Look, I get it. I'm not blind to all the things in the modern era that belittle both men and women for the valid choices they make for their own ideal futures. That is not OK.

But that's not feminism.

Ever since I started writing for Odyssey, I've seen countless articles denouncing feminism while the author expresses they retain ideals that DEFINE feminism. Yes, there are a lot of groups who have the members with more extreme views.

Have you ever had someone question your loyalty to a sports team, band, or other forms of entertainment by wanting you to list the top five obscure facts about the topic at hand and calling you a poser if you don't know them? This is like the other side of the same coin. We don't assume that all fans are like this, so why does this happen in feminism?

First of all, anyone who says your wish to be a stay-at-home parent is not the right future does not hold feminist values. They may not agree with it or want it for themselves, but they don't get to choose what you do with your life. The only time it would be a problem is if you are putting down others for leaving the home, using daycare services, and having a job.

I know what you may be thinking right now. "But Abby, women in the U.S. have more rights than ever before. Why are there still protests?" Well, as you know, not all women have these same rights. Protests occur to support women in other countries who face such oppression. Just because you've never been ostracized and/or you know a lot of strong women in the workforce who have high ranks doesn't mean that we can throw feminism away like a used tissue.

As much as feminists have accomplished, the government can still be at fault. For example, there have been attempts, with some being successful, of the government making abortions illegal even in the case of rape/health threats, and insurance not covering methods of pregnancy prevention like birth control. To make matters worse, some pro-life believers don't financially support the parent(s) who wanted prevention methods because they knew beforehand they would have difficulty carrying/birthing/raising a child.

Yes, women have the right to vote and the ability to support themselves financially, but feminism goes farther than government regulations. There are still protests today because of the social issues that we are STILL facing in the 21st century.

You know the idea that men can't cry OR retain things like chivalry which is predominately seen as a male attribute? Feminism protests that. You know the idea that women are better than men? Feminism absolutely protests that. You know the staggering number of harassment/assault cases in which the perpetrator went scot-free for unjust reasons (*cough* Brock Turner *cough*)?

Say it with me now: Feminism. Protests. That.

I know the sexes are biologically different. It wouldn't be fair to expect equality in those aspects when they each need different things. Feminism is about making sure everyone is socially equal no matter their gender. This includes transgender, non-binary people, and others of the LGBTQ+ community being respected in their identities the same way cisgender people are treated in society.

Feminism is against forced gender roles but wants people to be able to partake in the traditional activities if that's what they want for themselves. Feminism goes against women and men being objectified. Feminists, like me, denounce radical feminism because it goes against what we believe.

Don't shy away from feminism because of its prefix. If you call yourself an equalist, egalitarian, or any other synonym, then chances are you've been a feminist all along. If you see someone saying or doing something extreme and/or immoral in the name of feminism, then question it and certainly call it out. Just don't believe that's what everyone in the movement is out here protesting for.