My significant other used to have a very poor impression of feminists, but rightfully so, considering his past experience. He was given his only less - than - stellar grade by a teacher who played favorites to the extreme. Since all of her favorites happened to be female, all of the male students in this class were at an obvious disadvantage. Unfortunately, this experience left him with a poor and particularly ironic negative impression of feminists. He was discriminated against solely because of his gender. As a woman--a woman currently pursuing a degree in a once male-dominated field--I am familiar with this experience.

Recently, he complained about a women’s studies class a friend had taken. Unfortunately, his friend experienced very similar treatment to what he had in the class of female favorites. He cited that his friend had been given a failing grade for writing a paper opposing the professor’s feminist views. This specific practice, although not noble, is not unique to this professor. When I was in high school, my history professor warned me, “Swallow your pride and save your GPA.” This practice, although not noble, is not unique to this professor. It is simply bias. Bias is universally human, without gender.

My significant other’s views concerned me at the time. He was completely unaware that I consider myself a feminist. As a youngster, I participated in martial arts. I was quite successful, winning many competitions and eventually earning a black belt. I was one of less than ten girls in our dojo. Nevertheless, we were sometimes instructed to do fewer push-ups, run fewer laps, etc. Our response? Do ten more push-ups than asked of the boys and run the same amount of laps, but faster. Phrases meant to be insults like “You fight like a girl,” were met with a bow and enthusiastic “Thank you, Sensai!” Eventually, our instructor got the message.

I am not anti-male. I am pro-women. Why should I not be? As someone who has experienced gender discrimination not only in academics but also in extra-curricular activities, it makes sense for me to root for my own gender to be treated as humans first and females second. I take no offense when a door is held open for me, but I do take offense when someone refuses to walk through a door I have opened. I detest being left out of all laser tag events by my predominately male friend group. As a weightlifter, I find it hilarious when “the guys” are called to help move heavy things. However, I can find chivalry charming.

Fairly recently, I dragged my significant other to baseball game. Our conversation about the women’s studies class lingered in my mind. At the end of the sixth inning, we decided to get some food. We walked to the cashier, grub in hand, and I went to pay. The outing was my idea, and my treat. The cashier took the cash, and held out the change to my other half. Suddenly, he silently realized his mistake, and turned to give it to me. On the way back to our seats, I asked my significant other if he had noticed what happened, to which he replied he had. “That is why women’s studies classes exist.”