“The F Word”: clarifying common misconceptions about feminism

What does feminism mean? Actually, take a moment and think about it. When the word ‘feminism’ is mentioned, what is the first thought that comes to mind? What feeling does it evoke? The feeling could be
indifferent, positive, or negative; no matter, I implore you to step back and continue reading about the origins
and significance of feminism, and perhaps even attend the Institute for
Women’s Leadership’s (IWL) event, The F Word, on November 5th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

One of the first recorded acts of ‘feminism’ was in the 3rd century BCE (this term is used lightly as the word did not exist in its current form at the time), when Roman women blocked every entrance of the Forum to boycott the refusal to repeal certain laws that limited their use of expensive goods. The consul who was refusing these repeals claimed, “As soon as they begin to be your equals, they will have become your superiors.” Thus, the long-standing misconception that feminism is to position women higher than men was
born before the term feminism could be fully realized. Drifting past the feminist figures of the Renaissance
period, the actual term ‘feminism’ was coined in the mid-1800s when the first wave of feminism began to form.

This wave of feminism was for women to obtain the right to vote. The second wave began in the 1960s and was a response to the nuclear family model; women wanted to be in the workplace, and they wanted bodily autonomy. The third wave began in the 1990s and addressed the complexities of the individual and really strove to delve deeper into the issue of intersectionality; before this, feminist issues primarily served white
women, and it was not until this wave that women of color’s struggles were finally addressed.

Finally, the fourth wave of feminism addresses sexual violence and online activism. Of course, this is a rapid outline of feminism in the modern age, and it is confined to Western society. It may also seem to predominantly serve women, but this is not the case.

The third and fourth waves of feminism were not only for women; they were for everyone. By attempting to repeal traditional gender roles, feminism speaks in favor of a person’s individuality, and that includes men.
Struggles and double standards men face are part of the feminist discussion. At times, the definition of feminism might be delivered to you diluted, but feminism cares about everybody. In the modern age of Western society, feminism is about self-expression and equality for everyone, and that includes people who wish to fulfill traditional gender roles.

So please, think further about what feminism means to you, what it has done for you, and bring thoughts and questions to The F Word, which is a panel compiled of CSB+SJU professors who will further discuss feminism, what it means to them and why it’s for everyone. The event will take place on Nov. 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Upper Gorecki.