By: Miss Victory Ezomo
It’s actually sad that In today’s world, where social media reigns supreme and quick fixes are a huge deal; it’s now clear that the concept of feminism has changed its cause – What was once a shining beacon of hope for women striving for equal rights has seemingly evolved into what we can hardly recognize. We’re in a generation that appears to have misplaced the true essence of feminism, opting instead for a somewhat questionable trend of hatred towards men.
Feminism is a straightforward notion. It is about advocating for equal opportunities for all genders. It sprung up as a result of the struggles of women who faced the harsh reality of deprivation and discrimination at the hands of men.
They were denied entry into the world of sports, kept far from the political arena, and forbidden from stepping into various professions; I mean, when you can be a housewife or own a shop, why should money be wasted on a female to be a doctor? Surprisingly, even today, in some parts of the world, women are held accountable for their husbands’ deaths and subjected to public shaming. Feminism was meant to amplify these women’s voices and ensure that fairness prevailed because, let’s face it, all genders should be on equal footing.
But we seem to have taken a wrong turn somewhere along this twisted path. Today’s youth, particularly these Gen Z’s, seem to have a peculiar obsession with projecting themselves as ‘baddies,’ emphasizing their looks over their intellect. Engage them in a thoughtful conversation, and you might be met with a look that screams, “Why are you bothering me?” Terms like ‘misogyny’ or feminism are flung around carelessly, with little or no understanding of what it means.
What’s more bewildering is the transition from fighting for equality to fighting against chivalry. Some argue that a man shouldn’t hold a door open or show a bit of kindness because, apparently, that’s disrespectful to women. However, these same individuals have issues splitting the bills 50/50, suggesting it’s somehow a man’s sacred duty. It’s like a circus display of stupidity.
Modern feminism is more about competition than equality. We hear things like if a man cheats, a woman should be allowed to cheat, too. If a man womanizes, well, a woman should be free to follow suit. It’s truly sad.
And let’s not forget the disappearance of women in professions typically dominated by men, such as mechanics, chauffeurs, or plumbing. It’s as if feminism, initially intended to smash these barriers, decided to take a lunch break instead.
Even the great Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie herself ventured into rather perplexing territory when she expressed empathy for men, citing their inability to experience the miracle of childbirth. It’s almost as if she forgot that feminism isn’t about diminishing men but uplifting women.
Now, the most delightful development is the emergence of a faction within feminism that humorously refers to themselves as “alpha males.” These women wield words like weapons, aiming their verbal artillery at men, brandishing their independence like a badge of honour; they proudly proclaim that they don’t need men; men are insignificant, or so they claim. Some even aspire to raise a child independently, challenging traditional family structures and norms. While it’s true that many women can be strong and independent on their own, it’s also worth acknowledging that the journey of parenthood, like life itself, can often benefit from the involvement of both parents. After all, two heads are better than one, especially when those heads are working together in harmony.
But wait, there’s more! The huge celebration and glorification of nudity on social media hailed as the epitome of feminist expression, is a sight to behold. Apparently, some women believe that wearing fewer clothes is the ultimate testament to self-confidence or being in control of your body. It’s almost as if they’ve missed the memo that our bodies were once deemed sacred and not for public consumption.
Events like the VMAs have witnessed celebrities pushing the boundaries of nudity as if trying to convince the world that shedding clothes is the new form of empowerment. While it’s important to reclaim ownership of one’s body, the line between empowerment and using your body as an art exhibition has become rather hazy.
These women who celebrate their half-naked selves seem offended when men attempt to sexually gratify them with money. It’s almost as if they didn’t realize that flaunting their assets might attract certain kinds of attention. And if that’s not enough to leave you scratching your head, these trends have spilt over from social media into reality. These days, young ladies are often seen in public spaces scantily dressed. Both women and men find themselves taken aback and cringing at the sight. Yet, they don’t seem to give a hoot. They believe it’s all about fashion and feminism; I mean, it’s the 21st century, and women should be free to dress as they please.
Yet, amidst all this chaos, it’s crucial to remember that women were put on this earth for a purpose. We are meant to be smart, more developed, evolved, and responsible. Men can have their moments of silliness, but let’s not forget the true essence of feminism. It’s not about competing or seeking revenge; it’s about equality, respect, and empowerment. In this complex world, let’s strive to embrace the true meaning of feminism while finding a balance between personal expression and societal norms. Maybe even the men will join us in the fight, just maybe.
About the Author:
Victory Ezomo @ victoryezomo3@gmail.com, is a Nigerian On Air Personality (OAP), Writer, Content Creator and Brand Specialist.
