Why we need feminism

-Prekshaa Rungta

We need feminism

because keys are still a weapon

held between pulsating quivering fingers,

as the warning of her mother she reckons.

We need feminism

because dress codes still objectify

in the brewery of the springing rape culture,

putting her in constant thought about 

her sexualized bra strap ,

instead of making her think, 

about the things she needs to defy.

We need feminism

because marriage still defines,

the end of what she has striven for,

all her dreams and aspirations,

caged in an "eternal bond",

with only a faint glimmer that shines.

We need feminism,

because 'crying like a girl' or 'running like a girl' or

doing any fucking thing like a girl,

is still an insult,

by those who have termed women

as members of a weak,emotional cult.

We need feminism

because in baby showers,

the hue and color is already set,

 for her - dolls,pearls and kitchen sets all with the pink touch,

while for him there are toy cars,rockets and lego sets,

all 'manly' much.

We need feminism,

because society says don't get raped instead of don't rape,

the length of my skirt, a part of my personality,

a pear, an hourglass ,

compared to my body shape.

We need feminism,

because it's still not acceptable,

for my friend to cry and let out his emotions,

he is constantly pressurized to get a girl,

in an ignorant and misogynistic concoction. 

We need feminism

because I, being one ,is persistently looked upon,

as a man-hating, selfish, overly dramatic 'feminazi',

male feminists being called pussies,

all of us being told, we're delusional and crazy.

We need feminism

because on this planet

equality needs to strive;

We are not mannequins of a stereotype,

but individuals to make a change,

not just who survive.