I decided that as a nice study break I would catch up on the news. I decided that doing so would be a good outlet for my stress and a good opportunity to take a breather.
I was wrong.
What is wrong with the world? Why is it that an 11 year old girl can be brutally gang-raped by 18 men and then blamed as the victim in one of the Nation's most prestigious news outlets?
*http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/us/09assault.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha23
Why is it that an email a Fraternity boy wrote about how women are "targets" and aren't human and how to go about getting their "pies' and "gullets" is circulating around campuses?
*http://jezebel.com/#!5779905/usc-frat-guys-email-explains-women-are-targets-not-actual-people-like-us-men
So, why is it that I'm a feminist?
I'm a feminist because no matter what you say, sexism, violence towards women, and misogyny exists in the world.
I'm a feminist because our news outlets have taken an 11-year-olds traumatic rape experience and turned it into a "Well she was dressing too provocatively" debate.
I'm a feminist because STILL women's wages aren't equal to men's.
I'm a feminist because I believe and live by the ideal that my outside appearance should NEVER dictate who I am, what I can be, and what I can achieve.
I'm a feminist because I have a right to own my body, to do with it what I please, and to exercise these rights despite the opinion of others who disagree.
I'm a feminist because it shouldn't matter what a woman's reputation, dress, appearance, or attitude was during a sexual assault case. What should matter is if she gave valid consent or not.
I'm a feminist because the images of the media don't represent myself nor anyone I know.
I'm a feminist because I believe that the pressure of 'masculinity' from the media is harmful to boys and men.
I'm a feminist because I believe that gender roles shouldn't be assigned at such an early age and that we should encourage our children, friends, and loved ones to live outside of the box.
I'm a feminist because I love my body, I love my sexuality, and I love myself. I'm proud to be me.
I'm a feminist because I fall into the double bind of purity and whorishness and I really don't think it should matter if I enjoy sex or not.
I'm a feminist because the news today reflects, very much, the change that we STILL need to make.
