My Thoughts On Feminism
Key Takeaways:
We owe it to the women suffering to at least acknowledge their pain.
Although there is so much more than just gender playing a part in the imbalance of human rights - including race, sexuality, resources, etc. - it is simply one way to focus our efforts.
As we expand our definitions of what “gender” means, it’s important to know that feminism is inclusive of every gender in the fight for human rights.
The first wave of feminist art came about during a time when women weren't allowed to vote or own property.
Today, there are women in America fighting for their right to safe abortion and women in Iran fighting for bodily autonomy and their right to education.
Being a Woman
Today, women have achieved professional careers and public recognition in many countries worldwide. However, as I write this, there are women in America fighting for their right to safe abortion. There are women in Iran losing their lives because they stood up for their right to bodily autonomy. In Iran and other parts of the world, many young girls still aren’t allowed to go to school.
In Canada, we often see educated women with a few kids and a career. We don’t see the severe issue of domestic violence (DV) and enough safe shelters for DV victims. We don’t see appropriate amounts of time off work for full-time mothers and we don’t see equal pay. Although there is so much more than just gender playing a part in the imbalance of human rights, (race, sexuality, resources, etc.), it is simply one way to focus our efforts.
Why Feminism Matters
Everything I have mentioned above is about control. Control over women’s minds, bodies, emotions, children, and finances. Feminism is simply this: the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. Feminism is about equal human rights. As we expand our definitions of what “gender” means, it’s important to know that feminism is inclusive of every gender in the fight for human rights.
Are You Uncomfortable?
If the phrase “I am a feminist” bothers you, ask yourself why. Who reacted negatively to you when you said the word feminist? What was your first experience with feminism? Was it negative or positive? Who taught you about gender equality and human rights?
There is no reason to be against the feminist movement unless you are currently benefitting from the power imbalance. Any compassionate person will be open to the totally insane idea that corrupt men should not hold power over women’s bodies, education, or finances. I would argue that some women pronounce “I would never be a feminist!” as a way of people pleasing, disconnecting, or simply avoiding feeling uncomfortable. To those women, one of my former friends included, I say wake the f*ck up and get uncomfortable. We owe it to the women suffering to at least acknowledge their pain.
The Feminist Art Movement
Remember the first feminist art movement of the 1970s? Neither does anyone else. This is surprisingly convenient because it is one of the most important developments in American art history.
Women artists have always been a small subset of artists. The only thing easier than ignoring their work was to ignore women altogether. Many men see feminism as a threat to male privilege and power. This was true in America before the 1970s and it appears to still be true today.
Unlike Surrealism or Abstract Expressionism, there is no central organization or brand that defines feminism in a visual way. It’s simply an attitude developed toward living a life designed to please everyone but ourselves.
Not Allowed To Own Property
The first wave of feminist art came about during a time when women weren't allowed to vote or own property. A few decades ago, women were on the front lines demanding equal rights and redefining gender roles. They were artists who challenged negative stereotypes about women’s roles in society and made new work about their own lives, experiences, and identities. In doing so, they paved the way for generations of contemporary women artists today.
History In The Making
To the generations of women who came before me: I am forever grateful.
The Feminist art movement of the 1970s and 80s was a time when women artists were challenging negative stereotypes about women’s roles in society, making new work about their own lives, experiences, and identities. They were making work about the female experience, or rather – from the perspective of being a woman.
They did so by challenging traditional notions of femininity while at the same time creating beautiful and powerful pieces that reveal an emotional depth rarely seen in art before then.
We are seeing a new wave of activists and artists standing up for their right to make decisions about their own bodies, finances, families, and more. We don’t need to agree on how or what to change right away, but agreeing that change needs to happen is a great place to start.
