First Impressions

Think back to the first time you ever heard the word 'Feminism' can you think of it? Or has it always been something in your life you grew up knowing? We all have those things we don't remember being introduced to, they were always just in our lives for as long as we can remember. My best friend since I was 2 is one of those things, I can't remember ever being introduced to her but I also can't remember a time in my life before her. Feminism was not one of those things for me. Prior to 8th grade, I couldn't even begin to tell you what the word meant. I stumbled upon it on tumblr, I had no idea what this idea was and what it would become for me in the future. My dashboard on tumblr had occasional posts of feminism art, to promote awareness. They had done their job, of course because now here I am trying to further educate others on this topic. My first impression of Feminism was that it was something bad, something that not many people supported, and if I did support it I should hide it. I was confused though, because hadn't I learned in history class about women's suffrage and women's rights and the fight for equality? Didn't they teach us that all people were created equal? I learned that the definition of Feminism was the radical notion that men, women and people of all genders should have the same, equal rights. It was a no-brainer for me to join in on this movement. Why should someone be denied rights just because of their gender, or what they identify as?

As I got older and as this Feminism movement started gaining more and more awareness, I began to get so invested in it. A cute Feminism post would pop up on my tumblr and I would want so badly to reblog it but I was scared. My friends who followed my blog, what would they think? Would my sister tell my mom? Would I be in trouble for supporting such a positive movement? Thinking back now I don't understand why I was so scared to be vocal about something I was passionate about. But 4 or 5 years ago when this took place, Feminists weren't portrayed positively in the media. That's why I was scared because I didn't want people to look down on me for something I supported.

Time passed and Feminism is something that is accepted and that is seen on every social media platform. Feminism is still gaining awareness to this day. It's important for the younger generations to know what Feminism is and to be proud to call yourself a Feminist. My first impression of Feminism was that it was something that I should keep to myself, my own little secret that no one else had to know. I don't want young girls and boys thinking that. You should be proud to be a Feminist, as I am now. Be vocal about the things you support, the things you love. That's why I'm here and this is why I want to further educate people on this topic, so we can gain awareness and have it portrayed positively.

I want to know- when did you first hear about Feminism and what was your first impression of? Tweet it to me @grlpwrerin!

(Hey Este ;) )