The fight for gender equality is ingrained in the United States’ history. Beginning in the mid-1800s with the battle for women’s suffrage, feminism has been in the spotlight of politics. Unfortunately, in today’s society, feminists’ efforts have become extreme.
By definition, feminism is absolutely something I would believe in. I support many feminist ideas from the 19th and 20th centuries, but the current wave of feminism in our country is unprecedented; it centers around hypersensitivity and inclusivity.
Feminist ideas have shifted from equality to superiority. A popular phrase used by feminists is “the future is female.” This quote rejects a future of equality. If the end goal truly is equality, where is a man’s place in the future?
In essence, feminism is now trying to reverse the cycle by belittling men. How are parents supposed to raise an independent son when so many envision a future where men are inferior?
My most significant issue with modern-day feminism is the way feminists treat those who disagree with them. I am a proud female student working towards obtaining a college degree. I plan on following my dreams, whatever they may be. I believe all women and men should aspire to be anything they want to be. I do not, by any stretch, consider this belief to be radical. Yet, since I am politically conservative, I have been subject to hate by so-called “feminists.”
Feminists need to wake up and realize what empowers us as women is our diversity of thought.
Whether you agree or disagree with the movement’s position on an issue, you have to consider how unjust it is for people to be excluded based on differing opinions.
I turn to the first lady, Melania Trump, as a victim of feminist hatred. Not only is Mrs. Trump a gracious first lady, she is an immigrant and speaks multiple languages. Mrs. Trump is also a victim of frequent vulgar attacks on social media; the media virtually never covers Mrs. Trump’s work or initiatives, such as “Be Best,” which aims to better the future of children and their well-being, unless there is a protest against her. So, is it really fair that Mrs. Trump is penalized because of her individual values and decisions?
When I watch the Democratic debates, I am proud to see strong women on the stage vying for the presidential nomination despite disagreeing with many of their ideas.
Some reactions to my last article are a great example of the faults with modern-day feminists. Instead of starting an open discussion about my viewpoint, I was stereotyped on social media as a “sorority girl.” Critics are at liberty to respond in any way they deem necessary, but why not discuss my actual argument instead of attempting to demean me?
There should be no debate over whether it is justified to discriminate on the basis of sex, it is simply unacceptable. All rights must be ensured for individuals of any gender. But this means that aggression towards conservative women must end as well.
If feminists begin to fight on behalf of all women, then maybe feminism could be something that I could get behind.
Feminists should want all women to feel empowered and bold enough to make their opinions heard — that is how female empowerment will be successful.
Carly Sloane Gettleman is a UF public relations junior
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend ceremony at the New York City Veterans Day Parade at Madison Square Park in New York, Monday, Nov. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
