by Jackie Ballway

Created on: May 18, 2008

Modern Feminism is an oxymoron. One does not coincide with the other. The feminist movement began to give women equal rights: the right to vote, the right to a fair wage, the right to be their own person. Women have all of that! Now the redundancy of the situation is causing a backlash; women want more rights than men, a higher wage, more more more. When did the struggle to be equal become the struggle to become superior?

The notion of feminism is outdated because the causes behind it are outdated. In 1913, Rebecca West wrote in The Clarion, "people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat." At the time, the statement was applicable because women were still seen as the "weaker sex", a subservient being. Today, women are far from the wilted flower of yesteryear. They are expected to voice their opinions, to take care of themselves, raise the family and bring home the bacon. So where does the modern feminist notion come in? It's delivered in a big box with a shiny bow and a tag that reads Double Standards.

Double standards are what the majority of the "modern feminist" live on. In the workplace, a woman is allowed to talk about how another woman is dressed, if her outfit shows off too much cleavage, or if she has been rumored to be sleeping around. If a man makes mention of a female co-workers attire, it's sexual harassment. Where's the equality in that?

Another example of the double standard resides in the armed forces. As a woman I know I am more capable of doing certain things than most men are, but I also know that when it comes to strength and endurance, I am no match for the average male. This is not the case for all women, but the point is still valid for the majority. In the armed forces, a soldier-in times of crisis-should be able to assist a fallen comrade to safety. It is much more difficult for the female body to do so because of our physical make-up; it has nothing to do with inferiority, merely the way women are constructed. Instead of accepting this fact, the point is bemoaned as unfair and outdated. Equal rights, remember? Wrong! These women aren't looking for equality; they're looking for an easy way in. If they were looking for equal rights, basic training would be the same for both sexes. As it is, women do less physical labor during basic training than the men do. That doesn't spell equality to me.

The greatest double standard, however, exists in the personal aspect of feminism. Many years ago, a thing called chivalry not only existed, but was welcomed. Men held open doors for women, pulled back chairs for women, even "gasp!" picked up the bill at a restaurant. It was not done because the men thought women were incapable of doing such things; it was done out of respect and reverence. Just this week I saw a man get yelled at for trying to open the door for his female companion. I've seen fights in restaurants over the bill. How is this part of the struggle for equality? Allowing a kind gesture to be done in your favor is not a sign of weakness, but that is unfortunately how it is often seen. Modern feminism indeed.

I am aware that these examples can be seen as worst case scenarios. Many feminists may read this and think, "Who does she think she is? She's a traitor to the female sex!" I'm okay with that. In my heart, I know I'm right. The notion of feminism is outdated because the women who are screaming "I am woman hear me roar!" no longer have the heart to fight the good fight. I can own property, I can advance in the workplace as quickly and as high as my performance allows, and I can raise my son by myself if push comes to shove. The only person who can keep me from fulfilling my potential is me.

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