Feminism is the “Word of the Year” 2017: This word is too saucy to be ignored

Feminism - probably the most misunderstood word in the history of mankind. This misunderstood term is Merriam Webster’s “Word of the Year” 2017. Merriam Webster is America’s most trusted online dictionary and every year they give out the word of the year based on World events, scenarios and searches. Feminism was a top lookout because of the series of events that took place throughout the year, generating 70% more searches than 2016.

How feminism became the “Word of the Year”

(Women's March, 17, Washington)

(MeToo Campaign)

Be it the Women’s March in Washington held the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, or during and around the release of Wonder Woman which was a women-centric film.

Be it celebrities sporting the famous Dior “We should all be Feminists” T-shirt or Maria Grazia Chiuri, artistic director of Dior, pushing the feminist bracket further and raising a question with a caption t-shirt asking,”Why have there been no women artists?” (a question apt enough and rooted in the minds of every living women) or the extremely famous #MeToo campaign, where millions of women came out sharing personal stories of sexual harassment and assault on social media.

The most misunderstood word and what it actually means/ Understanding the MOST misunderstood word

(Kalki Koechlin laying down facts)

Feminism in Merriam-Webster has been defined as “the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.” In spite of this word being explained over and over again to the world stating out clearly that it means only equality and not women dominance over men, the word, as Kalki Koechlin quoted, has been bastardised to a point where the average girl doesn't want to be associated with it and we couldn’t agree more.

Issue

Women have been for long treated as a second fiddle to men. Be it in work opportunities, wage pay, a boy coming to “see and approve” the girl for marriage, or the entire idea of living life on your terms; such is the hypocrisy that a woman is judged for making her choices whereas a man has the “freedom” to live life the way he wants. The problem lies when a woman asking for equal opportunity to live life on her terms is seen as an attack on patriarchy and the social beliefs it stands for.

Hypocrisy

We are only so proud that women have been coming out in support of each other during the infamous Harvey Weinstein sexual assault scandal. It spoke volumes of the courage that everyone had knowing that he was such a strong and influential personality. It is sad when back home in India, in spite of coming from well-to-do and educated backgrounds, the final decider, however, comes down to discussing the appropriate age of a girl and when she should get married or about what she chooses to wear. This is all thanks to the big-wig intellects of the society who without a doubt set new benchmarks of hypocrisy where on one hand, they say “Hum toh bade modern minded log hai” (We have a extremely modern mindset)  and on the other hand they say “30 ki ho gayi hai, koi ladka nahi milega, log kya kahengey” (You are 30, you won’t find a guy). It is heartbreaking that no one really cares of the milestone’s she has achieved or how well she is doing in life or the fact that she is happy and that should be the bottom line of any living creature.

Game Changing Women

(Priyanka Chopra stood up for friend Meghan Markle)

Over the years we’ve had some excellent examples set by bold, strong women. Actress Neena Gupta back in the 80s decided to keep the baby out of a wedlock, taking care of her child as a single mother and the child is none other than the Queen of quirky prints, fashion designer, Masaba Gupta. It was brave of Priyanka Chopra to shut down the media when everyone was addressing Meghan Markle as JUST Prince Harry’s girlfriend when she clearly has an excellent body of work to cite for.

Be it Sushmita Sen taking hands-on duty as a single mother to two beautiful daughters or Karan Johar as a single father to his adorable twins, feminism is “not” about gender.

Feminist Men

While we completely agree and stand by the fact that women have been facing brash brick brats since almost forever, there is a section of women who have brought nothing but shame to this movement by playing the victim card. If a man opens a door for you or takes you out for dinner, it is not because he thinks that you cannot do it on your own, it is simply because he is well mannered, polite and chivalrous. Over the years we’ve had some extremely influential men come out and talk about this whole raging issue. The great, Amitabh Bachchan earlier this year tweeted,”When I die, the assets that i shall leave behind shall be shared equally between my daughter and my son! #GenderEquality #WeAreEqual." He had also written a letter for his grand-daughters, Aaradhya and Navya Naveli Nanda, encouraging them in not bending to the society and living life on their own terms. Shah Rukh Khan in his recent interview had quoted, "I'm bringing up my sons to treat all as equals; as boys, they will have no extra privileges over girls."

(Akshay Kumar holding a blood stained pad)

Akshay Kumar will be seen in Padman next which is based on menstruation and it is quite an audacious step knowing that 'menstruation' is still a hush-hush topic in this country.

What needs to be done!

(Emma Watson's quote at United Nations)

It is not like the World is not opening their minds to the whole concept of equality and we agree that it is a long way to go but it has to start from women wanting to embrace this mentality and take it on themselves, like Emma Watson said, “If women are terrified to use the word, how on Earth are men supposed to start using it?". Men and women both need to work together for this one agenda which, I’m sorry to burst your bubble, is a basic right and if you are all for equality, then you indeed are a feminist. Think. Bring a Change. Work for it.

Remember: Change begins with YOU!