Koontz

Dual Enrollment
Erskine 2B
More than the Dress Code
When mentioning the word feminism, many depictions are constructed,
depending on the individual and their knowledge (or lack thereof) of todays society.
However, feminism is quite simple. According to Merriam Webster Dictionary,
feminism is 1. the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the
sexes. 2. organized activity on behalf of womens rights and interests. Simply put
by Marie Shear, feminist writer and editor, feminism is the radical notion that
women are people.
Throughout the history of the feminist movement, there has been criticism of
the movement, and negative connotations have formed. Stereotypes have held
back the legitimacy that the movement holds, making it difficult to hear the voices
of women who are fighting for equality and empowerment. Many assume that since
women have the right to vote and are able to hold the same jobs that men do, they
must be equal. This is incredibly false. Simply looking at todays issues regarding
womens rights and equality rights as a whole, there are multitudes of issues that
still need improvement in order for women to advance in society.
In todays society, the core goal of feminism is to campaign for the rights of
all women. Feminists are working hard to achieve four main goals. The first, most
pressing issue that feminists are fighting against is the gender gap, where women
are receiving a lower wage for equal work. Even in 2015, the gender gap is alive
and well. The higher paying the job, the larger the pay gap, with women making
21% less than men at even a Doctoral degree level.

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The second issue that feminism is trying to uncover is the high standard that
women are held to in todays society. Fashion magazines show unrealistic standards
for womens body shape, color, and perfection. TV commercials show sexist,
dehumanizing portrayal of women and their cultures. Even the news has shown
sexist scrutiny to politicians such as Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina.
Thirdly, feminism is fighting against social inequality. This issue has been
most popular through the power of social media, where feminist activists are
fighting against the prejudice that takes place especially in transgendered, lesbian,
minority, and disabled women. The prejudice against these women has shown that
issues of race, disability, sexual orientation, and gender are still highly severe in the
21st century, and feminists are campaigning to end the inequality that takes place
within these groups.
Lastly, an issue that has taken place over multiple centuries and has
vigorously increased in the past few years is violence against women. Almost every
country fails to recognize rape within marriage as a criminal offense, a huge issue in
todays society. In colleges nationwide, rape and sexual assault happens every day.
Now more than ever, due to the fear of catcalling, assault, and rape, women do not
feel safe walking alone. Feminists are advocating for lessons on consent to be
taught in sex education classes to both males and females, and for rape to be
brought up in a more serious light nationwide.
It is important that people understand that feminism is more than a white girl
complaining about her school dress code. Feminism is a cultural, societal, and
historical movement that has been around for over a hundred years and will be
around for hundreds more. Until the rights of all women in all countries worldwide

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are equal to the rights of men, there will be a need for feminism. Feminism provides
support for all genders, sexual orientations, races, and backgrounds that women
may have. In order to make changes that we desperately need as we progress
further into the 21st century, it is important to me that feminism is taken seriously
in our society.