Recently my very open minded yet stubborn flatmate sent me a link to a youtube video titled “the problem with feminism in the twenty first century”. We often clash on these subjects thinking each other too pig headed to listen to the other. Both guilty. Equally. But he's worse than me. I didn't mean that. It was a joke. Its safe to say I found the video completely infuriating. I, as a self proclaimed feminist, and I’m super happy to be one, often feel I have to defend feminism. Which, in itself is ludicrous as we all know a woman, most of us love or care for a woman in our lives so why would we all not declare ourselves feminists? Well, it appears that there are a number of men, and indeed women, friends and family members of mine included, that also feel under attack and have to defend themselves. Only they feel they're attackers are feminists. The video talked about the first, second and third waves of feminism; in the most patronising of manners. The man who made it, kindly went into detail of how we women should go about being feminists, being a feminist isn't gender specific of course, but I'm sure he knows that. He suggested how we could all re-think our approach as we’re currently unlikable and, the third wavers are indeed whats wrong with feminism in the twenty first century. Somewhat understating my response I'll just say I didn't take kindly to being accosted with this idiots opinion in the middle of my day. Particularly as it felt completely irrelevant to me as I have always believed in equality only. It did, however, cement the thought that a lot of people believe that modern feminism is being led by these men hating, angry, shouty women who want to take over the world. What I'm sick to the back teeth of and I'm sure many others are too is being unceremoniously plonked in the same category as these unbearable fools. I personally don't know who these ladies are. I cant think of one friend or acquaintance who believes in anything other than equal opportunities for women. I’m not denying their existence. Only because I can't see them doesn't mean they're not there; much like the Loch Ness Monster right? Wait, does that exist? Not all Loch Ness Monsters are imaginary and not all feminists are arseholes. Wait. Does that mean some feminists are arseholes? Yes, it does. Some men are too. Some kids are arseholes and even some cats are arseholes, but we shouldn't let one cat or brat tarnish our opinion of the whole community. With that strange thought in mind maybe in a gesture of moving forward we could start collectively turning the cheek to those bad eggs. There’s always one person who ruins the party by shitting in the sink. They're gross. They probably weren't invited to the party in the first place, but it doesn't mean you cancel it and kick all of your mates out. Being wholly committed to this metaphor I think we should turn up the music, dance together and let the good times roll.
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AuthorI'm an actor and writer living in Manchester. I have a lot to say. Archives
November 2018
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