Brittany Wilson - photo by Kristen Griffith

Brittany Wilson – photo by Kristen Griffith

By Brittany Wilson (Whetstone Staff Writer)

Key the phrase “Feminists are” into Google and the evidence appears right there in the search suggestions:

“Feminists are ugly.” “Feminists are stupid.” “Feminists are annoying.”

Translation:  Women who stray from the societal norms to be independent, women who want to be valued as equals to men, women who fight for their rights, are generally of little value or importance to society.

Wrong.

Feminism is the belief that women are and should be treated as intellectual and social equals to men, not limited by biology or tradition and bias.

Just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I’m any less capable than a man.  Just because you’re a man doesn’t mean you are any better than I am.

Just because I’m a feminist doesn’t mean you can’t be courteous and respectful and hold the door.

For some reason, though, society doesn’t seem to understand.

Originally, I set out to write a personal account on sexual harassment; how irritated and disrespected I feel every day by men who only value me for the way I look, rather than my accomplishments.

So now I’m writing to

  • The married man who thinks it’s okay to hit on me while his wife is in the bathroom and I come to take his drink order.
  • The guy who shouts perverted comments out his car window as I walk down the street on my way to class.
  • The guy at work who can’t seem to keep his hands to himself.
  • And is it still considered a booty call if it’s a text message?

Sexual harassment is demoralizing because I am more than just a body, and my mind is worth just as much as any man’s.

Wesley College is about 52 percent female, and I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, but a lot of times it feels like I am. Women are much too tolerant of, and even complicit in, the objectification, sexualization, and degradation they face; maybe because they’re used to it—it happens so often, it just seems inevitable.

It’s not.

An individual’s value should not be based on her body. Worth is not about a pretty face. It is about a strong mind.

I came to Wesley to pursue an education; I want an education so I can get a good job, be successful and kick ass. Why?  Because I can.

And I will.

And there’s nothing ugly, stupid or annoying about that.