The dead fight

Written by Adriana Watson

In the early 1900s, a movement began that would change this country for the better. Women began to rise up: they dusted off their skirts, grabbed their bicycles and signs, and began to fight for a right that is very dear to Americans. The right to vote. Women came out and gave voice to those whose lives were controlled by their fathers and husbands, they shouted for women everywhere who worked their lives away for this country, yet were still denied basic American rights. Eventually, in 1920, after a long and tiresome struggle with a government made of men, women were granted this right. From that time forward, feminism was born.

“Today, feminists walk along the same pathway that those great women once did gaining rights for not only women but the oppressed and suffering” is what I would love to say; however, that would be an utter lie on my part. Feminists today are nothing but attention hogs, always trying to steal the spotlight with some petty incident that makes a world of difference to them. The fact of the matter is: women in America are NOT oppressed. In fact, I would beg to argue that we’re actually privileged. Statistically, we’re more likely to get into most colleges and be considered for some jobs more than men simply because we are women, and everyone seems to want diversity in their companies these days.

What was once a fight for justice and human rights has now become a pathetic struggle for attention. Although it isn’t realistic to say that feminism should completely end, it is clear that they’re fighting the wrong wars. Instead of complaining about the nonexistent “wage gap” in America, they should be defending their sisters in third world countries whose lives are legally worth half of their husbands. Frankly, I am embarrassed to even be a citizen in the same country much less be the same gender as these women who tear up city blocks and start dramatic brawls over the “Movies with a Strong Female Lead” section on Netflix. Feminism is not what it used to be. It no longer holds true to its definition nor its purpose.

Feminism used to be about equality. It wasn’t about women being superior to men or vice versa. It was simply about men and women being equal. No better, no worse. I dream of a society where we are judged by our accomplishments and respected for our hard work, but I’m afraid to say that is impossible. There will always be people among us that believe they are oppressed. There will always be groups and organizations that believe they are being discriminated against but at the end of the day, we are privileged. We live in a country where we can openly mock our government without fear of being put in jail or killed. We live in an age of opportunity where almost anything is possible if we’re willing to put in the effort and work for it. This country is beyond feminism. It is no longer necessary for us. Perhaps it’s time to drop the posters, pick up a newspaper, and fight for the people who deserve everything we have and more.