7 Recent Events That Show Us Why We Still Need Feminism ...

Feminism hasn't 'happened'; I don't like that phrase because it implies that something is over - but there are so many reasons why we still need feminism. That's why saying that 'we don't need feminism anymore' is so naive and damaging. You may not feel like you need it, and that's great - that means it working. But there are countless other women in the world who do still desperately need equality. Every day, I read news pieces that illustrate that - just because it isn't directly affecting you doesn't mean you shouldn't care. To help show you what I mean, here are a selection of recent examples from the news that show exactly why we still need feminism.

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The Leaked Photos Scandal

Something that's probably dominated your Twitter feed in recent weeks is a perfect example of why we still need feminism. Thanks to a twisted individual(s), the private lives of female celebrities have been plastered all over the internet. It's no coincidence that no male celebrities have experienced the same breach of privacy, nor is it coincidence that the most shared photos of those affected celebrities show them naked. These hugely talented women, famous for winning Oscars and sporting trophies, have had their bodies used against them in the most disgusting, public and personal way.

Emma Watson's UN Speech

You've probably heard about Emma Watson's brilliant, affecting UN address. What happened afterwards? A hoax, threatening to reveal naked, stolen pictures of Emma in response to her speech. This is so many levels of wrong, I can't even begin to explain it. It's like the internet equivalent of saying 'pipe down, or else.'

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The Constant Trolling

This isn't a specific example but I felt it had to be mentioned. Ask any women in the public eye active on social media, particularly those with feminist leanings, if she's ever experienced gender-related abuse and I would guess that at least 90% would say yes - in fact, it's been proved that a much higher percentage of female writers have received online abuse. Some of the abuse these women receive is truly, truly vile and it needs to stop.

The Penalty for Abortion

Recently, a National Review columnist said that the penalty for abortion should be hanging. Obviously, this is a ridiculous extremist view but asshats like this are reflective of a wider problem: men wanting to control what happens to womens' bodies, and threatening violence when they don't get their way.

Amal Alanuddin and George Clooney's Wedding

This is, by all means, a happy occasion. My issue here is the way it was reported in more or less every paper and magazine - I saw only one exception. They went something like this: 'George Clooney, Hollywood royalty, to marry.' No mention of his new wife - the internationally acclaimed and respected human rights lawyer, Amal Alanuddin.

J-Lo & Iggy Azealea

Have you seen the video for this pair's new song? It reduces two highly successful women to a single body part. And the lyrics are just as bad. We see this sort of thing in music videos all the time - women, scantily clad and jiggling around. How often do we see that of men? Look at Jay-Z and Beyoncé. He wears long sleeves and trousers on stage and she stands next to him in little more than her underwear.

Victim-blaming

Again, not a specific example but something that I felt really needed to be mentioned. Remember that new nail varnish that was in the news recently? It reacts to date-rape drugs, so if you dip your finger in your drink, you can check whether you've been spiked or not. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad invention, but the emphasis needs to be on stopping rapists, not placing the responsibility on potential victims. We see this thing all the time - girls, don't get drunk, don't wear inappropriate clothing, etc etc. It's time we stopped blaming the victims and started addressing the cause.

All of these examples are reflective of wider problems. They're by no means isolated and this is such a small selection of the examples I could have used. The need for feminism is still very much present. Do you feel that gender stereotypes affect you?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Amen to that!! Some men are truly just PIGS!

I believe as a woman we need equal rights. That being said, why do women have naked pictures on their phones & computers. Also, why do they run around mostly naked on stage or in public? They just asking for trouble from men. I was a young pretty woman & I could dress sexy and not look like a street walker. I really think these actresses really like when they are exposed. They get a lot of attention out of it. Who to say they did not do it themselves. Women should have more respect for themselves.

I find this article very confusing. I think if you're going to write about feminism, you should define what you mean by the word. To me, it is about choice. Women should be able to choose to be the CEO of a company and be able to achieve it but also, they should be able to stay at home and look after their children too if they wish. Just like they should be able to be scantily clad in music videos if they want. I can't imagine anyone would force J-Lo to do something that she didn't want to. As for George Clooney, why would they mention Amal? No one outside the law world had heard of her before they started dated. Personally, I think the whole rape think comes across as childish. Of course we should be stopping people raping women AND men but surely anything that sways it in the favour of the girl (in this instance) and let's her know that she may have been drugged is surely a good thing?

I don't agree with this article. Regarding Clooney's wedding, no one knows who Amal is. People are interested in Clooney, not Amal. It has nothing to do with gender; it is because of Clooney's status. Regarding J-Lo and Iggy, they put that song out there on there own. No misogynist forced them. Regarding abortion, this has nothing to do with feminism. Yes, a woman should have a right to her own body, but why does she have the right to the child's body? I don't think these men want to control woman, but they want to help the children that they believe are being murdered. Regarding rape, it's terrible and no one should ever go through it, but it does happen. Trying to protect a potential victim is not victim blaming. Overall, I think this article is misleading, and doesn't provide good examples.

Ever heard of a website, Return Of Kings? Perpetuates the exact thing you're talking about here: The objectification of women. Scumbags.

While I do agree with many of these. I disagree with #4. There are plenty of women that are pro-life. Those women don't see it as men wanting to control their bodies but women wanting to control the bodies of the children. I am not meaning to start a debate on abortion. But, if you are going to write an article on reasons for feminism you shouldn't include abortion because it is not a feminist debate.

Women choose to sexually exploit themselves. It's not men's fault. It's ours! Everyone wants to play the blame game but some women makes us all look bad. If you want change stop tryna change the men and teach our future women to be more respectable. As far as rape goes that is never ever ok! But it's sadly a part of our world and all we can do is find ways to help us protect ourselves against evil human beings.

This is an impeccable article. Among all the fluff of 'edgy fall items' and Kim kardashian this article is a shining thought provoking star. Thank you for posting this.

Thank you for writing this!!!!! I feel like I'm talking to a wall when I try to explain to my dad, grandfather, and brother why I'm a feminist.

Amal AlaMuddin

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