An Open Letter

Dear world and reader,

I am a feminist and I am not ashamed of it; it is who I am. Despite my lack of shame, I'm sometimes afraid to tell this to people. Trust me, I want to tell the world loud and proud that this is who I am but sometimes, it isn’t that easy. The reason I'm afraid to tell this to some people is the certain look in their eyes I've become familiar with, the classic look someone gets when they are perceived as stupid, uneducated, insulting- that they had just grown a third head. The person giving this look usually leans back in a snake-like way, showcasing their shock from my statement, “I’m a feminist.” You would think that I would have no problem with this kind of look, that it wouldn’t bother me, but I am human; I do not like being perceived as unintelligent.

As a feminist, I believe in equality among everyone: an equal playing field for all genders alike. For all races, for all sexual orientations, for all people to have equal rights. What’s so wrong with that? Nowhere in there does it say that feminists want to have ultimate power over men.

I don’t hate men. I don’t burn bras. I don’t want to destroy the patriarchy completely. I’m not a feminist because I think I’m ugly. I don’t hate stay at home moms and I’m not always angry.

I am quite fond of the male gender. I have been scorned by some but hey, I’ve had my feelings hurt by women too; this doesn’t mean I hate them all. I moved on. I’m not a huge fan of bras- no woman in their right mind absolutely loves wearing them- but I have no desire to burn them all out of existence. The patriarchy isn’t entirely in full swing in my opinion; I just think that there should be an equal status between a patriarchy and matriarchy. I think I look pretty even if others may not think so. I love and respect the strong, hardworking women that decide to stay at home with their kids. I likewise love and respect the men that decide to do the same. And although I am irritable at times, that doesn’t mean I am constantly angry at the world.

The thing is reader, I find myself quite intelligent for being a feminist. I find myself thinking it is wonderful for wanting there to be equality, not being rude and hateful towards others that want the playing field to be leveled out. Isn’t that what we all usually want in life, to be seen as worthy as our peers?

Unfortunately for those of us who are feminists, we get stereotyped as radicals, "feminazis", those who make the media headlines. As the famous saying goes, it sucks that a select group of people ruin something for everyone. This is what has happened for all feminist kind. I get that look because of the radical group that goes against the true definition and beliefs of feminism. I am perceived as a “social justice warrior” and a “crazy Tumblr girl” because of them.

I understand that they have the same right as I do to spout their beliefs; I just don’t like us all being generalized as one. I am not one of them and they are not who I am. They fight for what they want and I can respect that even if we don't see eye-to-eye.

I will speak up for a woman so that she may have equal rights to her male counterpart. I will fight for the acceptance and normalization of a man wanting to be a stay at home father. I will speak out for young girls being told their clothes are distracting for the boy students' learning because that is just obscene. I will fight and loudly speak out against the ridiculous idea that women can’t be rapists and that a male, female, or anyone “deserves” to be raped because of their clothing or unconsciousness. That is not okay. I will stand for these beliefs and more but I will not stand for the idea of any gender being above another.

Reader, I bring this letter to you because it's something that has been bothering me for quite some time. I am tired of being afraid to say loud and proud that I am a feminist. I am tired of being seen as an idiot because of this. I am smart; I have thought this all through. I bring this letter to you in hopes of opening up your mind and heart a little, or at least give an understanding of what I really mean when I say I am a feminist. Reader, I would like to possibly hear your stance on feminism, so long as stated in a nice and respectful manner, as that’s the only way we will ever understand each other.

I will never stop saying that I am a feminist because this is who I am.

Have a nice day and thanks for reading.