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Is feminism the new fashion trend?

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By Korrien Hopkins

With a new wave of feminism recently popularized, many new supporters are emerging. Although supporters are great, is it wrong to sometimes question their motives? Are they are truly genuine, or just following the crowd?

For some, the activism that comes with fighting real-life issues can be seen as “cool” or “trendy.” This can be seen in pop culture, with examples like the very controversial Pepsi commercial earlier this year imitating a protest. Now, some want to join the LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matter, and feminist movements to look good or make themselves feel better.

Don’t get lost in the sauce! These causes are more than a caption, more than a t-shirt with a quote. This is real life and real struggle. I mean, can you just throw a pink pussy hat on anything and call it a feminist?

This summer while shopping with my family, I noticed a bunch of feminist apparel in a lot of popular, trendy stores. Initially, this made me somewhat happy to see support all around me. Then, I asked an employee if the store donated any of the proceeds from their “feminist fashion” to women’s issues.

The staff member responded saying that they didn’t know. Even though their response wasn’t a flat out “no,” this still struck a nerve. It also led me to imagine the worst. What if a company promotes feminism while their clothing is being manufactured by an underpaid and overworked woman in a sweat shop? The thought drove me insane.

I’ve since vowed to be more investigative in the clothing that I buy. It’s beautiful to see positive messages around me, but that’s not enough when you are working for change.

f I buy a shirt advocating equity, I like to know that the money I am spending will go to make a change and not to capitalize on feminism, or any movement for that matter. It is important that we all do the same.

I know that gift giving season is approaching, so I ask that all feminists to plan ahead and support.

Go to you local women’s center, support women owned businesses and get into the gift giving season. Below, I’ve listed a few websites where the profits support women’s causes:

 

 

 

 

Happy informed shopping!