I have been writing for as long as I can remember and I love it. While writing should be fun, sometimes it is important to use your platform of written words for something greater than humor and to discuss more concerning and pressing matters than "15 Things Every Dog Addict Knows All Too Well." One reason why I love writing so much is because I have seen what it can do, what it can mean to people, its power. Writing has the ability to persuade, unite, promote clarity, inspire, and enact change. More often than not, we misunderstand one another in our views, this leads to tension in our society, at the expense of some more than others, but in the long run affects us all. It is my belief, that a true attempt to educate yourself and others, as well as to understand current issues and the misconceptions that surround them, can aid in the fight for tolerance and acceptance.

1. Being A Feminist Doesn't Mean You Hate Men

OK. Let's clear this one up as many of us true feminists are tired of hearing "I believe in equality amongst the sexes, but I don't hate men." Or, " I think the sexes should be equal, but I wouldn't say I'm a feminist. That's much too aggressive." Feminism is not about a superior sex. It is not about the loathing of men. And while we're at it, men can be feminists too (and should be in the name of their girlfriends, daughters, sisters, and mothers). The definition of feminism is "the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men." All we're saying is women should be granted every opportunity in this world that men are, with recognition of our strength, independence, and capabilities, and to not be upheld by any further societal expectations.

2. You Don't Have To Be Gay To Support LGBTQ Rights

"I may not be the same but that's not important. No freedom until we're equal, damn right I support it." Support LGBTQ rights, because it is the right thing to do. Why does someone deserve any less freedom because of who they love? They don't. As a heterosexual, use your privileged platform to defend our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. I as a heterosexual, proudly wear a "love is love" bracelet every day to promote human rights and equality for everyone. Show your support by wearing "love is love" apparel, things of rainbow color, and do so proudly. Do not let hate speech spread. Stand up to those who loosely use the word gay in a derogatory manner, or who put their noses in the air to families or relationships that aren't "traditional". Educate yourself about the community and become an ally to them, not because you are the same, but because it is right. "Love is a basic human right, not a political statement." Please watch the video above "In a Heartbeat." Carry this video and its meaning with you as insight to the LGBTQ community and some of the challenges they face.

3. Immigrants Aren't "Stealing" American Jobs

Immigrants aren't stealing American jobs technology is. Automobiles replaced horse and carriages, therefore the downfall and practically extinction of those who drove them, and who were paid to tend to the horses. The internet, landlines, and cellphones, replaced the need for telephone operators to direct calls. What about the self-driving cars? Where does that leave Uber drivers when those take off? Technology steals and replaces jobs. Immigrants create jobs in America by bringing companies such as Nissan and Volkswagen. These companies brought to America by immigrants, have created millions of jobs including factory work as well as sales, marketing, and business related jobs. Please correct those around you when you hear them blame a loss of a job or unviability of a job on immigrants. "I hope some day you'll join us, and the world will be as one."

4. Black Lives Matter Is Not An Attack On White People

This is one I wish I could just scream from a mountain top. It is so sad how badly misinterpreted the message of this organization is. Black Lives Matter was created to remind everyone in society simply that black lives hold value, as events have promoted feelings of the contrary. The movement was created in response to racially- targeted violence and oppression, as seen in instances of police brutality and hate crime. The organization was founded by African-American citizens and campaigns against violence and systemic racism toward black people. The Black Lives Matter movement, by no means what-so-ever, is not saying that other lives do not matter, and are not saying that their lives matter more than others. It is simply to remind individuals of the hardships and tragedy inflicted on African-Americans when we fail to equate their lives with our own. Regardless of race, be a proud supporter of Black Lives Matter and their important mission to promote justice and equality. "This is resistance, we're resilient."

5. A Person Of Any Color Or Religion Can Be A Terrorist

This seems obvious enough right? One would think, but it seems as though our society pins terrorism on one particular racial profile and religion. Yes, there have been terrorists who claim to be of the same religion as those often stereotyped as being terrorists, but that does not mean we condemn the entire religion due to the actions of some. We can help aid this issue by referring to all terrorists as terrorists, not white supremacists, not extremists, but as terrorists. A terrorist is defined as a person or group of people, who use violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes. The definition does not mention race or religion in the criteria. A terrorist is simply a person who inflicts terror such as Dylan Roof who perpetrated the Charleston Church shooting, aiming to take African-American lives. Referring to other races and people of a religion for committing acts of terrorism as terrorists will lessen the tension and stereotyping of the group who is often inflicted with blame. Please correct those around you when they refer to terrorism as something other than what it truly is. Referring to terrorism when it is present continues to corner a specific group and promote the stereotype.

6. An Issue Doesn't Have To Affect You Directly For You To Stand Up For It

Odds are if an issue doesn't affect you directly, you have a little bit of privilege concerning the issue. This is not a bad thing, so long as you use your privileged platform to defend those who are oppressed and who have had their rights stolen. If you're a man, educate other men on what feminism really is and how men can work to aid women in their fight to equality. If you're a student who gets tuition paid for, great. I am glad you don't have to worry about the financial burden, but fight for lower tuition plans, free-public education, and lower interest rates on student loans for those who do struggle with this issue. The truth of the matter is, no matter what race, gender, social class, religion, or sexual orientation you are, we stand stronger when united and "when we oppress anyone, we oppress ourselves."