A Generation Z Feminist
A Poem
It is difficult to be a Generation Z feminist.
To be an activist for any form of humanity,
really.
~
You are not taken seriously.
For if a woman in her sixties screams,
‘Fuck the patriarchy!’
she is admirable and seen.
~
Whereas, if a woman in her twenties
projects the same plea,
she is merely a sheep,
following a trend of the social scene.
~
Someone once said to me,
‘I know you are into your whole feminism thing…’
and I felt appalled that my wanting of equal rights
was compared to a trending cut of jeans.
~
It seems that I cannot do anything for myself
without it, obviously, screaming,
‘Look at me! Look at me!
I am different and I want attention, give it to me!’
~
I do not drink
because I suffer from a mental health disorder
that alcohol only worsens.
I feel better being sober.
That is all.
~
I do not use social media
because I find the time I waste on it
makes me feel worthless and ashamed.
I feel better off the grid.
That is all.
~
I am a feminist.
That is all.
~
I am an ally to minority groups.
That is all.
~
I call out bullshit when I see it.
I will not watch somebody be discriminated
for the colour of their skin
or who they love
or where they live.
~
That is all.
~
Even this poem could be deemed
a desperate seek for attention.
But, I refuse to not speak on what I believe
because people do not get my generation.
~
Is it so awful that we are more vocal?
~
Is it bad that we love who we want and we love ourselves more than your parents ever could?
~
Is it a tragedy that we take care of our bodies and enjoy nights in with books and glasses full of drinks that will not kill us?
~
Really, I think our acceptance of who we are
makes you uncomfortable
because it is something you lack.
~
Because your ancestors never taught you that.
~
It may be difficult to be a Generation Z feminist.
But, it is also difficult to be a woman.
About the Creator
Katerina Petrou
Combining my passions of travelling, food, poetry and photography, I welcome you to read my stories.
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Comments (7)
I fully agree! If I can sit at home, drink and read books on nights in, so can you, and I promise you whole-heartedly; I do not tolerate people who judge others by the colour of their skin either. I stand with you.
Hi we are featuring your excellent Top Story in our Community Adventure Thread in The Vocal Social Society on Facebook and would love for you to join us there
I'm Gen X, and I'm going to dhow this to my Gen Z niece.
I'm a Millennial and honestly, this was brilliant. I've always sought to understand the Gen-Z experience of various things. I apologise if my generation (also known as generation f*** up) made any of you feel worthless or ashamed. There are some nightmares in my generation but there's some good guys too. Also, this was a beautiful piece, congrats on top story!
Speaking as a Millennial... When I walked in rallies to prevent abortion clinics from being shut down, when I spoke in front of legislature on equal rights and representation, when I confronted those who wanted to set our society back by 100 years... It was done with the hope that the generations following mine wouldn't have to continue doing these things. It was done in the hopes that "Feminist" would stop being a dirty word associated with whiny "unf*ckable" outcasts with daddy issues. It's heartbreaking that you even had to have the experiences that led you to writing this piece (although it's done very well, to your credit) when all of the generations that came before you had to march and scream and fight for the very same things. I don't think this will make you feel better, but even 20, 40, 70 years ago, those of us standing up for these things were seen the same; attention seekers, problem women, hopeless people waging a war on oppression that those in power claim don't exist, all because we have the right to work and vote now. Keep being a "problem." Keep being the "sheep" if that's what they want to call you. Keep being a dirty fucking feminist. Our world is in desperate need.
Im sorry that older gens have made Gen Z feel this way. Im a momma of an incredible Gen Z daughter, and she and her friends astound me. We could learn more from your generation. Keep telling your stories. They need to be heard!
I didn't know that it was like this for you. I'm sorry.