Only 48% of Eastsiders Are Feminists

March is Women’s History Month, which makes it a great time to talk about femininity and the history of female struggles. For those of us at The Eastside Times, it also seems like a great time to ask Lions if they consider themselves feminists.

62% of Eastside students were confused by the term and by the idea of feminism itself. According to the dictionary, feminism represents an effort to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. Some, however, seemed to believe that the term implies females are superior to men or are misandrists (people who despise the male gender).

Perhaps that helps explain why 52% of Eastside students rejected the label of feminist.

Freshman Jason Nguyen is one of those students. He says, “In today’s society, the term feminism is radicalized, turning it [into] more of a hate group.”

“Radical feminists give feminism a bad reputation,” agrees junior Paul Rodriguez.

Even some girls agree. “I feel like women already have equal rights,” says sophomore Maribel Cruz. “I don’t think there is a need for feminism here.”

“No hate,” she adds.

Other students accept the feminist label but with reservation. “I am technically a feminist,” says sophomore Kira Kalliomaa. “But society makes feminism seem hateful, and I don’t want to be viewed as that.”

And still others embrace the label fully. “I’m a feminist,” says sophomore Mystike Valdez. “I believe women should be treated just the same as men.”

Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below.