Emma Watson: The Idea Behind Feminism

Emma Watson - Who We Are

Emma Watson gives an inspiring speech about challenging gender stereotypes and recognizing the fundamental equality of all men and women.

Transcript:

"My life is a sheer privilege, because my parents didn't love me less because I was born a daughter. When I was eight, I was confused about being called bossy because I wanted to direct the plays we would put on for our parents, but the boys were not. When at 14, I started to be sexualized by certain elements of the media; when at 15, my girlfriends started dropping out of their beloved sports teams because they didn't want to appear muscly; when at 18, my male friends were unable to express their feelings, I decided that I was a feminist.

"For the record, feminism by definition is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. How can we affect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcomed to participate in the conversation? Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong.

"It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals. All that is needed for the forces of evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing. If not me, who? If not now, when? If you still hate the word, it is not the word that is important. It is the idea and the ambition behind it. If we stop defining each other by what we are not and start defining ourselves by who we are, we can all be freer."