Definition of Feminism:
1. The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.
2. Organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.
(Source Merriam-Webster)
Google “feminism,” and you’ll get: “The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.” Equality of the sexes. This includes everyone. I mean everyone. I’m not here to debate what feminism means to you (and I’m even less interested in what you think it should mean to me). That’s the definition. I’m sticking with that.
How do I reconcile taking naked pictures and not accepting creepy responses all while being a stark-raving feminist? I’m told over and over I should expect this or even asking for it. Well, that’s a 2-part question.
Feminism means I can do whatever the fuck I want to do. I see no problem with nudity, or modesty for that matter. Everyone should get to choose what’s right for them. I was lucky in how I was raised regarding nudity and sexuality in general, so I have no qualms about it and I’m extremely grateful for that. (Thanks, Mom).
When I was younger, my parents had no problem with me watching films that contained nudity. Not straight-up sex stuff as a child, of course, but nudity was no big deal. On the other hand, I was not allowed to watch violence. My friend’s parents were the exact opposite; war movies, heads exploding, limbs blown off, etc., but god forbid a nip slip. I asked my mother why once, and she said one of the most profound things I’ve ever heard. She said, “Sex is natural, violence is not.”
Wow. I mean, seriously, wow! This has impacted me greatly in terms of how I view sexuality and nudity, and all for the better. If you don’t agree, keep scrolling or stop following, but shut the fuck up. Easy enough. I don’t butt into other people’s business just to say “you’re doing it wrong.” It’s all subjective anyway, and it’s also very individual as well as situational.
Now for the second part. Not expecting or accepting creepy remarks from strangers is pretty simple, too. It’s not fucking acceptable. If nudity or someone talking about sexuality bothers you, I suggest you stop following me. Nobody is making you do that. But there’s nothing wrong with talking about those things (remember sex is natural), and I have been very open about who I am for almost a year now on the internet. Before that, I tried to be more careful with jokes, memes, even profile pics to help stave off the creeps. It didn’t help, at all, so I stopped censoring myself because I am not the problem.
Unacceptable behavior is still just that. Unacceptable. Always. If you wouldn’t say it to a stranger on a street, don’t get the false impression that hiding behind a keyboard makes you brave and/or anonymous. It does neither. And if you do say things like that in public, what the fuck is wrong with you? Maybe you should stay indoors. If you want to interact with people in a sexual manner online, there are plenty of places on the Internet designed specifically for that. I mean like a lot. So fucking knock it off.
The bottom line: Nudity is not inherently sexual, erotic is not an open invitation, consent is everything, and you alone are responsible for how you act and engage with other people. No matter how they’re dressed (and even if they’re not.)