Feminism

Feminism today has changed from how it used to be. Originally it was a movement to ensure women political, social, and economic equality. As goals were met over the years, newer goals were made. Now, feminism means ensuring abortion rights, equality in political power, and in the workforce. Women’s individuality has been taken from the men who used to control them, and they are now trying their best to move forward in their newest opportunities. The biggest issue that women face today is social inequality. Statistics prove that the average working woman only makes 81% as much as the average working man (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Unfortunately, many women still fit the stereotype that they should be doing domestic house chores such as cooking, raising children, and cleaning. In my mind, this is the issue that women are the most frustrated with. It is hardest for the average woman to advance in the work field because of how men think of them. A woman can make the choice to use her head or her body to create success. Many times, the woman who uses her head will be called unemotional. In the other case, the woman who uses her sexuality to make achievements will be called names and on top of that, they will not be taken seriously. Although this issue is not directly solvable, the controversy on abortion can be helped with every person who supports it. Mainstream feminists are in favor of protecting abortion rights. Personally, I agree with this cause. Feminists are trying to prolong the legality of abortion; the bodies that abortion affects is the feminists themselves, but not the males who are voting against it in Congress.
For young girls today, appropriate role models are far and few. In our society, there are plenty of bad role models such as Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Britney Spears. In summary, these girls go club hopping, are linked to many men, and are seen going into rehab and jail. Yes, some girls look up to them. But if these are not the right people to look up to, who is? Off of the top of your head can you think of someone who is a good role model? Of course mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts are usually good role models, but are they fighting for the feminist movement? In my mind there are no good role models for girls anymore. From reading books like Macbeth, it is evident that Lady Macbeth does not portray positive characteristics for women. It is not possible for many women to keep control of their husbands by using guilt to control their actions. For example, Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that he is a coward if he does not kill Duncan. She controls him enough to push him to kill! Although it is not Lady Macbeth’s achievement, she certainly has upward mobility in society with her husband. This is not a healthy relationship, and this is not what feminists want from individuality. The movement is not an effort to have authority over men, but to reach the same levels with them. Lady Macbeth takes the idea of achievement much too far.