My foray into feminism.

I've always advocated equal rights for females, but I guess I've never really considered myself a "Feminist", as such.

Nowadays feminism is equated with men-hating lesbians who wear dungarees, shave their heads and refuse to wear bras, which is completely wrong.  It's created an odd taboo and I think it's high time this stereotype be put to bed.

I'm writing an essay on the issue of consent in Little Red Riding Hood and I've been thoroughly disturbed by the things I've come across in my research - rape narratives, the initiative behind the SlutWalk (which I never really appreciated before, the site is slutmeansspeakup.org.uk) and the attitude that remains about women who are supposedly "asking for it" by wearing short skirts.  It's harrowing stuff.

Unsurprisingly, this material has brought out my inner feminist, and now every time I come across sexist, malicious content, I get a little bit angry.  The fact that people continue to joke about sexism means it will never be taken seriously, and it justifies sexual harassment   Until women and men are perceived as equals, women ARE being oppressed.  People that think women have achieved equality in the world are wrong - there is still a lot that needs to be done.

For anyone who isn't aware, there has been a massive scandal over the last few days regarding one of Hallmark card's designs with an image that was posted on Twitter by EverydaySexism.  The design of the card is below:

(Courtesy of @EverydaySexism)

The design is said to have passed through checks 15 years ago and wasn't reproduced, but still. Everything is wrong with this card.  Telling a 13 year old girl she needs a boyfriend and that said boyfriend will shower her with expensive goods only if she gets "bigger boobies"... just, what?!

There's also been a scandal with FHM for this image, which jokes about men's "victims" - apparently domestic violence is a laughing matter now?

 (Courtesy of The Independent)

I just don't understand.  How can people say that feminists need to get over themselves when this kind of thing continues to be printed?  And sorry, but if the guy I was sleeping with asked me if he could wear my socks I don't think I'd let him.  They wouldn't fit, for starters, and it's a tad weird.

People may argue that serious things sometimes need to be made into a joke - after all, life is too short to live too seriously - but it's important that sexism isn't made into a joke because rape is no laughing matter.  Labelling women as "victims" is demeaning and shows a complete lack of respect. 

I'm pretty sure no one's laughing when they're raped;  maybe FHM should think about that one the next time they decide to be "hilarious".  I think until men appreciate the horror of being physically attacked/violated and being completely powerless to fight against it, there's not much that can be done.  A little bit of empathy would go a long way.

Over and out.

My motivation.

Last night, instead of doing the sensible thing and having a productive reading session before a guilt-free sleep, I hit youtube. It seems I'm more interested in research for this blog rather than my dissertation (eep!)

Anyway, I searched "being flat-chested" and was unpleasantly surprised to stumble upon this:

It disturbed me for many reasons, and brought to light just how negatively having a small chest is being presented in our humble world.  I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Firstly, Angela says "Look at playboy... none of the women there are flat-chested."  I can't dispute this, but the fact she sees appearing in Playboy magazine as a representative of female beauty upsets me.  And at the end of the day, you have to consider two things when it comes to "Male magazines"

1. Is the audience of such magazines the type of person you want to be attracted to you? and
2. Do you believe the audience of such magazines to see these women as "standard"?

Maybe I'm not making sense.  What I'm trying to say is that personally, I'm not worried about how my having a small chest is perceived to males generally.  I'd rather be attractive to the type of males that read other magazines, such as GQ or FHM (a somewhat "classier" male magazine, showing celebs like Millie Mackintosh, who isn't DD+, looking perfectly gorgeous), or y'know, NEWSPAPERS.  Or, even better, a man who isn't obsessed with chest size.  And in regard to the second point - if males honestly think the models in Playboy, Nuts, whatever, are "real women" and set the standard for women everywhere, they are utterly delusional.

Moving on... no, no one ever whines for a flat chest, but that is not to say that women don't whine for smaller chests.  And women with smaller chests can be seen as beautiful, even sexy. This is something I aim to show in later posts.

"If I had boobs, my body would be perfect" - NO NO NO. I'm sorry, but who has the "perfect" body?  Admittedly, people can look at other people and say "God, I wish I had his/her figure", but you go and ask them "Do you think you have the perfect body?" and I'm 99% sure they will say "No." If Angela had boobs, I'm certain she'd find something else she wasn't happy with.  This is not just Angela, this is for anybody.  Our imperfections make us beautiful and unique.  They distinguish us, and prevent us from looking like robots.

It's sad to hear that she can't find bras/clothes to fit her. This sounds bizarre to me (I'm not saying she's lying) but here in England at least I feel stores cater to all sizes of women.  You've just gotta unleash your inner Gok Wan and find the styles that flatter you.  There are definitely clothes small-chested girls can get away with that bustier women cannot.

The only positive part of the video is at the end: her 4 reasons for not getting breast implants, all of which are very, very true.

1. Cost
2. Maintenance 
3. Putting synthetic materials inside you probably isn't entirely healthy
4. Pain

With these aspects in mind, it really is better to make the best of what you have - or haven't - got.

I want these negative videos to stop.  They shouldn't exist.  I'd be a hypocrite to say I'm happy with my body, but you've just gotta work what your mamma gave you - you owe it to her!  And it's common knowledge that you've got to start loving yourself before anyone else can start to love you. Girls need to start loving themselves.

SPREAD THE LOVE, PEOPLE! <3