Feminism.

Yeah. I said it. Feminism. The notion of social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.

Almost every time I get online, I see articles written by woman who claim to be "against feminism," and then list the basics of feminism as a reason as to why they are not feminists. I struggle understanding this reasoning, as some of these people are rejecting a movement that they have so many misconceptions about.

As a disclaimer, I am no expert on feminism. I learn more and more everyday about what it means to be a feminist, and I am happy and lucky to have the resources around me to do so.

Many claim that feminism is just wanting "the good parts of being a man." I reject that statement. Feminism is giving everyone the same judgment and opportunities regardless of their sex. I shouldn't be given a job position because a boss needs a "quota" to fill, I should be hired because my educational and professional background would make me a qualified contender in comparison to all the other applicants.

Nothing about feminism represents being "better" than men. An amazing part of feminism that I believe to be true is the idea of coexistence. My existence doesn't (and shouldn't) make anyone else's existence less. Women should have the ability, regardless of race, class, and ability, to feel liberated by feminism, as it should allow you to live the life you choose to.

Do you want to be a teacher? Amazing. Do it. Be the best educator you can be. Feminism allows you to do that.

Do you want to be a stay at home mother, and raise and support your children? Awesome. Feminism allows you to do that, too.

Do you want to be a doctor while your partner stays home with the children? I think you get the idea. Feminism allows you to be able to do what you want, and have the resources and ability to do it well.

At the end of the day, feminism strives to give women the same opportunities as men have in our society. As long as the lifestyle you are wanting to live by doesn't hinder the efforts of others, however you choose to live your life should be protected. In my book, the only way you can consider yourself an "anti-feminist" is if you want to reverse the efforts of women have equal opportunities to men.

Now, before anyone says "well, men and women can't be completely equal. There are physical differences that don't allow that."

I get that.

Our language has nuances. It is understood that men and women have physical differences. Duh. But feminism says that everyone should be equal in dignity. It is saying that yeah, everyone is different, but women deserve to be treated with the same respect as men do despite those differences.

Feminism should protect all women, despite race, age, economic status, sexual orientation, or any other factor that makes you, you.

For some time, I was ashamed to call myself a feminist. The reactions by people were a turn-off, and I thought I was promoting something bad, but I quickly came to my senses that this movement is more than just me. It is fighting for the girls in third world countries who aren't given the opportunity to get an education. It is fighting for those who don't have the ability to fight. It was making sure that my sister wouldn't be discriminated in her place of work, that my friends would be respected when they went out, and the women in the world wouldn't have to worry about being treated inferiorly because of men.

I realize I can't completely change the minds of people who calls themselves "anti-feminists", but I am lucky to have the platform that I do in order to publish the opinions and movements that I think are extremely beneficial society. Even if you disagree with my writing, hopefully you took something away from this and learned something about what I believe is true feminism.