As an artist, I feel that one of my missions is to broach touchy topics. Like any other woman in the world, I have had to deal with nasty comments, inappropriate gestures and insults. I have also experienced discrimination and harassment in the workplace. I could go on and on, but it is not the point of my post. While there have been many improvements in the way Women are seen in society, especially in Europe and Canada, the road to equality is still paved with pitfalls. And it is not just some men’s fault. Women are also responsible for the status quo. Feminism is a vital movement. Without it, I would not be able to blog or post my photography anywhere. I would have no voice in society. And my life would have been limited to getting married, having children, and doing household chores all day. I am grateful for all the women (and men) who have worked so hard to allow me to lead my life the way I want. Unfortunately, every movement has its extremists. Feminism is no exception. There are women who see the world in black and white — “me” vs. “them”. Women for whom verbal fights are the only solutions to achieve equality. They cannot accept disagreements and will take attempts at opening their minds as personal attacks. In a nutshell, it is just “my way or the highway” with them. The problem with that attitude, is that it destroys all the work previous generations have done. It alienates allies and makes it harder for true feminists to be taken seriously. The poem below is a jab at extremist feminism. FEMINISMThey say that your pronoun defines your strength,That a “she” cannot equate a “he”.I’m sorry but I beg to differ.An extra letter has a lot to offer.They say that equality is a fight,That prejudice deserves bigotry.I’m sorry but I beg to differ.There is more to life than hatred for the sinner.They say that man is the enemy,That his fear curbs social progress.I’m sorry but I beg to differ.Ignorance is not the prerogative of one gender.The problem these daysIs simple and yet so real.Our anger has blinded us.Our teenage angst has deafened us.We sport traumas and martyrdomAs keywords to force one-sided lyrics.For there is a bigger pictureThat we conveniently forgetWhen agendas need to be furtheredOr wheat separated from chaff.And while you feel entitled to be right,And point fingers with all your might,Bodies continue to pile up.Screams for help still meet silenceBecause you are too busyFighting the wrong fight,Empowering negative ideas,Minimizing diversity,Instilling mistrust,Negating differing opinions,Interrupting cohesive discussions,Seeking revenge, andMaintaining the status quo.For there is a bigger pictureThat you need to embrace better.Yes, it is hard to be a woman.But is it the only thing you want others to know about us?Feminism is not just about your personal journey.Disagreeing with you doesn’t make me your enemy.Feminism, this word you throw at othersWhen corners are dangerously close,Is not yours to corrupt and abuse.Feminism is about humanityAnd the bonds that bind us.It is not yours to use as an excuseTo belittle the rest of society.Feminism is about communityAnd the legacy we’ll leave behind us.Fortitude,Empathy,Maturity,Integrity,Never-endingImpetus,Solace, andMomentum.That is what feminism means to me.©2018 Cendrine Marrouat

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