This all started because I was on Facebook. I clicked on an article that I knew would raise my blood pressure, but I clicked anyway. That, I will take the blame for, however what I read needs to be seen, needs to be proven inaccurate, needs to stop circulating as truth, needs to stop feminism from actually creating equality for EVERYONE.

I clicked on an article called,"28 Women Say Why They Don't Need Feminism." I saw all 28, and lo and behold, there is an entire tumblr page devoted to pictures of these women with handwritten signs disclosing why they are, "anti-feminist." I couldn't get through them all. I am livid for all of the victims of sexual assault that have been "blamed" for their attacks. I am enraged that women are hurting other women, just because it has never happened to them so they think it doesn't exist. I am outraged that this blatant ignorance still runs through this country, that is in no way perfect as many claim to be true.

Most of these pictures can be decimated with a simple counter argument like, "Please look up the definition of feminism," "Please look up the definition of radicalism," "Please look up the definition of intersectionality," and, "For the love of whoever you believe in, please look up the sexual assault and rape statistics in this country." I'm writing this article to clarify a few things that may have gotten misconstrued along the way. If you read this and still hate feminism, there's no way you can ever call yourself an "egalitarian."

While I am truly, honestly, and genuinely grateful that you have never been victimized, that doesn't mean that 1 in 6 women in the United States won't have been a victim of sexual assault or rape in her lifetime.Every 98 seconds in this country someone is sexually assaulted. So, that's great and fortunate that you, yourself are not a victim, but by saying that you don't need feminism for this reason, you're further silencing the voices of those sexually assaulted, invalidating the violence that was done to them, and suggesting that their lives, safety, well-being, and mental health aren't of concern to you.

---

Again, that's great that you enjoy it when men compliment your body. Feminism gives women, men, trans and non-binary folk a choice in however they want to live their lives. But by saying that because you like the attention and praise of strangers, everyone should is not only closed-minded, but also insulting. Many women feel unsafe in situations of cat-calls. I'm grateful that you have never been in a situation like that, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

When I was 18, I was walking from the bus stop to a friend's apartment in San Francisco on Halloween with a girlfriend of mine, and a grown man probably in his late 40s, yelled across the street to us. I was dressed as a firefighter, and not that it matters, but the only skin that was showing were my shoulders. He said, "I know where you could put a fire out. In my pants." I didn't understand what I was feeling at the time, all I knew is that I felt dirty. Now I see that man was objectifying me. Just last week when I was flying home with a few of my sorority sisters from a leadership conference, a man sat down in one of the empty seats beside two of my sisters and screamed, "Oooh sorority girls. What a bunch of hotties." This man was also in his late 40s and apparently said other crude things during the flight to my sisters. Not only is that disrespectful to anyone and everyone, but it makes many women feel like objects. Just because it makes you feel good about yourself, doesn't mean it doesn't ruin the days and weeks of other women.

---

First, having hairy armpits doesn't make you a feminist, nor does shaving forbid you from being a feminist. The same goes for using or not using feminine hygiene products. Feminism gives everyone the choice to do whatever you want with your body. Being kind is universal. Feminists believe in being kind, too. Google Sophia Bush, Beyonce, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and Emma Watson. These feminists and the majority of feminists want equality for everyone despite gender, race, class, sexuality and ability. As for your disrespectful language, I'll let that invalidate everything you said all on it's own. Who is your neighbor hurting by not shaving her legs or armpits? Who are you hurting by spewing ignorant, hateful language about women, your sisters? Every single woman in this world, including yourself.

---

Women are not "wired" to be anything. Women are socially normalized and conditioned from birth to be more emotional, motherly and sensitive. They are given dolls, kitchen sets and cleaning toys to play with while boys are given trucks, tools and blocks. When girls cry, they are cuddled and told it's going to be okay, when boys cry people tell them to "be a man" and "toughen up." We are born with a vagina, penis, or other genitalia. We aren't born with these qualities ingrained in our psyches. Women's Studies 101. I'm glad you like compliments from strangers and don't feel uneasy hearing them, however, see the second photo and explanation. Why is promiscuity not okay? I'd like a legitimate answer. I am in a monogamous relationship with my high school sweetheart, but as long as people are being safe and having consensual sex, why is it my business to tell them that that's wrong. I'm glad you can defend yourself, however see the first photo and explanation. Taking responsibility for your drunk actions is admirable, but being irresponsible does not mean someone deserves to be assaulted or raped. We should live in a world where people can drink with friends and not worry about their safety. We do live in a world like that, but only for men. The term "serving" makes me cringe, unless you are a waiter at Olive Garden. If you want to cook for your man, do it. If you want to clean the house, do it. If you want to stay at home and be a mom, guess what? So do I, that's great, too. You can do all of those things and still be a feminist. Feminism gives everyone the choice to do what makes them happy.

---

So. Do. I.

---

Yes, men can be raped. This is not a reason to refute feminism. Feminism is equality for men and women and non-binary individuals despite differences of any kind. Feminism is not erasing their stories, statistics, or experiences, it gives a voice to the men who are raped, knowing they are not alone, giving them allies. Feminism is against rape. Period.

"Lacking restraint and modesty," is not the reason women, or anyone gets raped. Rapists are the reason people get raped. You're going to get arrested for breaking into my house regardless if the door was unlocked or not.

---

See the fourth photo and explanation. Also, where can I get a T-shirt that says, "slutty feminist?"

---

No. That is not how it works.

---

I'm so sorry that this happened to you. However, you cannot blame all white people for the actions of the KKK or mass shootings, so why would you suggest that all feminists are responsible for misandry and other hateful messages. The loudest do not represent the majority. True feminists support you and whatever you choose to do with your body, your life, and your future, because ultimately, it is your body, and it should be your choice.

---

Feminism is equality for EVERYONE. If you still have questions, please feel free to comment below.