The word feminism is a combination of letters that evokes a numerous amount of reactions. From scoffs to rallying cheers, responses to the word vary. Rightly so, as the concept of feminism leaves no room for ambiguity. One is a feminist or is not, and as consequence, there is no in between. This fact causes many individuals to cry out, for who would want to be a feminist if feminism is the ideal of anti-male rationale?
To begin, this definition of feminism is a widely-believed misconception. Feminism is defined as the equality between men and women. No more and no less. It is this misconception of feminism that often casts those who support the true definition in a bad light. Individuals such as Gloria Steinem, who have long been advocates for social equality and change. Being a feminist does not make one bad, it makes one open-minded.
Gloria Steinem, journalist, columnist, and Ms. Magazine founder, has long been a proponent of equality, especially in the field of feminism. For example, in 1972, she helped found Ms. Magazine, a magazine that supported a liberal field of media for women. From here, she went on to help found the Women’s Action Alliance, and wrote several different works on how equality must be supported in daily life through all different areas. In her search to support those that were affected by inequality, Steinem traveled all over the world, learning of new cultures and practices, shaping her perspective.
As she continues to travel today, she will be visiting UCLA’s campus, speaking in a conference entitled In Conversation. As an aspiring feminist, I am eager to listen to what she wishes to touch on within her speech. For the road to equality is never easy and those who rise to the challenge are only that more admirable.
