducted by completely sober men. A casual greeting or a whistle on the street may seem trivial to you, but to women, it is a warning sign. Generally, men who are interested in getting to know a woman to actually get to know her are not whistling at her on the street. They are not shouting crude comments to her as she passes. These actions are frightening, not flattering. I do not find it flattering when a random man on the street tells me he wants to "f*ck me." Feminism is the fight for decency and respect towards women. It is the fight against mindsets like yours that protect rapists and turn a blind eye. It is the fight to spread awareness for the oppression we feel, even if it is different from that of women in the Middle East. It is the fight to be treated with respect. Your last argument states,"'Rape culture' is not a real thing". Rape culture is the acceptance and perpetuation of violence and sexualization towards women. It includes (but is not limited to) jokes, music, advertising, video games, laws, and even words that support violence and the subordination of women. I'll give an example. Though many do not know the root of the word, "hysterical" has a very dark and bloody past. It can be traced back to the late 4th-early 5th centuries. The root "hyster/o" refers to the uterus (hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus). Often, the word hysterical was used to describe women who were upset, blaming her emotions or "hysteria" on her uterus and her hormones. Women who supported the Declaration of Sentiments in the 19th century were called "hysterical" and forced to undergo a hysterectomy to rectify it. The continuation of this word perpetuates rape culture by saying, "She's just crazy because she has a uterus." It encourages violence and harm against women who stand up for themselves. This is the same with video games that allow rape. This is the same with laws that do not give women the same rights as men. This is the same with courts that protect rapists. Questions like "Well, what was she wearing?" perpetuate rape culture. We make excuses for rapists and ourselves instead of facing the problem and fixing it. We blame the victim so we don't have to blame ourselves for being a part of the problem. This is rape culture. Feminism is the belief this is wrong. It is the belief that we can change how we view and treat women. Feminism is essential in our current society because women are still not yet equal. We still teach girls never to leave a drink alone with a guy because he might roofie you. We teach girls never to walk home alone in case you are attacked. We teach girls to hold your key between your fingers in case you need to protect yourself. We teach girls that our education is less important that our male counterparts. We teach girls to cover up so we don't get blamed for their own rape. We teach girls not to get raped, instead of teaching boys not to rape. Until women are treated equally on paper and in the minds of people, feminism will still be necessary in America. http://www.wcsap.org... https://rainn.org... http://www.cw.ua.edu...-