Feminist campaign hopes to include men

The term “feminist” carries an unwarranted stigma.
Labeled hateful, aggressive and unattractive, it’s been turned into an insult instead of the badge of honor everyone should wear.
A new campaign hopes to correct that image through the help of not just women, but through an invitation to the opposite sex to join the conversation.
The “HeForShe” campaign — organized by UN Women — is looking to men to set the example. Instead of simply seeing it as a one-sided issue, equal rights should be everyone’s concern.
And that’s exactly what feminism should bring to mind — equal rights.
It’s not women asking for world domination or to lessen the rights of men. It’s asking to be given the same respect, opportunities and earnings, and it’s a discussion that shouldn’t only be directed to half of the population.
The campaign is already gaining support because of a recent speech given by UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson. Receiving widespread accolades for her heartfelt words, the “Harry Potter” actor spoke eloquently and determinedly.
Touching on her own experiences — watching her friends both male and female change to better fall in line with gender expectations — to those of rural African girls who don’t receive secondary education because of the gender they were born, she highlighted that it’s not just women who are affected by labels.
Men are taught to hide their sensitivity while women learn to cover up their strength. Watson said that if men aren’t taught to be aggressive, women won’t feel the need to be submissive.
It’s these stereotypes that need to be broken to open communication and allow people to live outside of preconceived, outdated and ultimately harmful gender roles.
“Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive,” said Watson. “Both men and women should feel free to be strong. It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum, not as two opposing set of ideals.”
It’s refreshing to see a celebrity use her fame to improve not only her own situation in the present but to affect real change for future generations. For Watson, it’s to see an increase in the progress for women’s equality; something we should all be heralding.
It’s time to stop thinking of the word “feminism” with such stigma, but if it cannot be overcome, it’s time to start targeting the idea instead of the terminology.
Our children should grow up in a world where no gender feels inferior to another or where they feel uncomfortable because they don’t fit into arbitrary guidelines set by generations of prejudice.
It’s time for both men and women to stand united in realizing equal rights benefit everyone.
The HeForShe campaign is a step in the right direction in showing it’s not a one-sided issue. Anyone who believes in the equality of all genders is a feminist.
It’s time to take up the mantle and make real change.
And as Emma Watson ended her speech so movingly, “I am inviting you to step forward … and to ask yourself if not me, who? If not now, when?”
I choose now. And I hope others do as well.