5 Reasons Why Everyone Needs Feminism

We have all seen the pictures of women holding signs that say "I need feminism because...." but I thought I would wrap all those thoughts into 5 reasons both Men and Women need feminism.

5) Gendercide

In countries in which there is population control, such as china, familie are aborting female children, so they can have a male. IN these cultures, males are considered worth more, as they are supposed to take care of the family, and work. This has led to a much larger male population than female population, limiting reproductive rates, and making it difficult for men to find partners.

4) Paid Parental Leave

In most countries, working parents are allowed a certain number of days to spend "parenting". In the US this is not provided, therefore enhancing the gender roles of men working and women parenting. The working parent is left wih a weaker relationship with their children.

3) Cat-Calling/ Street Harrassment

Yesterday, I was in Uptown Charlotte, walking down the road, and between the time I left the building and got to my car I was cat-called at twice. It made me never want to go Uptown again. Cat-calling is a form of sexual harrassment, and while much more prevalent in cultures other than ours, it is still something women face daily. People should never feel uncomfortable going places.

2) Rape Culture

Growing up, women are constantly taught how to protect themselves from rape with the littlest tips, like holding their cup a different way, or dressing certain ways. Men however, are not taught to NOT rape. It has become culture that women need to be educated on preventing rape, however constantly, jokes are made about rape, and it has become culture. If the idea of not raping was engrained in the brains of men as much as the ways to protect against it are for women, thousands of women would not be raped yearly.

1) Gender Roles and Slurs

Men are constantly told to "be a man" or that they do something "like a girl" They are expected to be the workers, to be strong, unemotional, and always prepared. Women are expected to be fully reliant on men, and to do more "womenly" things, like cooking and cleaning. Women need to learn to be independent, and Men need to be able to show emotions and not be considered "feminine".

Heres a link to a commercial shown during the super bowl this past year, that really hit me. I am obssesed with it. https://youtu.be/XjJQBjWYDTs