#YesAllWomen: Today, Tomorrow, and Forever

Posted on by Isabella Ong

I always wonder how patriarchal structures influence my daily life. I swore off heels for the longest time because I thought I was better than those who wore them. I hated the color pink since it was associated with a type of femininity that did not seem to be respected. As I came to understand feminism, I accepted heels and pink back into my life. Still, questions cross my mind: Why do I like wearing heels? Does it have anything to do with the fact I have been conditioned to believe they make me look better? These lingering questions have everything to do with the patriarchal systems we live under.

Patriarchy emphasizes that the way people interact with one another is due to the male dominance in society. As a basis for feminism, there is a universal understanding that patriarchy is at the center of many of the issues of feminist critique.

For example, in some cultures men were allowed to eat outside in the dining hall where as the women had to be unseen thus, dining in the kitchen. While this may be a traditional value, it still shows how males are valued more than women. I was in a point in my life where I was upset by how much heteropatriarchy still affects our everyday life.

It’s when I found relief in #YesAllWomen, which is a direct counter to #NotAllMen.

#YesAllWomen is supposed to combat the notion that while “not all men” participate in actions against women, “yes all women” have faced these issues.

With April being the month of sexual assault awareness, this hashtag is especially important. It’s a reminder that #YesAllWomen and even those in marginalized identities have experienced some sort of harassment against them.

Taking a look at the hashtag that directly opposes #YesAllWomen, #NotAllMen tries to change the narrative that not every man does horrid things. When people use this hashtag, they end up silencing the stories of other’s and not focusing on what matters.

#NotAllMen shows the lack of compassion and ignorance there is that runs through our society. #YesAllWomen means showing support and camaraderie. #NotAllMen directly opposes that. It shows the lack of knowledge people have.

At the end of the day, I’m really proud of the #YesAllWomen movement. Now more than ever do we need stick together and show the world that although women have been through a lot.

No matter what people believe. We will still prevail through the feminist movement of equality.

 

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