Discussion Point: Equal Rights.

So. I've decided that each Friday I will [try to] post a discussion point blog about some sort of social issue, like environmentalism, universal health care, social security issues, etc. Today's will be about equal rights, because today is "This is What a Feminist Looks Like" day, so it only seems fitting.

To begin, I will start with what my definition of feminist is vs. what the stereotype is. The stereotype is that if you call yourself a feminist that must mean that you are an "angry, bra-burning, man-hating, hairy lesbian." Apparently this is a logical definition. For me, it seems logical that one would know this is false. But, unfortunately, too many people still believe this. My definition is something along the lines of: I believe in equal rights and the equal treatment of all people, no matter their sex, race, or sexual orientation. That means: Women, men, people of all colors, non-heterosexual people, and heterosexual people. Everyone.

Now, the next question people usually have for me is: What are equal rights? This question can be answered in many different ways, but my basic answer would be that equal rights means that all people should receive equal treatment. Fair housing, fair employment and fair pay, equal access sexual health information and reproductive rights, equal maternity/paternity leave, equal access to sexual violence centers, equal access to medical care, equal education opportunities, equal marriage opportunities... there is so much more.

Where are we in the fight for equal rights? We have come so far from the "Separate-but-equal" days of the pre-civil rights '60s. We have elected a black, equal rights activist calling for change as our new president, and we have a strong powerful woman as secretary of state, which shows so much progress, but we are still so far from being where we should.

I do have to say that I am so proud, already, of what Obama has done. He has signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into effect, he is calling to open to the floor to discussion about equal health care access, he has a platform to remove the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military, he's opposed to a constitution ban on gay marriage, is a huge advocate for education and the right to equal access to education, and he is a huge supporter for the women's right to choose.

I work everyday to get one step closer to closing the gap. Prejudices exist still in this country, but they should never be accepted.

In the words of John F. Kennedy: "...If by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people -- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties -- someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal."

That is what I believe.

Feel free to offer opinions and also suggestions about what next weeks discussion point should be about.

Love love.

SAC