Helen Mirren declares herself a feminist amongst political criticisms and sex jokes

Feminist news sources have been revived by Helen Mirren's Commencement speech at Tulane University last Saturday. Mirren's frank British humor laced the speech, definitely making it one to remember. Throughout the speech Mirren brought up her own successes, the absurdity of the current U.S. political scene, and a few inappropriate jokes here and there. Then Mirren dove into her personal experience in discovering what feminism truly meant.

Vanity Fair
In this political climate the road to discovering the true narrative behind feminism is one frequently traveled. The term feminism and feminist have become synonymous with women being more powerful than men, more dominating, and even aggressive. Mirren states that "to join a movement called feminism just seemed too didactic, too political for me." 

This is exactly how many young people have felt taking up the feminist fight for the third time. Many support the idea that women are capable and equal to men, but they are thrown off by the protests and bra-burnings of past feminists. "I have always lived like a feminist" Mirren says at the podium. Only now has she considered herself a feminist. 

The Advocate
Many others heading the feminist fight have worked to redefine the term and steer it away from "men-hating women". Emma Watson has been one to reinvigorate the feminist craze by expanding the idea to all people and causes. Establishing equality and helping end oppression are key points. Whether it be advocating for the Earth or LGBTQ Rights around the world, feminism is present everywhere. As Mirren stated in her speech, it is more of an abstract concept than she once believed.

Discovering the type of feminist you are is a path every human being must take, just as long as all conclusions respect one another.

Buzzfeed

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