Majoring in...Feminism?

I’ll be the first to say it: the word “feminism” itself has become somewhat of a negative buzzword in recent pop culture. It’s served as a platform for celebrities to seem passionate about social change. On college campuses, feminism has taken the face as the “bad guy” for those less educated about its meaning and significance. To many, it’s been reduced to burning bras, body hair, and free-flowing, unadulterated rage towards all men.

As uncomfy as bras and razor burns are, they aren’t what being a feminist is all about. In a world where the term is loosely used and thrown around, we can be quick to forget that. But as we find ourselves navigating the most transformative years of our lives, feminism is more important now than ever. It’s role is crucial--paramount, even--in supporting us as we continue to live as passionate, valued and strong young women.

But first, let’s evaluate: what does exactly does it mean to be a female college student in 2018?

It’s having the right to vote and to express yourself.

It’s having the ability to study, to learn and to share intellectual experiences with mentors and peers alike.

It’s completing the transition into womanhood, building confidence and establishing support and solidarity with the incredible community around you.

But it’s also walking home alone from a party, keys clutched in hand and fear in your throat.

It’s entering an economy with fewer work opportunities and larger debt.

It’s walking into a lecture hall for your STEM class and realizing that you’re one of a handful of women in a class of hundreds. It’s being expected to drop that STEM major after taking that introductory course.

It’s being called aggressive, feisty or bossy just for being confident.

It’s recognizing the inequality and conflict in the world and feeling like your voice isn’t strong enough to fight against it.

It’s having the strength to finally come forward and speak about that injustice, only to be silenced by the words and power of those who simply do not understand.

And that’s exactly why feminism is important.

As women in college, we should not have to fear our chances in the working world. We should not have to work hard, day in and day out, in order prove that our success were earned, not given. We should not have to worry about being one in five.

The concept of “safety” seems to be treated with utmost priority and importance on college campuses. The heightened presence of alert systems and campus security makes it pretty clear that most administrations are trying to show that “student safety is their primary concern.” From the second an incoming freshman arrives on campus, universities do nothing but attempt to create a community atmosphere: one that promotes itself as a safe space for all.

But the entire idea of safety as something that is given and provided to us is what concerns me. It’s the idea that we, as women, minorities, immigrants, and students, are to blame for the things that happen to us. Because of how we dress, because of how we express ourselves, because of how and where and with whom we choose to spend our free time.

As we continue to grow and develop ourselves in our academic endeavors, we should not be faced with the reality that ambition, success, and leadership are still associated with masculinity. In the words of our queen and fearless feminist leader Emma Watson: “Feminism is about giving women the freedom of choice.” It means having the choice to succeed, the choice to excel, the choice to explore identity and sexuality, and the right to be safe and supported while doing so. We are women. We are the next generation of leaders. We are allowed to be driven, ambitious and out-spoken.

So to the over-entitled frat boys, or the men overflowing with unwarranted senses of pride and toxic masculinity: no. Feminism is not out to get you. We’re not trying to yell at you, to shame you, or to wrong you. Feminism today is about feeling comfortable in your own skin and not being afraid to show it. It’s the inclusion, not marginalization, of all genders and identities. Feminism is intersectional. In order for any of us to progress, we must progress together. It’s about receiving respect and validation for the beautiful things we have earned and accomplished. It’s living proudly, mindfully and honestly.

AND getting that degree in the process.

By Sabrina Maciariello

Duke Student, wellness columnist and avocado connoisseur on the right side of the toast trend.