Fugly, Hangry Feminist

By M.A.X. Bennette

Prepare your safe space for a groundbreaking non-fiction novel that fearlessly plunges into the depths of feminist discourse. This electrifying exploration shatters the glass ceiling, dismantles societal norms, and celebrates the strength, resilience, and achievements of women throughout history. From unruly rebels to trailblazing icons, the pages come alive with inspiring stories and unapologetic calls for equality. With its razor-sharp analysis and thought-provoking insights, this provocative piece ignites a fiery dialogue, challenging readers to reevaluate their perceptions and embrace the transformative power of feminism. Get ready to unleash the force that will reshape the world as we know it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.A.X. Bennette
• Release date: Jun 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215244470

M.A.X. Bennette

I am not a fictional character. Rules that exist for life on television do not apply to me. However, I do enjoy a good story. The best stories come from the experiences of real people. I am real and this is my story.

Book preview

FUGLY,

HANGRY

FEMINIST

BY M.A.X. BENNETTE

Title: Fugly, Hangry Feminist

Author: M.A.X. Bennette

Copyright © 2023 Smashwords

M.A.X. Bennette

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Printed in the United States of America

First Printing, 2023

ISBN 9798215244470

www.smashwords.com

Los Gatos

California

United States

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEMINISM: HOW IT STARTED, HOW IT’S GOING

FOREVER A SLAVE

SEX WORK

SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

THE EXPIRATION OF #METOO #TIMESUP?

THE IMPORTANCE OF REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

CLASS AND ECONOMIC STATUS

RACE

DISABILITY

NEGLECTED

WORKING WOMAN

SILVER FOX VERSUS THE HAG

BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP

THE SEXUALIZATION OF TEENS

EVOLUTION OF BEAUTY STANDARDS: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

NIP/TUCK

FEMALE PLEASURE

GOLD DIGGER

UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONAL LABOUR

TOXIC MASCULINITY

SISMANCE

REPRESENTATION IN MEDIA

INTERNALIZED MISOGYNY

FINGERPRINTS ON HISTORY

WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS

SOURCES

FUGLY, HANGRY FEMINIST

FEMINISM: HOW IT STARTED, HOW IT’S GOING

Feminism is a social, cultural, and political movement that aims to achieve gender equality and dismantle systems of the patriarchy that oppress women. While significant progress has been made over the past century, gender inequality persists in many areas of society, highlighting the continued need for feminism in our modern world. In this analysis, we will examine the reasons why feminism began, evolved and is still necessary.

The Emergence of Feminism:

The roots of feminism can be traced back to various movements and thinkers throughout history who challenged traditional gender roles and advocated for women's rights. Although the term feminism itself emerged in the late 19th century, the struggle for gender equality has a much longer history.

During the Enlightenment era of the 18th century, philosophers such as Mary Wollstonecraft in England and Olympe de Gouges in France laid the groundwork for feminist thought. Wollstonecraft's influential work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), argued for women's education and equality within marriage. Similarly, de Gouges' Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen (1791) demanded equal rights for women in society and politics.

The suffrage movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries played a pivotal role in advancing women's rights. Women in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, organized campaigns and protests, demanding the right to vote. These movements, led by figures like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Emmeline Pankhurst, and Kate Sheppard, brought women's suffrage to the forefront of public discourse.

Feminism has undergone significant transformations over time, often characterized by distinct waves of activism and ideological shifts. While the categorization of these waves is a simplified framework, it helps us to understand the changing priorities and objectives of feminist movements. Considering how it started and how it is going, it should be given a little leeway to evolve in a patriarchal world.

The first wave of feminism emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily focused on securing women's suffrage and legal rights. This wave encompassed the suffrage movements and advocacy for property rights, education, and employment opportunities. It laid the foundation for subsequent feminist activism.

The second wave of feminism emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, fuelled by the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and the sexual revolution. This wave addressed a wide range of issues, including reproductive rights, workplace equality, gender roles, and domestic violence. Figures like Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and Simone de Beauvoir played crucial roles in shaping second wave feminism.

The third wave emerged in the 1990s and continues to the present day. It sought to address the limitations and criticisms of the second wave, focusing on intersectionality, inclusivity, and diverse experiences of women. Third wave feminism expanded its scope to include discussions on sexuality, body image, gender identity, and globalization. Prominent voices during this wave include Audre Lorde, and Kimberlé Crenshaw.

Feminism is a global movement, with activists and thinkers advocating for women's rights and gender equality across different countries and cultures. While the struggle for women's rights has taken different forms and faces in various parts of the world, several key milestones marked the progression of feminism globally. International conferences and organizations have played a significant role in advancing women's rights worldwide. The United Nations, through conventions and declarations, has actively promoted gender equality and women's empowerment. The establishment of UN Women in 2010 further reinforced the commitment to global gender equality.

Feminist movements have emerged within different cultural contexts, adapting to the specific challenges and aspirations of women in those societies. For example, in the Middle East, movements like the Iranian Women's Rights Movement and the Arab Feminist Movement have been instrumental in challenging patriarchal norms, advocating for legal reforms, and fighting for women's rights in their respective regions.

Contemporary feminism recognizes the importance of intersectionality, which acknowledges that women experience oppression differently based on their intersecting identities of race, class, sexuality, and more. This understanding has fostered global solidarity among feminists, emphasizing the need to address multiple forms of oppression and work towards inclusive and equitable societies.

Feminism has evolved over centuries, driven by the relentless efforts of activists, thinkers, and movements worldwide. From the Enlightenment era to suffrage movements, from waves of activism to intersectional feminism, the journey towards gender equality has been marked by significant milestones and continuous challenges. While it is crucial to acknowledge the historical and ongoing struggles faced by women globally, it is heartening to witness the progress made in recent times. Many countries are increasingly committed to achieving gender equality and are implementing policies to promote women's rights, representation, and empowerment.

However, it is important to recognize that the fight for gender equality is far from over. Gender disparities persist in various forms, and challenges remain in dismantling systemic barriers and biases. Therefore, it is essential for countries to continue their efforts towards gender equality by implementing inclusive policies, promoting education, combating violence against women, closing wage gaps, and ensuring equal representation in all spheres of society. As we move forward, the key lies in fostering collaboration, global solidarity, and ongoing dialogue to address the diverse needs and experiences of women. By working together, we can create a world where gender equality is not just a dream but actual reality for all individuals, regardless of their gender.

Feminism, as an ideology and movement, has traversed a long and complex path throughout history. Rooted in the pursuit of women's rights and gender equality, feminism has made significant strides in challenging patriarchal norms, advocating for women's rights to education, work, property ownership, and political participation. However, as current world events have shown no improvement is safe from regression.

The Dawn of Change:

The struggle for divorce rights has been a pivotal aspect of women's liberation. While various societies allowed divorce, it was in the late 19th century that the first country granting women the right to initiate divorce emerged. Slowly the days of discarding wives just for getting older were leaving civilized society. Finland, with the enactment of the 1878 Marriage Act, became the pioneering nation in allowing women to seek divorce, thus challenging the prevailing societal norms.

The concept of women engaging in paid employment faced considerable opposition. However, it was during World War I that women's contributions to the workforce were recognized, leading to a transformative change.

New Zealand stands, as the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893, but it was Australia that became the first to legislate the women's right to work in 1902, acknowledging their economic and social significance.

Access to education has been a vital aspect of women's empowerment. The recognition of women's right to education took time to manifest globally. However, Sweden emerged as a frontrunner, becoming the first country to allow women to pursue higher education in 1873. This step marked a significant shift in societal attitudes towards women's intellectual capabilities. Progress from the initial idea that only basic school was necessary so that women would have a place to meet a potential husband.

The right to inherit and own property has historically been restricted for women. Yet, New Zealand demonstrated remarkable progress by enacting the 1873 Women's Property Act. This legislation provided married women with the ability to own property and manage their own finances, challenging the prevalent patriarchal norms.

The fight for women's suffrage has been one of the most prominent aspects of feminist history. New Zealand again led the way by granting women the right to vote in 1893, followed by Australia in 1902. These milestones set a powerful precedent, inspiring other countries to follow suit and recognize women's political agency.

The journey towards women's political participation and representation was gradual. In 1919, following World War I, the Parliament of Finland became the first to allow women to stand for election. This breakthrough paved the way for women's increasing engagement in political spheres worldwide, contributing to more inclusive democracies.

Leading the Way for Gender Equality:

While the historical achievements of various countries set the foundation for women's rights, it is crucial to acknowledge the countries spearheading gender equality efforts in modern times. Although numerous nations have made notable progress, three countries stand out for their commitment to gender equality:

1. Iceland:

Iceland has consistently been a frontrunner in gender equality. It became the first country to have a female president in 1980, and it has implemented proactive policies to close the gender pay gap and promote women's representation in various sectors.

2. Sweden:

Sweden, with its strong emphasis on gender equality, has made significant strides in multiple areas. It boasts generous parental leave policies, robust support for women in the workforce, and high political representation of women, contributing to an equal society.

3. Rwanda:

Rwanda has made remarkable progress in its journey towards gender equality, particularly in political representation. Following the devastating Rwandan genocide in 1994, which claimed the lives of a significant portion of the male population, women took on active roles in rebuilding the country. As a result, Rwanda became the first country in the world to have a majority of women in parliament, with women occupying over 60% of the seats since 2003. This achievement reflects the transformative power of women's participation in shaping policy decisions and fostering inclusive governance.

The history of feminism is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals and movements striving for gender equality. Throughout the ages, countries have made significant contributions by granting women the right to divorce, work, inherit, access education, vote, own assets, and participate in politics. These milestones have paved the way for progress and empowered women around the world.

In modern times, countries like Iceland, Sweden, and Rwanda have emerged as leaders in gender equality efforts. Their proactive policies, commitment to closing gender gaps, and focus on women's representation in various spheres of society have set the benchmark for other nations to follow. However, it is crucial to recognize that the journey towards gender equality is ongoing and requires collective efforts from governments, institutions, and individuals worldwide. By acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of the past while looking to these pioneering countries in the present, we can continue to work towards a more equitable and inclusive future. It is only through sustained advocacy, policy reforms, and a commitment to dismantling patriarchal structures that we can foster true gender equality for all.

Despite advances in education and employment for women, gender inequality remains a pervasive issue in many areas of society. The gender pay gap, for example, is a well-documented and persistent issue that highlights the continued need for feminist efforts to achieve gender equality. A study by Blau and Kahn (2017) found that in the United States, women earn only 80% of what men earn on average, and the gap is even wider for women of colour. This study followed women and men of equal education and work experience. This gap has persisted over time and cannot be fully explained by differences in education, occupation, or experience. This suggests that there are systemic factors at play, such as discrimination and bias that contribute to the gender pay