Equally Different

Something that has been getting me pretty frustrated and upset recently is the misuse of the word “feminism.” I am also frustrated with the ignorant actions of all genders because of what they think feminism is. The Webster definition of the word feminism is: “The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” In no way should this be taken as, “Women are superior to men.” But for some reason, certain people are just incapable of wrapping their heads around that simple concept. Nowadays, there are so many genders that it gets extremely confusing. I started to look into this because, with so many genders to learn, it leaves a lot of room for people to become offended.

Today everyone gets offended by everything, which in some cases is understandable while in others it is just extremely over-exaggerated. According to ABC News, there are now at least 58 identifiable genders. That is all fine and dandy but it does raise a question. How does someone expect another person to learn and memorize each gender definition so that they will not be offended? I have absolutely no issue with anyone’s sex, race, gender, sexuality, or any of that. What I do have an issue with is when I ask questions because I do not know, and people take offense. It is just extremely frustrating. If people don’t know, they just don’t know. It is completely justified if a person gets offended by another’s ignorance if they are being ridiculed or discriminated against.

The topic of feminism is extremely controversial for obvious reasons; nowadays everything is very circumstantial. Each individual person is just that, an individual. Each and every person has a different way of thinking, different opinions, and even different outlooks on life. But there is one thing people tend to look over or even just ignore entirely. It is the fact that there will always be differences between men and women. We are different biologically, psychologically, and physically. We have differences in our hormones and the way that they affect our emotions. A prime example of this is that women have the ability to conceive and give birth to children. This takes a toll on women physically, and especially mentally. Their bodies have the ability to adapt and grow to allow another human life to be created. But that would not be possible without men for obvious reasons. While this might not take a physical toll on men, it definitely has a mental toll. Creating and caring for new human life is a lot of work for both contributing parties. The role of being a single parent is particularly stressful. There are so many differences between men and women that cannot be ignored or changed. Which means that we cannot be treated 100 percent equally 100 percent of the time. It is just not possible, and that is okay!

While there are many differences that separate men and women, we should be treated equally in some ways—but not all. Like I have said before, everything is circumstantial, especially the issue of equal pay for equal work. Although it isn’t as big of an issue as it used to be, it still happens. If a man and woman do the exact same work for the exact same time, why should they not be paid equally? This also applies to racial prejudice. No one should be discriminated in any way for the color of their skin.

There are many things that people fight about in today’s society, and we all have our own individual views on everything. One of the great things about this country is that we all have the right to voice our opinions in any situation. This is fine, but there is no reason for people to believe that they should be treated better then someone else because of their sex or race. People need to do the research and become educated on topics that they feel the need to be vocal about leaving no room for error, confusion, or ignorance. This would create a much more civil and proactive environment throughout, not only our country, but also throughout the world.