Feminism.
By Emma Severin.
We all have some sort of an idea of what it means – right? According to a quick Google search, the definition of Feminism is “a range of political movements, ideologies, and social movements that share a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve political, economic, personal, and social equality of sexes”¹.
But at what point do we consider some people to take the term “Feminism” too far? Has the core definition of Feminism changed over the years? What do you think when you hear the terms Feminism, or Feminist?
Historically speaking, Feminism can be separated into four main categories: First-wave Feminism, Second-wave Feminism, Third-wave Feminism, and Contemporary Feminism, referring to modern day.
First-wave Feminism refers to the mid to late 19th century, where the primary focus was for women’s suffrage and gaining political power and rights. This activism led to the right for women to vote, which, for Australian women, came in 1902. Second-wave Feminism began in the early 1960s, and was largely concerned with other issues of equality, such as the end to gender discrimination in society, in education, and in the workplace. Third-wave Feminism arose in the 1980s, and its aim was to avoid the second-wave’s “essentialist” definitions of femininity, claiming that these definitions over-emphasized the experiences of upper middle class white women and largely ignored the circumstances of lower-class women, minorities and women living in other cultures².
It is important to understand the history of Feminism so that it can shape our own perceptions and definitions, and this is what brings us to Contemporary Feminism, residing in our present day.
Over the years, women have formed their own definition of Feminism, and from this, there can emerge a whole spectrum of Feminists with different views and beliefs. These range from radical Feminists – who believe that society would benefit if there were fewer men – all the way to individuals who identify as Feminist, but are against anti-male conceptions.
If you find yourself feeling a bit lost in terms of your stance on Feminism, try talking to your friends, your mum, your sister, or anyone close to you, and ask them what they think. Sometimes it can be refreshing to hear other people’s opinions, and it can help you form your own ideas, whether you agree or disagree with that person’s thoughts. Feminism can become a tricky topic, and it can become easily overcomplicated. I used to be intimidated at the thought of Feminism, but I now know what it really means to be a Feminist, and maintaining a belief in equal rights.
There can often be a stigma surrounding Feminists and how they look, act, or feel. But once you know what you stand for, and you don’t overcomplicate things, advocating for Feminism can be very empowering.
At the core of Feminism is a passion for equal rights. It is a movement that supports the liberation and freedom of women, and it gives a voice to those who may feel like they don’t have one. Speaking of giving a voice, have you ever heard of Gloria Allred? No? Well, you’re about to find out.
If you haven’t seen it already, then I highly recommend logging onto your Netflix account (if you’re not already on it), and watching the critically acclaimed documentary, Seeing Allred, right now.
Seeing Allred follows the journey of famous women’s rights attorney, Gloria Allred, as she takes on some of the biggest cases in her career concerning sexual violence allegations made against countless male celebrities and public figures. As mentioned in the film, Gloria made the effort to talk about “sexual harassment, race, women’s rights, when nobody wanted to talk about it”.
The documentary also explores how the media has portrayed Allred over the years, in particular, labelling her as somewhat aggressive, egotistical, and harsh. But, after learning about her own personal struggles in life, as well as the unwarranted criticism concerning her position as a powerful woman, it is easy to understand that Gloria Allred conducts herself in the way that she does because, put simply, she gets the job done. She shows no fear, and she believes in women and their potential to create change.
This film could not come at a better time, as women everywhere are standing up and sharing their experiences with the world – see the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements – in and effort to encourage and empower other women to do the same.
At the end of the day, Feminism is what you make of it. As a woman, you are powerful, you are strong, and you have a voice. Never let anything, or anyone, stand in your way, because you have all the power in the world to get what you want and make your life your own.
“Women are now empowered, and they will never be silent again” – Gloria Allred.
Check out the trailer for Seeing Allred out now on Netflix:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC8Eg0odTfY#action=share
