Last month, after an extended hiatus from the political realm following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Hillary Clinton surfaced with a video addressing women’s issues. What could have been a glorious moment for her to display her unwavering bright hopes for the future led to a statement that excluded half of the population instead.
“Despite all the challenges we face,” said Clinton, “I remain convinced that yes, the future is female.”
What was once used as a slogan by lesbian separatists is now a rally cry utilized by feminist activists.
I am a feminist. As everyone on the planet that was birthed through the vaginal canal of a woman should be. Yes, women should have equal rights. Yes, women should be paid equal salaries for equal work. These are our rights as human beings. What I don’t agree with is alienating the other half of the population to get a point across.
Feminism is the belief that men and women should have equal rights. It’s not that women are better, or have more importance, or the belief the future should be female. The common phrase “The Future is Female,” contradicts the concept of what we stand for today. We fight for equality, opportunity and advancement. The promotion of a slogan that places women above every other gender sacrifices the meaning of a message that all Americans can relate to. Feminism has nothing to do with belittling men. Feminism does not support sexism against any gender. Feminism works toward equality and not female superiority.
It’s 2017. There are no longer just two genders. How do you think that makes those who do not identify with either male or female feel? The slogan is exclusive and doesn’t accurately portray the true meaning of feminism.
Clinton’s use of this gender-specific slogan is not only problematic but ironic. Democrats have spent the past few years working toward education and understanding of gender identities and their ever-changing fluidity.
Imagine a young boy sitting at home, hearing “The Future is Female.” What is he supposed to think besides girls are more important than he is? This ideology completely contradicts what our message should be. We should be uplifting each other, no matter our gender identification, no matter our race, no matter what.
I am not blind to the fact that we have not been heard in a way that has resolved our problems. It is upsetting we have been ignored to the point where we have to drastically alter our approach, but I do not agree with this slogan.
Feminists are the men and women who actively seek to bring equality and fairness to every human, regardless of gender because that is our born natural right.
The future is not female, the future is equality.
Casey Pimentel is an 18-year-old mass communication freshman from The Woodlands, Texas.