As I sit in class Facebook-stalking, I can’t help but become angered by the ridiculous comments that are currently trending down my feed. As my side bar is filled up with clothing advertisements, I have become exposed to shirts that say, “Feminism is Sexy” or “This is What a Feminist Looks Like.” Friends are posting statuses that show what Buzzfeed rated their level of feminism, and individuals who know very little about politics are sharing their admiration for Hillary Clinton solely because she is a woman, not because of her political standpoints.
People are excited. Voices are beginning to be heard, and the word “feminism” naturally fits in with our language. The feminist movement is sweeping the nation, brushing across the eyes of girls and women of all ages — so what could be the problem? Well, it’s just that. Feminism is brushing across our nation, but has it become too soft to leave a mark?
While individuals used to fear labeling themselves as a “feminist,” it is now listed in people’s Instagram bios. Campaigns go no further than a trendy title, a cute T-shirt and an Instagram post, and celebrities are gaining status for their new political affiliation.
Trendy feminism is taking away the meaning of what it means to be a true feminist. While many argue that any form of attention is beneficial for the cause, I will politely disagree with those optimistic individuals. Aside from trendy feminism allowing individuals to look politically informed without research, it is one of the main outlets for white feminism to grow.
As mentioned earlier, many individuals striving to be part of the feminist movement attempt to aesthetically fit the mold. One shirt that reads, “This is What a Feminist Looks Like,” sells for $50 and is made by predominately female migrant workers in a factory. If that shirt were true, it would mean that a feminist was an individual who had the financial freedom to spend more on a T-shirt than some make in a few hours.
I’ve sat in classes where individuals proudly claim that feminism cannot exist in the Muslim community because women automatically degrade themselves when they wear hijabs. Culturally insensitive comments like this are spreading throughout our culture because they are simple enough to accept when you are viewing the movement from your own lens.
I do not write this in hopes of the uneducated ripping off their “feminist label.” I write this to remind us we need to view these complicated topics through various lenses. We should not accept the comments our peers make in class without a substantial discussion and understanding of what exactly they meant — for if we do, we will continue to brush over the eyes of individuals.