Feminism is a movement or belief for the advocacy of equality for all genders. One can see feminism in the early movements for women’s rights. The Women’s Rights Movement of the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s exhibited the fight for women’s rights. Some of the women involved in this crusade were fighting for the right to be a part of the government in a position higher than just a secretary. The vital role of early female Congresswomen in the movement lead to many important progressions, including working towards a fair chance for a Congressional position. Jeannette Rankin, Ruth Hanna McCormick, and Edith Nourse Rogers all came into Congress as strong minded women wanting to get work done. Early feminism may not have been directly labeled as Feminism, one can surely consider it a vital part of the beginnings of the movement.
While feminism was strong in the early time of the movement, the modern day movement is strongly influenced by the significance of social media. Social media has become one of the most prominent forces in creating the opinion of the public. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have large groups of strongly opinion people putting out their beliefs into the minds and sights of the general public. The views and voices of people like Hillary Clinton, Madonna, Beyonce, Emma Watson, and Angelina Jolie have expanded the movement to a much larger force than before. These influencers are seen speaking their mind through speeches, campaigns, and participation in huge events. A large event that has attracted supporters of feminism all over the world is the International Women’s March. This was celebrated all over the world, feminists gathering to peacefully show their support of equal rights. Those who could not travel to the locations of the March, showed their support on social media. Social Media has become a huge part of the modern day feminist movement.
Feminist influence at Model General Assembly could change the course of many bills that are presented at the event. Even though the program is in Virginia with Virginian student participation, there is a possibility of a large portion of the students being in support of the feminist movement. Some of the bills being presented at this year’s MGA involve issues that are widely debated between feminists. Issues include rape, wage, and guns laws. Feminist may strongly fight for justice and show their opinions in huge ways. They could speak against or for the bills in the chambers and the lobbyists could fight for feminist ideals. Feminism could have a large impact on this year’s bills at MGA. Feminism could also affect Old Dominion House Bill No. 73, which covers tax exemptions and specifically the well known “Pink Tax”. The “Pink Tax” is a very controversial tax on feminine sanitary products. Feminism could support the removal of the “Pink Tax’. Feminists often protest that fact that feminine products are tax while masculine products are not.
MGA participants (left to right) Libby Fisher, Audrey Lewis, and Rose Ellis
Photo from Rebecca Burton
Olivia Shreeman, a Lobbyist from Faith Christian School, was interviewed on her views of Feminism. She said that Feminism has evolved greatly over the years. The fundamental basics of Feminism have very true and pure values of equality, but modern day feminism is based on uninformed ideals. She also discussed the Pink Tax, which is included in the bill mentioned earlier in this article. Olivia discussed the discussion over the fact that feminine hygiene products are deemed unnecessary by companies and are taxed with an unnecessary item tax. While understanding of the fundamentals of feminism, Olivia said that modern day feminism is ruled by supremacy.
Sources -
Bill Book - Old Dominion
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