To continue with my earlier post on feminism, I will now take a closer look at how society defines feminism.
Last month, Emma Watson gave her "HeForShe" speech under her role as UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador. Watson called on males everywhere to become advocates for women's rights. I don't think there are many people who would deny that Emma Watson is a feminist who fights against gender inequalities.
Last month, Emma Watson gave her "HeForShe" speech under her role as UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador. Watson called on males everywhere to become advocates for women's rights. I don't think there are many people who would deny that Emma Watson is a feminist who fights against gender inequalities.
Now let's take a look at Miley Cyrus, a self-proclaimed feminist.
She's provocative and in your face; the very opposite of Emma Watson. Although they go about it in different ways, they both stand for the same thing: women empowerment. Miley, as well as other A-list celebrities, such as Lady GaGa, Katy Perry and Beyonce, promote the idea that women should own their sexuality. And that is one aspect of feminism; telling women they don't have to be ashamed of their bodies or their own sexuality.
So why is it that Emma Watson is referred to as a feminist while Miley is called a slut? Because Miley twerks and she doesn't cover every inch of her body? Clearly, her behavior doesn't line up with society's conception of feminism, so she is condemned for her actions.
This. Is. Wrong.
The second we decide that one way of feminism is more socially acceptable than the other, we've missed the point of feminism entirely. Feminism is not, and never has been, about women behaving the way society as a whole deems appropriate. Feminism stemmed from a belief that women don't have to abide by strict gender roles. To turn around and say that a sexual form of feminism is not "true" feminism goes against the very foundation of the movement. Women cannot break free from the repressive circle of gender expectations imposed on them by instating constrictive requirements of what it means to be a feminist.
Is Watson more favorably received as a feminist because she dresses like a lady, and she is quiet and demure like a lady should be? It's a shame that feminism is only widely accepted when it's packaged a certain way. And just because Watson takes a more activist role in defending women's rights doesn't mean Miley isn't a feminist in her own right.
In the past year, Miley has created mass hysteria over her behaviors. Male singers, especially rappers, constantly grab their crotches during concerts, but the second Miley does it, everyone freaks out and starts slut-shaming her. In her music video "Adore You," she insinuates the act of masturbation. Men constantly talk about masturbating in the media and it gets a laugh, but it's still culturally taboo for women. These are the double standards that Miley addresses through her behaviors. She is not being vulgar for the sake of being vulgar. She is fighting for gender equality, not through speeches like Watson, but through actions. It's performance rhetoric, people. And look at all the attention it's gotten! She makes people stop and think.
I love Emma Watson, don't get me wrong. She is doing great things for women's rights, and I'm a big supporter. This blog post is nothing against her, just society's acceptance of her and rejection of other, less conventional feminists.
Feminism is feminism, no matter how it's packaged and exhibited, and it's about time that it's accepted sans exceptions.
So why is it that Emma Watson is referred to as a feminist while Miley is called a slut? Because Miley twerks and she doesn't cover every inch of her body? Clearly, her behavior doesn't line up with society's conception of feminism, so she is condemned for her actions.
This. Is. Wrong.
The second we decide that one way of feminism is more socially acceptable than the other, we've missed the point of feminism entirely. Feminism is not, and never has been, about women behaving the way society as a whole deems appropriate. Feminism stemmed from a belief that women don't have to abide by strict gender roles. To turn around and say that a sexual form of feminism is not "true" feminism goes against the very foundation of the movement. Women cannot break free from the repressive circle of gender expectations imposed on them by instating constrictive requirements of what it means to be a feminist.
Is Watson more favorably received as a feminist because she dresses like a lady, and she is quiet and demure like a lady should be? It's a shame that feminism is only widely accepted when it's packaged a certain way. And just because Watson takes a more activist role in defending women's rights doesn't mean Miley isn't a feminist in her own right.
In the past year, Miley has created mass hysteria over her behaviors. Male singers, especially rappers, constantly grab their crotches during concerts, but the second Miley does it, everyone freaks out and starts slut-shaming her. In her music video "Adore You," she insinuates the act of masturbation. Men constantly talk about masturbating in the media and it gets a laugh, but it's still culturally taboo for women. These are the double standards that Miley addresses through her behaviors. She is not being vulgar for the sake of being vulgar. She is fighting for gender equality, not through speeches like Watson, but through actions. It's performance rhetoric, people. And look at all the attention it's gotten! She makes people stop and think.
I love Emma Watson, don't get me wrong. She is doing great things for women's rights, and I'm a big supporter. This blog post is nothing against her, just society's acceptance of her and rejection of other, less conventional feminists.
Feminism is feminism, no matter how it's packaged and exhibited, and it's about time that it's accepted sans exceptions.