As International Women's Day approaches, I see myself once again in the position of explaining (mainly to women) why I do not celebrate this day; and mostly, why I am not a feminist.
Feminism was originally an awe-inspiring ideology and movement- most are positively solid at first - that fought for equality between men and women. Same obligations and same rights for both genders. It was about respect, common sense and real empowerment: the one that enabled women to work, vote and study, among many other rights that for so long only most men had.
Then, sadly, feminism was twisted. By whom? Basically, by feminist movements.
These sentences do not have as a point to become a sort of essay. This is just a personal approach to a sensitive topic that has been misunderstood or biased. Or both.
Why do I even bother? Well, because I am tired of being accused of sexism every March, "the month of the woman", as it is called in my country. Who accuses me of such thing? Feminist women, those who claim to fight for "our" independence and liberties, appear to get quite uncomfortable if one with a vagina dares disagree with them.
So here I go (again):
1. In the same way I don't want to be punished or diminished (socially, politically, economically) just for having a uterus, I refuse to be rewarded (socially, politically, economically) just for a uterus.
2. I am not full of hatred.
3. Being a woman has its benefits and I, like most women on Earth, use them. Therefore, I will not be a childish hypocrite that enjoys the perks but yet makes a scandal because not everything is as ideal as it is supposed to be.
4. I do not use victimization as a tool to get what I want. For that, I trust my intellect, skills and emotional strength.
5. Being a man is not a walk in the park. It is not now, it has never been.
6. Women rights are violated around the globe every day. It is an insult to those women who suffer from real oppression to cry because someone stared at my butt while walking down the street. We, humans, all together, should fight the oppression that still remains; regardless the gender, race, nationality, education or buying power of its victims.
Thank you all for reading.
Have a great day, for the reason (s) you choose!
P.
