LEGACY JYNN: April 2016

, by legacyjynn

IN MY MIND

holding on

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, by legacyjynn

IN MY MIND

LET'S TALK GIRL POWER. (guys, you can listen in too.)

Shot by Gloria Wong, clothing by Esthetic Supply.

Feminism is such a touchy subject, especially when discussed on the internet. Things get taken out of context, words aren't articulated properly.. etc. It still is a bit nerve-wracking for me to type without the thought and fear of later having my foot in my mouth. However, by using social media as an open vocal platform, the reality of disagreement is that of the inevitable. Sometimes you just have to let it go... and say it, regardless. As a woman, I believe it is my part to stand tall for other women and for what I, not only think, but for what I know is true.

The first thing I want to clear out is that only real problem I have associated with the term 'feminist' or 'feminism' is when people use it to be apart of a fad. It is not a fad, it is a movement -- and yes, it is so real. It is not something 'cool' one second and gone the next. We're talking women's lives here. We're talking rights and freedoms. We're talking inequality. We're talking equality. We're talking power risen from a struggle. This is no fad. We almost don't need the label to define us... it's not something to be called or to be said solely, it's something to be DONE. Don't be fooled - you don't have to be a woman to support this movement.

Feminism is not the idea of female superiority over the male gender, but rather a crusade for equality.

Sometimes it's as simple as saying "I'm going to wear this today because it is my body", and that's how it should be. I'll wear my Slipknot shirt if I want to. I'll wear dark lipstick that everyone hates... just to piss them off and because, well, I like it. I'll wear my bralette with nothing on top, exposing the bones in my chest if I want to. I'll wear a mens hoodie that drapes over my entire body and is 4 sizes too big for my little frame. I'll wear nothing if I want to. Since when did respect come solely from clothing or what we adorn our bodies with? Since when did that becoming the deciding factor on how we view people? It's MY body, I'll wear what I want. It's MY body, I'll do what I want.

Is my shoulder distracting? What about my boney chest? That's not my problem. It's likely yours.

It seems the monotonous model construct of a perfect woman is to be dainty, with all 'suggestive' body parts covered, who is careful of pleasing others by doing what she is told. By the way, there is absolutely nothing wrong with covering up cleavage or being as fragile as fine china -- that is not the point I am trying to get across, but the over-sexualization breeds a new issue. Why people sexualize a bare shoulder? I don't know. Why schools ban solely females from wearing shorts? A tank top? A rip in her jeans? I will never understand. Clothing and bodily adornments shouldn't be the pinpoint of focus here. People spend too much time obsessing over other people's "modesty" that something as simple, yet important, as education... it gets pushed aside. We need to encourage education. We need to teach kids proper values and how to respect one another regardless of circumstance/race/skin colour/gender/sexual orientation/religion. This is what is important. This is what the kids need. This is ultimately what will make the world go around. It's not always an issue about clothing, it's more of an issue revolving around lack of respect. I hate the comparison between what is "modest" and what is deemed "immoral". A lot of the time, it's beyond more than just a clothing issue - it's way, way beyond that. Respect is respect and if you cannot respect a certain 'type' of woman, you are missing the point completely. You cannot say you actually respect women.

We need to support each other. Girls need to support other girls -- that's the bottom line. I've admittedly had my faults and struggles with this. Jealousy, bitterness and resentment get in the way a lot of the time, but I'm working on it every single day. We need to stop putting each other down/against each other and start standing together; this doesn't just apply to us, but to the entire humankind. When we support each other and when we empower each other, we are unstoppable - I kid you not.

Don't be afraid to speak up; for yourself, for each other. I learned this from watching videos from watching Amber Rose speak at her annual 'SlutWalk', a movement against gender inequality, victim blaming, sexual violence and derogatory labels. Having a voice is not synonymous to being a 'bitch'... if anything, the only 'bitch' it will make you is an educated, honest, vocally engaged badass bitch who knows her worth and will not stick around to hear anything less. It seems that in 2016, people STILL believe that a woman's place is to stay silent, to be fully covered in clothing to be respected, and are viewed to not succeed as far as the typical man would. It's been said that every man has a fear of a strong minded woman and I believe it. You have a voice, so use it. Never let anyone belittle you because you are a woman or go as far as telling you what you can or cannot do because you "aren't strong enough", because you are "too girly" or "not girly enough", let alone -- because you are a girl.

If you couldn't already tell, I'm bewildered that this is still an issue. Yes, I want a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup right now.... but I want equality even more. I haven't even began to touch base on all I have to say.

Peace (an all male band, I might add..) says in their song titled, 'I'm A Girl', "If we're living in a man's world / I'm a girl". Even though I am quite literally a girl, if this world is deemed a 'man's'.... Every ounce of me would still choose to be a 'girl'. Wear dark lipstick, even hot pink, or none at all; whatever your preference is. Paint your nails and flaunt 'em -- but even then, always remember just how fast and easy it is to pull the trigger even with your nails drying.

So shoot.

It's all in your power.

x lj