Are you a part of the population that believes feminists are ruining society? Do you despise those "bra-burning" and "man-hating" crazies? I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you too, my friend, might be a feminist! *GASP* I know, right?!
Since being at college I have spoken to way too many people that don't call themselves feminists, and even more that don't truly understand what feminism is - despite their harsh opinions on it. Here are just a few of the ridiculous things I have heard:
"I'm not a feminist because I want to be a stay-at-home wife and mom."
"I don't hate men."
"I just don't get why they blame men for all of their problems."
Let's get this straight. Feminism does not tell you that you can't be a wife or mother. Feminism is about respecting women that choose to stay at home with kids or women that choose to work and never have kids. Feminism is not about hating men, it's about empowering women. It is creating equality among all genders, not creating a "dominant" gender. Feminism is not about blaming men, it is about pointing out and attempting to fix the injustices in society that place men above women.
Feminism doesn't just work for the equality of women, it is about creating equality among all genders, no matter what sexual orientation, class or race. Maybe you think we no longer need feminism. You may say that women have never had more rights than they do now. Or maybe you believe women have never been so respected before. Maybe both of those are true, but that isn't a reason to stop. Women still don't have equality with men. Not in the home, not in the workplace, and not in society. You can still want to fit typical gender roles. You can still want a man to open doors for you and pull out your chair on a date. None of this conflicts with feminism.
It's time people begin educating themselves before spewing hate. In the world we live in today, ignorance is outdated.