#LikeAGirl

Recently, I have been coming across ad campaigns, hasthags, and other social media avenues that are advocating feminism. At first I would scroll past them, act as if I understood the message of feminism, and continue on with my day.
Let me tell you how wrong I was; thinking that I understood our world.
I am in no way an expert of the issues, catastrophes, or movements happening around me. I just wanted to share my simple thoughts on a complex topic.

There are several campaigns running right now that I have to get behind. 

LikeAGirl

There was a commercial I came across, sponsored by Always, that completely rocked my world. The video demonstrates that we see the term, "Like a girl", as a derogatory term. By the end of the video I had tears in my eyes thinking about how low not only other people, but myself included, think of women. Of course, when I think of someone doing something "like a girl" I am not consciously thinking that it's belittling to women; but that is the entire issue right there. We are unconsciously degrading ourselves and others.

YesAllWomen

I have recently posted about this trending hashtag, but I have to be redundant regarding this because it's just so powerful. Now, this hashtag has gotten confused regarding it's meaning. I was reading comments posted by butt hurt men about how us women are saying "all guys treat women this way", "every single guy is the problem". The irony of their comments is that the hashtag is trying to communicate the complete opposite. Women are not saying that every single guy is a douche bag. If every single guy was that awful we would've given up by now. The point is that every single woman has in some way been sexually harassed, threatened, scared, or physically mistreated. Every. Single. Woman. It is completely mind blowing to think about.
http://time.com/114043/yesallwomen-hashtag-santa-barbara-shooting/

ShineStrong

 Pantene advertised two different videos. One video is publicizing that women continuously feel like we have to apologize for everything. And I completely agree. Sorry, not sorry. 

The latter video is demonstrating the differences between men and women when it comes to labels. I think the main place that women are judged differently is the work place. If a man tries to push things along, wants to get the job done fast, and doesn't chit chat he is seen as a leader. When a woman pushes things along, tries to get the job done, and doesn't chit chat you know what she is? A bitch. I speak from personal experience. 

The craziest thing is that there are women out there who claim to be "anti-feminist". I kid you not. So I think there is just a genuine misconception of what feminism is. I understand that everyone has different concepts of terms and movements. But I happen to believe that being a "feminist" is believing in the idea that women are people. It's not about being better than men, or putting men down, or playing victim, it's about being equal. Equality for all.

A Tribute to the King of Sass

If you haven't read any of Oscar Wilde's pieces you are missing out on quite possibly one of the quirkiest, punniest, and sassiest authors out there. Please, just do me, and yourself, a favor and go read The Importance of Being Earnest. Right now. Click It. READ IT. Or be lazy and just read this.

Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin. He lived during the Victorian Era. His parents were both very well known and very well off. The young adult Oscar was quite the celebrity. He was a part of the Aesthetic Movement which obviously resulted in his long luscious hair. Oscar did have a nice flow, if we're being honest. He married a woman named Constance, but he played for the other team; if you know what I mean. But being a Queen back then was slightly looked down upon, and he was sentenced to two years of hard labor due to his homosexual relations. Once he was released he just commenced the fabulous-ness in Paris and continued being perfect up to the end of his days when he died of meningitis. But even his last words were infused with his dramatic flare.

Saying, "Either that wallpaper goes, or I do".
It's true that he might not be studied as much as other renowned authors, and he only has one novel, but the irony and humor infused into each story is incomparable.
Also, some of the greatest quotes have come from his witty brain. I'm sure everyone has heard the saying, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken", but his greatness goes beyond the cliche sayings he's known for. Mr. Wilde stood for individualism. Naturally, he was a celebrity for his wealth and writings, but as soon as society learned who he was on a deeper level the people who once idolized him began to ostracize him. Did he care that everyone laughed at his huge fur coats or frilly ways of dressing? Nope. He actually thrived from it. I also need to throw out there that he said, "Crying is for plain women. Pretty women go shopping." If that sentence right there doesn't make you want to grab a magazine and Caramel Macchiato with him then I can't help you.

 I guess the main reason I am so drawn to Mr. Wilde is his ability to defend what he loves. He loved art, literature, beautiful furniture, elaborate clothes, and men. Oscar Wilde is my spirit animal.I also adore how he loves himself. Even though he was continuously told he wasn't accepted, Oscar kept writing, kept creating, and kept loving. I think it takes true character to just be who you are; unforgivably.
He's just a funny guy, and if you have any free time, and wits about you, please dive into some of his plays and poems.