Next Feminist wave
At this moment we are in what is known as the Fourth-Wave of Feminism, which had started sometime in 2012. In this wave of feminism, the method of which made it stand out from previous waves is the ability to use internet tools. With this, the main message and focus on the empowerment of women and intersectionality were then able to be spread anywhere and by anyone. Because of this, things like sexual harassment, body shaming, and rape culture, and the people that act on them, we're able to be put in the eyes of the world what it really is and how they affect their victims. People's voices were finally able to be truly heard, while people were able to be held accountable.
However, like I stated the current movement is one that was able to get many things done, and in my opinion, one of the most accomplished fazes because of how much it changed society. But as many of us know as the people living through, there is much more to be accomplished. So where does that leave the next generation of people, and how will they be able to finish what faze 4 started and then strive for more? Well, that question is something that's hard to answer in the sense that we aren't there yet, so really it largely depends on how the world looks, so I'm going to split this up into the best and worst-case scenario.
Best case scenario: Sorry if this offends anyone but I'm going to start off with a big "NO TRUMP" (or future presidents like him) for let's say obvious reasons. I'm also going to add in this best future that we keep having women's right protests as frequently and big if not more in both aspects. That all being said here's what I think the focus is going to be on. I think (or maybe this is an I want I don't know) there is going to be a new form of the "me too" movement, one that not only focuses on the coming out of victims but also more on the pleading of aggressors. This is something that is happening now, just not nearly as widespread, mainly because well how I use the term "pleading". Because right now once someone comes out as a victim and other major factors come together and gets rightful backing the aggressor ( in let's say the cases with a positive outcome) is then ultimately punished for what they did. Which I think isn't a bad thing, however, I think right now there should be a safer way for people someone to admit their wrongdoings. Now there are major flaws with this of course because of many factors, and I'm also not saying they should get a free pass for saying sorry after sexually assaulting someone. But I think there would be more progress made if we gave more chances for both sides to come out instead of relying solely on the victim who already has been through enough.
Worst case scenario: I'm going to say Trump and others like him in power here but not necessarily why I'm expecting you to think. Now again for obvious reasons, this is a bad thing for what the movement wants. Although I don't think this is such a terrible thing for the movement. I think ( I say I) a lot more would get done if this happened, all around the board. I can't see anyone who even slightly or remotely agrees with what feminism is about not becoming active or more active if that happens. Now I know I'm projecting but still, that's all I see. Now the main difference here as to oppose the best-case future would be the purpose for which I see staying the same, and also focusing on leaders of power as a whole. making sure that they're being checked before gaining power and also making sure they're doing more for women in general while in power.
But yeah that all I got to say about how I think next faze will go. As always please excuse grammar and spelling and thanks for Reading.
I really like your idea of next wave feminism focusing on the actual sentencing and punishment of sexual assault perpetrators. I agree that this is definitely something that's growing. I remember hearing that nearly 3/4 of sexual assault cases go unreported and almost 995/1000 sexual assault court cases end with the accused walking free so I think it's definitely an important aspect of the #metoo movement to focus on. Based on statistics alone, this is an incredibly pressing issue and I am glad to see that a lot more people, especially through social media, are beginning to take notice!
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