Femme(nism) Fatale 1: Marilyn (illustration + digital rendering, 18”x24”, 2020)
Femme(nism) Fatale 2: Frida (illustration + digital rendering, 18”x24”, 2020)
Femme(nism) Fatale 3: Lizzo (illustration + digital rendering, 18”x24”, 2020)
This series explores the “F” word...Feminism. Why is this simple word met with such loathing, disgust and ignorance?
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If feminists (and feminism) scare you, it is because you fear the oppression you think we want in retribution for being oppressed, which is entirely missing the point. Feminists do not want revenge. We want equitable systemic change that benefits everyone.
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Feminism is the belief that we are all equal. Not that womxn are better than men. Or that men are inferior to womxn. Feminism is our response to the eons of oppression under the patriarchy. If a person is offended by the concept of feminism, it is because they do not want to give up the power (perceived, or by association) and privilege afforded to them by the status quo. Keeping things how they are perpetuates systemic imbalances between genders and socio-economic positions and marginalized identities. People who wish to disrupt the status quo are often mocked, degraded and, by many, feared because, as feminists, we demand equality and equity for all.