It is time to debunk this negative image of what a modern day feminist really looks like. Recently, I have begun to notice the abundance of anti-feminist rhetoric online (follow me for a very recent and relevant example) and I have decided to do my part by throwing out some positive vibes for my fellow feminists out there!

So let's keep this simple: what exactly is feminism? After scouring the internet for a definition that was simple and not a joke, I found this one from an article on the Huffington Post about modern feminism to be perfect. The ultimate aim of feminism is the inclusion of everyone within society; every woman being afforded the opportunity to participate in society in the same way that every man is able to. A social idea centered around inclusion needs to be inclusive. The writer of this article hit it right on the head if you ask me. Feminism is about the inclusion of everyone within society. Nowhere in that statement does it suggest that females should be or are the dominant gender. We are shooting for equity here people, NOT dominance.

Yet that seems to be the common misconception. To a lot of misinformed individuals out there feminists are just these "wild women" trying to eliminate every man on the earth so we can rule over the planet and keep any remaining males as our loyal servants (shh ladies, don't tell anyone the ACTUAL plan). Joking aside, though, it saddens me that so many feel that the purpose of postmodern feminism is to be the better gender. That couldn't be farther than the truth.

Feminism is about calling attention to rape culture (and doing something about it). It's about closing the wage gap (and keeping it that way). It's about giving a woman the right to choose what she does with her own body (and remembering morals are mostly a personal decision). It's about coming together as women and men and standing together in solidarity for the protection of our rights.

What it's not is a campaign to break down men and smash all their voices and opinions. It's a movement to let women's voices be recognized as relevant. To let women's voices shine through on issues that effect women.

I have been raised by many strong and capable women. Women who have both made the choice to stay home and tend to their husbands and children (because they wanted to), women who have blazed their way through the workforce and women who have done both (my beautiful mother being one of those women). So excuse me if I get a little fired up when I see such hateful words being spread about feminism every day. Because every day, since I was a little girl, I see it around me.

I see these women I call my family, making their own decisions, standing up for what they believe in, choosing their futures and taking hold of opportunities. They are living out what the purpose of feminism is every single day.

To make everyone see that women are relevant and have an active place in our society.

That is feminism.

Stop anti-feminist rhetoric. All the little girls are watching.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I get it, and I don't want to slander fellow writers out there who are just trying to put their opinions out for the world to see. Yet I beg of everyone and anyone to simply do a little research before throwing something out on the very permanent internet. Can I say I am an expert in all things feminism? No. But I hope I did enough research and critical thinking before presenting my initial opinion.

If I didn't? Let me know in the comments below.