Image: Red Star No-one should be particularly surprised that there are people who are against feminism. Not just because it is logical to assume that if some people are for an ideology then there must be people against it, but because sometimes at first glance feminism doesn't look all that palatable. Yes it's puzzling, why would you think the idea that women and girls deserve equal rights isn't for you? Perhaps it is not so much that you think women should be the underdogs of humanity but you wish to stress your desire all genders receive equal rights. This is, at its core, what feminism means, rather than any argument for female supremacy. So why do people mistake it for the latter?
Writing in the i newspaper about the social media group Women Against Feminism Siobhan Norton said she was a former anti-feminist: "I was a Women Against Feminism. At university, I sniggered at the 'feminazis' discussing their cause. Silly lesbian hippies, we've won the battle, I thought. When asked whether I was a feminist, my stock response was to smile beatifically and say 'Well, I guess you could call me a humanist. I'm pro-men AND women, I don't believe in this battle of the sexes.'"
Even now it is Norton's belief that feminism "has gone a little silly". What's silly feminism according to Norton?Topless protests, flaunting unshaven limbs and feminist statement outfits on the red carpet. Dammit I hope it's not becoming increasingly accessible through various forms of media being both personal and political.
It wasn't until the tragic events of Savita Halappanavar that Norton began to question the role of feminism in the quality of life for women and girls across the world. This is not a battle of the sexes or demand for supremacy, this is a case of human rights.
Even now it is Norton's belief that feminism "has gone a little silly". What's silly feminism according to Norton?Topless protests, flaunting unshaven limbs and feminist statement outfits on the red carpet. Dammit I hope it's not becoming increasingly accessible through various forms of media being both personal and political.
It wasn't until the tragic events of Savita Halappanavar that Norton began to question the role of feminism in the quality of life for women and girls across the world. This is not a battle of the sexes or demand for supremacy, this is a case of human rights.
| A scroll through the Women Against Feminism shows a focus on crying victimhood, traditional family structure, stay at home mothers and catcalling. The impression is that feminism forbids women to be housewives, encourages them to play victim and rejects the stranger's compliments in the street. | Perhaps if the catcallers focused on more pedestrian themed compliments "hey, great crossing the road there!"... nobody would have an issue with it. |
Catcalling is an interesting one. The idea that it might be threatening rather than flattering is one many people seem to struggle with. Perhaps if the catcallers focused on more pedestrian themed compliments "hey, great crossing the road there!" or "thank you for not littering!" or "You there, cute dog poo avoidance!" nobody would have an issue with it. I, for one, thrive on road safety compliments.
However, catcalling tends to go with a physical appearance theme and while I can't thought police you, I can tell you what's appropriate to say aloud. I don't want to go all film piracy on you but you wouldn't swear in a job interview, you wouldn't light up over an incubator or tell new parents their baby is freakin' ugly and you should know not to shout things (beyond 'stop, thief!' or 'mind that car!' etc) at strangers.
Minneapolis resident Lindsay has taken to responding catcalling with cards that give the catcaller reasons for why street harassment isn't as pleasant as they might think. And it seems they really do think it might put a spring in your sexy step. Lindsay has also taken to recording her conversations with men who catcall, responses have ranged from: "Where I come from, we holler at women. Sorry if that offends you, but you shouldn't feel that way. Because, you know, women were put on this earth to satisfy a man, so if she feels offended, she shouldn't have ever been born." "I'm surprised you're offended...it seems that you're insecure if you think it's a power dynamic" and freedom of speech justifications that trump the freedom of walking around unmolested and end abruptly at calling out certain behaviours. Amazing how we all deserve freedom, but some more so than others.
I don't know how cool I am with secret filming tactics but if you still can't see that catcalling is another way to keep women living in fear by saying 'I see you and I have the right to verbally approve or disapprove of you' then...we probably still need feminism. Whether you think it's a worthy cause to focus on or not.
Squeamish Kate
However, catcalling tends to go with a physical appearance theme and while I can't thought police you, I can tell you what's appropriate to say aloud. I don't want to go all film piracy on you but you wouldn't swear in a job interview, you wouldn't light up over an incubator or tell new parents their baby is freakin' ugly and you should know not to shout things (beyond 'stop, thief!' or 'mind that car!' etc) at strangers.
Minneapolis resident Lindsay has taken to responding catcalling with cards that give the catcaller reasons for why street harassment isn't as pleasant as they might think. And it seems they really do think it might put a spring in your sexy step. Lindsay has also taken to recording her conversations with men who catcall, responses have ranged from: "Where I come from, we holler at women. Sorry if that offends you, but you shouldn't feel that way. Because, you know, women were put on this earth to satisfy a man, so if she feels offended, she shouldn't have ever been born." "I'm surprised you're offended...it seems that you're insecure if you think it's a power dynamic" and freedom of speech justifications that trump the freedom of walking around unmolested and end abruptly at calling out certain behaviours. Amazing how we all deserve freedom, but some more so than others.
I don't know how cool I am with secret filming tactics but if you still can't see that catcalling is another way to keep women living in fear by saying 'I see you and I have the right to verbally approve or disapprove of you' then...we probably still need feminism. Whether you think it's a worthy cause to focus on or not.
Squeamish Kate
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