Now before rolling your eyes and gasping in exasperation on
the word “feminist” take a minute to enlighten yourself on the meaning of
feminism. Feminism is a collection of movements aimed at defining, establishing,
and defending equal, political, economic, and social rights and equal
opportunities for women. This definition may sound strange to those who believe
feminists are angry man-haters, bra burning radicals, lesbians, and more
absurdly baby eaters. Due to the
negative connotation of the term feminism, many women who believe in equal
rights are afraid to embrace the term in fear of ridicule. So instead they
respond by saying “I’m not a feminist but…” But what? You stand for equal
rights as men right? Why not fully embrace every aspect of the term?
The answer to the question “Who Run the World?” in reality
are NOT girls. The income disparity between men and women is enough proof to
justify that answer. According to The Institute for Women’s Policy Research, in
2010, “median weekly earnings of female full time workers were $669, compared
with male median weekly earnings of $824.”
What’s terribly frightening about our society is some women are unaware
of the wage gap, and sadly, many men are unconcerned. Even with all the inequalities in the
workforce, many still believe the patriarchal community we live in is just. Yes
we all know the bible says the man should be the head of the household, but the
household is only one sector of day to day life. What rules
say the woman can’t be head of a Fortune 500 company, or President of the
United States at that? Oh yeah! That awful term “social norms” explains why society,
both males and females, are often reluctant to advocate women’s leadership. The
solution is to alter our mind on thinking women are inferior to men both
socially and in the workforce. 2010 research shows that “the ratio of women’s
to men’s median weekly earnings was 81.2”, making it a historical high. Yes
we’ve made great progress, but in the words of my Women’s Studies Professor Dr.
Nichole Ray, “we still got work to do.”
The intent of this shoot was to, through symbolism within
the styling, view the feminist woman.
Balloons: Represents an inflated opinion of herself. She
views herself as greater, smarter, and more advanced. While she wears her
balloons on her shoulders to flaunt her ego, the colors of the balloons speak
volumes, representing her advocacy for justice.
Pink Bodysuit: Pink is the color women are best associated
by. She wears the body suit not to degrade her being, but rather to proclaim
her feminine mystique.
Blue Lipstick: Blue is usually symbolic for freedom,
strength and new beginnings. She wears the blue on her lips to vocalize her
demand for freedom, strength, and new beginnings.
Hair: The beauty of a woman is her hair. She wears her hair
in a peculiar way as a form of embracing her individuality.