The perception on what a “feminist” is changes every day. What is the first thought that comes into mind when one thinks of a feminist? Is it, “Oh, that’s a super rad chick that wants the same rights as men,” or is it, “Those are the people that burn bras and sacrifice men, right?” Formally, however, feminism itself is defined by Oxford Dictionaries as, “the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social and economic equality to men.” Although the definition is restrictive to genders outside of the binary, its underlying connotation is meant to include everyone. People fight each and every day to achieve the seemingly utopian dream of complete equality.
Recently, convicted rapist Brock Turner was released from jail after serving a mere three months on his already minor six-month sentence as a result of good behavior. Turner, known for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, has been branded “sex offender” for the rest of his life, but this pales in comparison to the trauma he inflicted upon the survivor. Unfortunately, Turner’s insultingly short sentence is not a rare case. Just this summer alone, four other alleged rapists, almost all accused of assaulting classmates, were released from jail after serving short sentences. Rape is not a new thing, especially on college campuses. Each gender is taught a different tactic for avoiding rape or assault, all backed by masculine and/or feminine stereotypes, yet the solution to this problem is simple: embrace feminism.
Glamour Magazine recently published an essay written by President Barack Obama regarding his take on feminism. Obama states that it is “men’s responsibility” to engage in the feminist movement. An ideal time for this to take place would be during college, where students are typically able to discuss complex and personal ideals in a safe classroom setting. Of course, men are not the only ones being urged to take on a more feminist approach to life. Vice President Joe Biden encourages people to join the fight against misogyny regardless of their gender identity. Biden believes that it will aid those in similar need of help to stand up for themselves.
The fact of the matter is that feminism has no limitations. It is open to all who choose to accept it. It’s the proud homemaker who loves what he or she does each day for his or her family. It’s the women who continue to wear the hijab out of respect for their religion, even though discrimination attempts to take that away constantly. It’s the single parents who work three jobs to put their babies through school. It’s the rape survivors who find comfort and hope in the feminist community. It’s the exotic dancer who leaves his or her job every night feeling empowered. It’s the people who show off their natural hair for the world to see. It’s the transgender men and women who continue to fight for their right to be considered equals. And it’s college students, just like you and I.
NC State values their diverse student population so much that incoming applicants have to write a short essay as to how they will contribute to the “melting pot” that is our school. If we could all change at least one aspect of our daily lives to benefit our fellow student’s sense of equality and acceptance, this campus will start to feel even more like home.
