I have been so scared for so long to voice my opinion. Not necessarily because of the backlash, I can take most things, but for peoples further perception of myself. Including but not limited to, what boys think about a certain issue and the fear of being masked by label itself i.e. "oh well she's just a feminist or a conservative or liberal"--whatever label it may be. Well, I think it's about time that the idea of a feminism shouldn't just be a point of view, it should be a lifestyle that is accepted and lived.

The year is 2016 and although I will agree this is very progressive era, never would we have seen a women running for president or two men kissing in a television commercial, but idea of gender equality is still a problem. I believe the halted progression of this equality is rooted in the "cop-out" effect that our culture has placed on feminism.

FACTS

Women are paid 77% of the earnings compared to their male counterparts.

Men with more than one criminal charge are more likely to be hired or offered a second interview than women are with zero criminal record.

All over the world, 15 million girls under the age of 18 are married without any word in the matter, yes in most cases.

330% of women in relationship have reported physical or sexual violence from their partner, and those are just the ones who have reported it, many don't.

I know these facts seem droning, another girl griping about women's rights, almost losing their impact. (BUT) I ask you to draw away the masks our culture has placed on this topic and really read these stats out loud. There is definitely something wrong here. I shouldn't have to be fighting for my rights as a women, as a human being, I should have them. Now, I am not a political person, I have already said voicing my opinion is difficult for me, but I do know that I am a woman and that shouldn't work against me. As pointed out in this article feminism isn't putting down a woman for wanting to stay at home, wanting to cook or wanting to submit to their husband. Feminism, in my own words, is the uplifting of women. It's okay to watch "The Bachelor" (even though its completely based on the validation of a man) and it's okay to be a construction worker if that is what makes your life fulfilled. Feminism isn't being more like a man, it's being proud to be a women.

When I was little, I was the biggest girly girl I could possibly imagine, I only wore dress that "twirled" and wouldn't let my dad push my stroller, I remember being so happy that I was a girl. It's sad now to talk with my friends about how much easier it would be to be a guy. I guess the primary point of this article is to call upon our community. This article will reach primarily the Greek and college students and the change starts with us. Guys,**news flash** FYI, letting in on a little secret: it actually is okay to be a male feminist. In fact, how could you not? Don't let the macho-ness go to your head, we are all human beings here. Aside from the cliches, we are the next generation of the working world, lets make it a species that allows equality instead of just claiming it. Let's be happy to be girls again.