We Should All Be Feminists
Celebrating the 100th year of women being able to vote inspired me to write about what some people get riled up about- the the female centred slogan t-shirts.
But before I start arguing my points (some would say ranting), I would like to give you the background information on this trend.
You remember Beyonce's AMAZING self titled album in 2013 that included the song "FLAWLESS***"? Well, there was a speaking part,
We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller
We say to girls: "You can have ambition, but not too much
You should aim to be successful, but not too successful
Otherwise, you will threaten the man"
These poignant words were spoken by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in her very well known TED Talks 'We should all be feminists' speech.
Dior picked up on this and decided they wanted to jump on board with this bold title 'We should all be feminists' and used it in the fashion world. I personally feel that feminism is everywhere already, but only if you look very hard for it. It is found in literature (if you're lucky enough to get a good education), at home (if your family is encouraging and progressive enough to embrace femininism), and through entertainment (if you watch or listen to the right stuff). The only outlet that has lacked in empowering women is the fashion industry. It is great to see such bold, feminist statements on the catwalk, because lets face it, fashion week showcases clothing that the average person is usually puzzled by. So seeing this modelled down a prestigious catwalk meant a lot to me. I said to myself "FINALLY, people are getting it".
And don't get me wrong, I understand the opposing argument of, profiting off women's strain and battle to just exist. However I feel refreshed by this trend, not pissed off.
For instance "Feminist" isn't such a dirty word anymore. It's cool and current and to me thats revolutionary.
Recently, my little cousin of 10 turned to me and asked why girls wear makeup and how we shouldn't (it was an amazing speech and hopefully she will be another Chimimanda). She finished by saying "I am a feminist". Her family didn't teach her this, she did it all on her own, and I'm guessing it's because she can see these empowering statements on the high street. So whilst a Dior t-shirt is out of reach to most people inevitably these trends at Paris, Milan or New York fashion week trickle down to high street fashion.
We can't knock this trend while Donald Trump is in power. We can't knock this trend while so many women all over the world aren't allowed to speak up. We can't knock this trend while there is still inequality everywhere. The western world is looked up to so much, the whole world sees us. They see these statements, perhaps there is a 10 year old girl just like my little cousin, but who isn't allowed to have an education, but sees these t-shirts and is interested. That is how big the fashion platform is.
You're probably thinking, "omg! a little kid outside the western world isn't going to look up to Dior, you are so idealistic" you're right! The image above is actually from a Nepali activist designer, Prabal Gurung's last season collection at New York Fashion Week. Gurung's ethos is to combine activism and fashion. Empowering women is undeniably at the forefront of what he does. He speaks up about #TimesUp, celebrates #InternationalWomen'sDay, and he is talked about in India- he’s kinda a big deal! And while he is making a lot of money, he puts it back into Nepal. He has set up a foundation that seeks to provide education to underprivileged children, challenging them to positively impact the country’s future. In 2011 Prabal Gurung was also named goodwill ambassador for Maiti Nepal, a foundation started to prevent girl trafficking.
So please, don't just look at these t-shirts and get offended so quickly- look deeper into it. Women don't have to shy away anymore, men and women are confident enough to say I AM A FEMINIST. I'm sure the Brontë sisters/all the other women who used male pseudonyms in order to be recognised wouldn't be offended by that- neither should you. Let's not take any progress forgranted.
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