Feminism is the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. A feminist is a person who believes in the equality of the sexes.

So, if you believe men and women should be equal, well then, I have news for you! You're a feminist.

These two words get thrown around and misused more than they are used correctly. There are stereotypes attached to the ideas of feminists and feminism and those stereotypes are what people typically base their thoughts about feminists/feminism on. For example, there's the stereotype that all feminists are man-hating women who don't wear bras and who believe women are superior. However, realistically, a feminist does not have to necessarily be a woman and feminists who aim for EQUALITY and not SUPERIORITY do not hate men nor do they think women are superior.

While there are feminists out there that take it to the extreme and talk down upon men, it does not mean all feminists are like that. True feminists stand for equality advocate for women's rights in the social and the political world. In fact, the work and ideas of many powerful feminists from generations ago is being tarnished by modern feminism because the motivation has switched over from equality to superiority. That is why feminism lost its validity and has gained so much stereotypical attention, because we have gone away from what it means to be equal, rather, feminists are perceived to instigate the battle of the sexes.

Do I consider myself a feminist? Yes. And while I am not ashamed to be a woman and a feminist, it is often hard to be proud of these characteristics because everyone seems to have negative attitudes towards feminists. In today's society, it is also easy to contradict typical feminist ideas but that does not necessarily make you a bad feminist or make you a phony within your ideas. For example, a typical feminist idea is "all women are strong and independent," but it is human biology to crave attention and acceptance from other people, so wanting a relationship, or having feelings does not erase your feminist title.

Women are not recognized enough for their compassion, determination, and their motivation. Women have persevered time and time again and we will continue to do so until we gain the ability to govern our own bodies and the wages respect we deserve. Being a feminist is so much more than just a title and it is more than someone who just believes men and women deserve to be equal, it is someone who knows men and women deserve to be equal. It is a person who recognizes women for all of their accomplishments and capabilities.

So before you go and roll your eyes and say, "Oh you're one of those," please understand that being "one of those" is something everyone should be.