Too many times I have heard the term feminism as being too extreme. What about equality among genders is extreme? The common misconception of feminism is that women hate men when in reality, women just want the same opportunities as men in a male-dominated society. While some extremists actually do hate the male gender, I, like most, am a feminist because I am tired. Here's what exhausts me.

I am tired of being called "crazy" for being emotional.

I am tired of being called a bitch when I speak my mind in a straightforward or blunt fashion.

I am tired of being asked if I am sick because I am not wearing makeup that day.

I am tired of being afraid to walk to my apartment from my car late at night.

I am tired of watching women being disregarded by men in the media for being "weak" or "incompetent."

I am tired of hearing that women cannot be leaders.

I am tired of women getting paid 75 cents for every dollar a man makes.

I am tired of women being seen as uptight or prude for not being involved in sexual relations.

I am tired of women being seen as whores or sluts for being involved in sexual relations.

I am tired of hearing "she asked for it" or "she shouldn't have worn that" in response to horrific actions of others.

I am tired of rape and sexual assault.

I am tired of perpetrators of rape and sexual assault not being punished.

I am tired of mothers being held to a higher standard than fathers when it comes to parenting children.

I am tired of hearing "a woman's place is in the household."

I am tired of hearing childcare isn't a full time job.

I am tired.

Women are tired. And if you're a man that upholds standards of equality, you should be tired too. Women are just as capable as men. Rape is not okay. Feminism should be supported by everyone.