Feminism can be defined by Webster’s dictionary as “the theory of political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” Common portrayals in society define feminism as a man-hating philosophy that gets offended by every single separation of the sexes. This portrayal is exactly why we need to find a new word for feminism, which is a word to describe the (rightful) belief in equality between the sexes, where there is no belief in superiority of one over the other.

You may be wondering why feminism exists, in a society where everything is equal already. If you’re wondering this, you are wrong. According to the U.S. census, women still earn 77 cents for every dollar compared to men, not to mention the fact that only 19% of women are in places of political power, whether it is in the House of Representatives or in the Senate.

All too often, confident, independent, alpha-women with dominant personalities are seen as “too aggressive” or “bossy,” especially when these women hold positions of power. These women are often advocates for a more feministic society, and are open to major backlash because of this.

A common form of backlash that we, as feminists, have faced is the rise of the word “meninist,” a spoof of feminism that helps to portray feminism as the misandrous practice that it is not. This movement has gained millions of followers, almost completely negating and making a mockery of a movement that only requests the equality that we, as humans, deserve.

So we are left with two options: find a new word for feminism, which will probably gain the same negative connotations as feminism currently has or fight these negative stereotypes and remind everyone that we strive for a peaceful equality and this in no way involves the hatred that society thinks we thrive on.