So this will be my first attempt in writing anything which I clearly identify myself as a feminist. I never knew I was a feminist until recently. The more I think about it, the prouder I am of being a feminist. I'm not a feminist because I am a lesbian, I am not a feminist because I am a minority, I am not a feminist because I believe there will be equality, I am not a feminist because I believe women are better than men, and I am not a feminist because I feel it necessary to be deviant.
I am a feminist because I refuse to sit back and deal with being knocked down. A feminist is a feminist, doesn't matter what her call is. In the end we all want the same thing. Sure, we may not share a common ground but women rights, are women rights. I refuse to believe that we all deal with one type of discrimination. However, it is not okay to be selfish and fight for one cause. We should fight for all women right issues.
Instead of holding one another down like lobsters in a pot filled with boiling water, we should help one another find a way out of the pot which is filled with discrimination, hatred, and mistreatment towards women. The suffrage movement made a huge impact in society, but not many people know what it is. Men tell our story, not women. I'm not going to call HIStory, HERstory, because I believe that's absurd and stupid.
We all know that the 19th amendment was granted in 1920, but you have no idea the struggle, sacrifices, and bruises the women involved with this movement dealt with. From being prisoners to hunger strikes, from protesting in the snow to leaving their children at home in order to give them a better future.
All these women are heroes and it amazes me that we do not learn about them. We are led to believe that some how it was just granted. Woodrow Wilson, strongly opposed granting these women their right to vote. They took quotes directly from him and threw them back at him. The older I become, the more I realize how naïve I've been my whole life. I cannot depend on people to open my eyes, I need to go out there and uncover what the real world is.
I wish I could say that I hope we all will live in a world that grants everyone the same rights, treatment, and respect. To be honest, I doubt that will ever happen. People feel hatred for that which they do not understand. Intolerance is the worst form of selfishness.
There will be equality in the world when people can actually express their ideas, emotions, beliefs, and values without someone shaking their head at them. The day we can sit peacefully and talk about what we believe in and why we believe in it, not only will we accomplish something extraordinary, but we will be able to grow as individuals. Critical thinking goes a long way.
Intolerance breeds hate, make a difference and allow yourself to go in the deep end. Who knows, you may discover new things in life that will help you contribute to a better future.

I am burning my bra as we speak............

well written. nice beginning,,thanx

I'll drink to that

You are aware that bra burning never actually happened during the suffrage movement right? lol

I have no idea what you are talking about. I just happened have one left behind from my crazy azz wife I thought I might torch.......

lol makes sense.

*standing ovation*
Damn girl. Your speech is one that i would proudly recite in ANY of my HERstory classes ;D you are so well spoken and i agree with EVERY word written. You def. educated me some :) Loved every word.

Haha thanks honey! It took me a while to process what I wanted to write. I plan to write many more pieces on this issue. What's your major?

It's more a call of being a human first.If a person is being discriminated against- wheather it be sex, ability, colour, looks, etc thats what needs to be adressed first. If we can't learn to see beyond those simple issues, we'll get no where. Don't take it personal. Teach through your actions.

Brava!

no human OR creature's rights should be taken away, and all rights should be honored. the rights to life, fairness, equality, and happiness, should be staple rights for every living creature (except mosquitos) let alone us. too much prejudice all the way around.....and ok.... mosquitos too.

Ouch ouch bloody hell that hurts why didnt someone tell me your suppose to take it off first!! Anna x

Kudos. Great write. I enjoyed taking Women Studies at Wichita State University. One of the courses was on Feminism in 1983. Until that time I thought one had to be female to be a feminist but learned different there. We got to read about Gloria Steinem. I have to admit my two favorite books in the course was "Our Bodies, Ourselves" and "The Feminine Mystique." Betty Friedan really wrote a great book there, very interesting, to say the least. I guess what really fascinated me the most was all the editing that went into the book and how many women contributed to it. Really some tough editing went into the book.

it's all good

but I think once you label yourself that you limit yourself

I am woman...

Hear me roar baby....

Sometimes

if your real nice....

I'll rub against your legs....

And meow!!!!!! Lol

Lol..this made me laugh.

Actually I did a presentation today on Betty Friedan and "The Feminine Mystique".. Have you seen the movie Iron Jawed Angels? I loved it.

I'm not a believer in positive rights, OP, but you're entitled to your opinion.

Haven't seen the movie yet, hear good things about it, and can never remember to look it up.

Enjoyed the book, and others. Have you read Jessica Valiente's books? Very good.