While scrolling through Twitter, hidden between New York Times op-eds and CNN news updates, an ad for a Teen Vogue article with a tagline proclaiming “and THIS is why Bella Thorne is a feminist icon” stopped me from reading my usual news.

The article explains how Thorne shut down a fan on social media by refusing to shave her legs. While the argument for body hair on women is incredibly valid and for some reason, still up to anyone else’s opinion instead of each individual woman’s, I don’t know, but I don’t necessarily regard Bella Thorne as a “feminist icon” for solely tweeting, “HAHAHHA NEVER”.

This flashing of the media’s support of white feminism isn’t the beginning of the issue, but just another addition to the underlying problem that has been tearing women apart rather than building them up. I’m not attacking Bella Thorne, I do think her values and intentions are supportive of feminist ideals. What defines a "feminist icon" isn't up to me, but here are my favorite feminists that inspire me:

1. Rupi Kaur

2. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

3. Malala Yousafzai

4. Mia Mingus

5. Gina Rodriguez