Colette Schalk

WRTC Paper

9/12/17

Here is a selfie I took this summer on vacation. I choose

this selfie because traveling is something that is very
important to me. It shows how I am adventurous and am
independent.

My Experience as a Feminist

Ever since I was a young girl, I have been around strong, independent women. My family

consists of four women (my two sisters, my mom, and I) and only one male (even my dog is

female). My mom is one of seven children (she has 5 sisters and one brother). Her father (my

grandfather) passed away tragically in a factory accident when my mom was only four, leaving

my grandmother with seven children and no real income at a time when women worked

primarily as stay-at home moms. Despite this, my grandmother defied these stereotypes,

attending Georgetown Law School, becoming a successful lawyer, and somehow managing to

raise seven children all on her own. But as much as I would like to believe that problems facing
womens equality have been settled since then, I know that issues still do exist, including the

pay gap, sexual violence, and power inequality. But the women around me have taught me that

these issues must be ended, because women are amazing, strong people who can do incredible

things, just like my grandmother did. The most important thing about being a feminist is how it

has impacted my life by making me a better person and making me closer with my family. I

want to share my experience as feminist so my readers can hopefully understand what I believe

in and why.

According to Merriam-Webster, feminism is the theory of the political,

economic, and social equality of the sexes. It is not the belief that one gender should be raised

in power above another. The definition proves that feminism is focused instead on equality for

both genders. Feminists also strive to resolve issues that women face every day, whether it be

domestic violence, social justice, or workplace issues like family medical leave. Feminism has

been around for a long time, and although many aspects of what feminists fight for has

changed, many of the core ideas are still the same. Another key aspect of feminism is the

founding principles on which it is based on. There are three main principles, the first being the

fact that the relationship between men and women has almost always been unequal and

oppressive. Although the extent of this inequality and oppressiveness has varied greatly, it has

existed for centuries. In addition, all known societies have been patriarchal (a system in which

male dominate females). Lastly, all major institutions have been characterized by male

dominance, including the economy, political system, family, and religion. As stated, the degree

of these inequalities has changed greatly. Although these inequalities may be hard to notice in

todays society, they still do exist, even if it just to a small degree (Ault).
 From the founding principles stems the beliefs which feminists hold. There are four core

ideas. The first is that feminists believe in working to increase equality. Instead of just talking

about equality, they push for change. They also believe in expanding human choice. Feminists

believe that both men and women should have the freedom to develop their human interests

and talents, even if those interests and talents conflict with the status quo. In addition,

eliminating gender stratification is important. Feminists oppose laws and cultural norms that

limit income, educational and job opportunities for women. Lastly, feminists fight to end sexual

violence, which is a very prominent issue in many third world countries. To push for these

changes, feminists hold many events, such as marches.

Feminism has been around since the mid 1800s. There were three waves of feminist

ideas, the first occurring from the 1830s- early 1900s. This wave focused on womens fight for

equal contract and property rights. Women in the late 19th and 20th centuries first began by

fighting for political power and the right to vote. They addressed sexual, reproductive, and

economic matters. This planted the seed for women to gain more rights. The second wave

occurred in the 1960s and lasted until the 1980s. It broadened the debate from the first wave.

It occurred right after World War II and focused on the workplace, sexuality, family, and

reproductive rights. The third wave started in the 1990s and continues until today and is

focused more on the micro politics of gender equality. The issues faced in the third wave are

the pay gap and reproductive rights for women. Feminists are also working to end violence

against women in the US and other countries, especially third world countries (Manson).

However, with passion often comes controversy, and unfortunately many people have

misconceptions about feminists. The first is that some people believe that feminism is
essentially about male bashing. But it isnt. Thatd be misandry, which feminism is often

mistaken for. By definition, feminism means the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of

the equality of the sexes. All feminism believes in is for women to be treated as equals. Not

above or below anybody, just equal. Many people also believe that only women can be

feminists. But you dont have to be a woman to support equal rights for women. Feminism is an

idea that aims at providing equal opportunities to women and supporting it has nothing to do

with your gender. Lastly, many people believe that feminism is detrimental to men. A lot of

men feel endangered by feminisms impact. Even though feminism is primarily about fighting

for equal rights for women, it benefits men equally. Feminism puts an end to not just gender

roles for women, but those for men too

I became a feminist through a series of events which started in sports when I was about

six years old. See, I was the girl whose mom put her in eight different sports, but from an early

age, I had a passion in gymnastics. I was always climbing around my house, swinging and

jumping on the couch, so naturally it was a good fit for me. As I got older, I became better, and

as I got better I became involved more, training in the gym at least six times a week. But with all

the training, my body became very strong. I can remember boys in my class telling me I was too

strong and that I needed to look more like a girl. As any little girl would, I became very self-

conscious, as I just wanted to fit in with everyone else. My confidence diminished very quickly,

and eventually I quit gymnastics, a sport I loved, just because I wanted to fit in.

Fast-forward to freshman year of high school, I took a class called Gender Studies. I

loved it so much, my teacher recommended that I joined a club in my school, Third Wave,

which was focused on promoting gender equality. Being with other women, I realized that
many other girls had gone through the same thing I went through. I reflected on my

experiences in sports, and learned about the beauty of being a strong woman, inside and out.

Even though I felt stupid for quitting gymnastics, I realized that I learned more about myself

through this experience. I learned about body confidence, and the many issues which stem

from it and affect millions of women. This inspired me to want to empower women and

advocate that women are beautiful just the way they are.

Another experience that influenced my feminist views was the effect my mom and older

sisters values had on me. They both hold a strong opinion on the importance of equality for

women. As I stated earlier, my grandmother raised my mother and six other children all on her

own while balancing a successful career. My grandmother is someone I look up to

tremendously. The power, dignity, and confidence which she holds is inspiring, and she makes

me want to be an even better person. Watching her overcome incredible barriers and

succeeding makes me believe that all women have the ability to do the same thing. She defied

stereotypes without a man in her life. Many people hold traditional views on marriage, but she

has made me realize that I can achieve things without a man. Her feminist views rubbed off on

my mom, whose feminist views rubbed off on me and my older sister. As a result, we all fight

for equality together.

Overall, being a feminism has had a drastic effect on my life. In terms of society, it has

opened my eyes up to the inequality that still exists in our world today, especially in poorer,

less educated countries. It has allowed me to participate in numerous events that promote

feminism, such as a local march that occurred in my hometown last year. It is something that I

have dedicated much time to throughout the years. It had made me aware of the pay gap, and
the patriarchal ideologies in the professional world. It has also allowed me to promote self-

confidence for girls.

It terms of myself, being a feminist has made me realize that I believe in equality for

women, and has changed me as a person. Being a feminist has taught me that everyone is

perfect the way they are. It has led be to become closer with my mom and my sister, and has

given me my grandmother as someone I can look up to. More than anything though, feminism

has made me love myself for who I am; a strong independent woman. As I embraced feminism,

I began to embrace my imperfect self as well. It changed my perception of beauty and made me

comfortable in my own skin, which has had a tremendous impact on my life and my happiness.
 Works Cited

Ault, Amber. "Feminism." Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society, ABC-CLIO, 2017,
issues.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/1097962. Accessed 14 Sept. 2017.

Manson, Mark. What's the Problem with Feminism? Mark Manson, 24 Aug. 2017,
markmanson.net/whats-the-problem-with-feminism.