Recently I've seen a lot of articles that define feminism in a wide variety of ways, some more far-fetched than others. I wanted to find out what feminism REALLY means to my friends and peers, so I took to the streets (and by the streets I mean the modern method of a plea for responses on my Instagram and Snapchat stories). These are their responses. From succinct, one-sentence definitions to impassioned calls to action. Hearing what my peers have to say about feminism gives me hope for the rise of our generation and all the ones to come after.
1. Equality for one isn't equality if it's not guaranteed for the rest
"Feminism to me is the idea that men, women, and everyone along the gender spectrum - regardless of race, sexuality, sex, immigration status, country of origin, religion, etc. are inherently equal. And that equality for one isn't equality if it's not guaranteed for the rest." - Suha, 17
2. It's the recognition of oppression
"It is a mutual empowerment, and support for all women of different colors and backgrounds. But I mostly think it's the recognition of oppression that we as women share. It's equal opportunity." - Ashley, 18
3. Men and women having the same opportunities
"Men and women having the same OPPORTUNITIES, and on a smaller scale that I can be regarded as equal to my friends, classmates, and peers." - Margaret, 17
4. Embracing every woman's difference but knowing that we are all more alike than we are different
"Embracing every woman's difference but knowing that we are all more alike than we are different. It is intersectional and demanding equality in all forms and standing up for the right for every woman or man to be treated how they choose to be treated not how we think they want to be treated." - Kate, 19
5. It is a way of empowering myself
"It is a way of empowering myself and other women, as a woman without threatening others." - Laura, 19
6. Creating a better world
"Feminism means creating a better world!" - Johanna, 20
7. Equal treatment of all genders
"EQUAL treatment of ALL genders! NOT women being considered better than men!" - Elea, 19
8. Equity and justice
"EQUITY! JUSTICE!" - Suhani, 18
9. Fighting to end gender violence and closing the wage gap
"Equality! Letting people be who they are! Breaking down gender norms and stereotypes! And fighting to end gender violence and closing the wage gap." - Sam, 18
10. All people should be equal
"It means that all people should be equal." - Akul, 18
11. Men and women being equal in all aspects of society
"Literally just men and women being equal in all aspects of society, from the wage gap to stereotypes and societal standards." - Leta, 19
12. A way for women to help and support each other
"Feminism to me is a sisterhood, it's a way for women to help and support each other." - Grace, 19
13. It's intersectional
"Feminism is intersectional! It is advocating for ALL who identify as female!" - Tamar, 20
14. It's an equality thing
"It's not just a female thing. It's an equality thing." - Jay, 19
15. Women looking out for women
"Women looking our for women! Men looking out for women! Women looking out for men!" - Audrey, 18
16. You're not sexist
"It means you're not sexist. Period." - Anna, 19
17. Helping women achieve the same rights as men
"It means believing in, and helping women achieve the same rights as men." - Aerin Leigh. 19
18. Equality
"Equality across genders!" - Alex, 19
19. Women fighting for equality
"Strong empowered women fighting for equality!" - Edna, 18
20. Standing up for women
"Standing up for women's rights." - Amber, 17
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