feminism

At its core, feminism is the simple conviction that women are equal to men in every regard, and should be treated as such.

Burn the Makeover Movie
There’s a lot of things I don’t miss about the noughties; low rise jeans and Juicy Couture velour rank amongst them. but the trend I most despise is the Makeover Movie. Also, here’s a disclaimer for the guys in the back; yes, being a feminist and an “ugly” teenager who had to wait till she was eighteen until her first kiss influences my opinion on this. It’s not that I “wouldn’t have a problem” if I was hot, it’s a case of I wouldn’t be the target audience. These movies are a goldmine of daydreams for nerdy teenage girls who harbour unobtainable popular crushes (*raises hand in admittance). They feed the mentality that “it’s not me, it’s my face/body/fashion/anything that makes up my identity and if I change it he’ll fall hopelessly in love with me and I can design the interior of our castle.” The makeover movie is a sub genre of teen films that follow a basic formula: Girl is unattractive, she likes boy who is attractive, witty sidekick persuades her to undergo a makeover, she is suddenly attractive because she now has make-up, contact lenses, and clothes that fit, boy likes her back, happily ever after. The thing is this template sells us fantasy dressed up in a high school guise; in the real world, a lovely, yet slightly plain looking girl who gets a "makeover" will look pretty much the same and odds are, the guy she likes will probably not glance her way regardless of what she wears. The problem is the makeover plot relies on and improbable event happening, but frames it in a realistic setting. The movies should be labelled fantasy as their plot lines are akin to Cinderella landing the cover of Sport Illustrated because the Prince found a girl who the glass bikini fits. But we bask in these films of the fantastical without any care for their source. Like the Miller's daughter in Rumplestiltskin, the director appears to turn the straw of everyday life into gold and we choose not to question his methods. This impossible feat is a trick of the eye; deep down we know this, yet we hold the counterfeit gold to our chests and wish we could afford the real deal.
By Laura 8 years ago in Viva
Telling Tales: Why Survivor Stories Matter
Earlier this year, I attended a recovery program for survivors of domestic violence. The abuse had taken place more than 10 years previously, and it had haunted me ever since. The first time around, I tried to seek help, but I was let down by all the agencies that I sought help from: my doctor, social workers, the police. My abuser’s stalking behaviour and his tactic of threatening and harming anyone close to me left me isolated and without support. He was a charmer and the master of telling a good tale himself; with no evidence to back up his often extraordinary claims, those in authority took his word over mine.
By Katy Preen8 years ago in Viva
Transmisogynists Have Trans Women's Blood On Their Hands
Transmisogyny is growing like a cancer (and as someone who has had cancer, I’m allowed to say that). Everywhere on the internet and in the “real world,” I see transmisogynists undermining my trans sisters’ humanity and basic rights.
By Kimia Etemadi8 years ago in Viva
Fact or Fiction: The Art of Feminist Marketing
In today’s world there is no shortage of feminist-slanted marketing initiatives. Huge companies promise to “help women break the glass ceiling” with emotional campaigns that tug at the heart strings.
By Swaay9 years ago in Viva
Can “Is(m)s” Merge to Make “Is”
Feminism and humanism are two world views that are constantly present in Western culture, regardless of how each individual identifies themselves. Despite their similarities, many, such as Corliss Lamont, question their political compatibility. Rightfully so, feminism has more of a socialistic tendency and humanism’s ideologies are much closer to a totalitarianism. That being said, it is important to look back on how these two world views came to be in order to draw conclusions.
By Megan Le Stum9 years ago in Viva
10 Reasons You Need Feminism Today
I believe that feminism is one of the best things to happen to society, and if more people began to open a dialogue about it, everyone would have a better quality of life. Unfortunately, many people I've met on the net don't believe me when I say this.
By Skunk Uzeki9 years ago in Viva
It's Time to Move Away From Reproductive-Focused Spirituality
Z. Budapest's rhetoric against trans women and pushing them out of women-only spiritual spaces is still fresh in my memory. It still makes me ill just thinking about it.
By Princess Sparklefangs9 years ago in Viva
An Idiot's Guide to Feminism
I, like many others, hear the word feminism thrown around as much as empty promises from a politician in election year. Celebrities use it, Facebook and its millions of keyboard warriors use it, so do all the strong women striving to change the mind frames of a generation, but does anyone actually look for the real life examples that confront us? I can say I didn't, not until I tried to lose a bit of weight. So, if I may, I will start from the beginning.
By Alex Fletcher9 years ago in Viva
How to Stop the Red Pill Phenomenon from Spreading. Top Story - August 2017.
Among feminists, there is a strong call to stop the Red Pill phenomenon from spreading. If you don't know what the Red Pill is, it's an internet community known for misogyny and telling men to emotionally abuse women to bed them. It has been linked with advocating for rape under the guise that "all women have rape fantasies."
By Chelsea Kendrick9 years ago in Viva
Can Men Be Feminists?
Can men be feminists? It seems like such a simple question, right? With the word "feminism," it's likely that you immediately think of feminine things. Women's rights, women's health care, equal pay for women in the work place – these are all very commonly discussed feminist topics.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart9 years ago in Viva