A Day in My Life without Feminism

To imagine a day in my life without feminism is nearly impossible.  I was born in 1991, and by the time I became an adult, decades had already passed since women in the United States gained their rights.  I’ve been fortunate enough that I have not had to experience the full extent of the oppression of women.  I’m a very opinionated, outspoken woman, and if I did not have feminism, there would be many limitations on my means of self expression.  No female in this country would have any of the rights they have today.

As strong-willed as I am, I value my right to vote dearly.  Not only am I pleased that I can vote, but also that I’m able to engage in serious political conversations or run for a political office, if I’d like.  If the Women’s Rights Movement had not occurred, I would not be eligible to vote or run for office.  Moreover, any opinions I may offer regarding politics would be instantly dismissed.  I imagine that I would feel as if my government thinks I am not important, which would likely cause me to rebel, after which I would be imprisoned, as so many women were.

The educational system we have in place today would be extraordinarily different.  I value the right to be able to decide what I want to study and where I’d like to study it.  Without feminism, my education would be as basic as possible, and I would not be studying to be a social worker.  Not only would I not be studying my passion, I would also think in an entirely different way than I do now.  Attending college has taught me to be a critical, independent thinker.  Having a higher education has influenced nearly every aspect of my life, and without it my entire existence would be altered.

Aside from politics and education, I take great comfort in the fact that I have complete ownership of my body.  If I was unable to use contraceptives, obtain a legal abortion, or deny my husband sex, I would have to lead an extremely careful life, especially while in the presence of men.  Because women do in fact enjoy sex just as much as men, it would be awful if we had to endure violent sexual experiences or refrain from sex due to fear of an unwanted pregnancy.

Before feminism and the Women’s Rights Movement, females had many concerns that were ignored by the rest of society.  Women were treated unfairly in nearly every way possible.  I am very grateful for feminism, because a day in my life without it would be like a day without breathing.