Lately, I've been seeing so much hate and ignorance on my social media feeds. It's getting to the point of ridiculousness, since it is 2017 and the human race should be above sexism, racism, homophobia, etc. I am not perfect, and I do make mistakes here and there, but I own up to them and strive to keep learning about the world around me so that I can make fewer of them. In my years of exposure to these issues, here are a few questions and thoughts I have for everyone out there:

To those asking, "Why should feminism exist?" I answer, "Feminism is about the equality between men and women. It is not about women being above men. It is not about 'freeing the nipple' or public nudity, either."

To the women and girls who do not call themselves feminist because they don't think it applies to them: IT SURE DOES! Feminism is what grants you the freedom to be anything from a housewife to a rocket scientist. If you are one of those people who wants to marry young and have children and be a housewife, great! FEMINISM allowed you to make that choice. Back in the day, that would be your only option.

To those claiming that make anti-feminism comments, whether sincerely or as a joke, you're not seeing the whole picture. You are perpetuating the idea that gender equality shouldn't be taken seriously, even if you think that women and men should be treated equally.

If you intentionally misgender someone, you are not seeing the whole picture. You are denying someone to be who they truly are. If you are unsure of someone's gender, you should ask!!!! That person would love to help you understand more about the trans/non-binary community! If you misgender someone unintentionally, own up and apologize.

Also, NEVER use the pronoun "it" for a human - "he," "she," and "they" are all appropriate for talking about a singular human being. You are reducing that person down to an object when you use "it" as a pronoun.

If you make fun of people for being "liberal snowflake hippies," you're not seeing the whole picture. For the most part, these people believe that everyone should be treated equally, everyone should marry who they love, and everyone should have access to good healthcare. If caring about the well-being of my fellow citizens deems me a "liberal snowflake" then so be it.

If you make rape jokes, racist jokes, transphobic, homophobic, sexist, or ableist jokes, you're not seeing the whole picture. Why would you intentionally hurt someone's feelings because of who they are as a person? Why would you insult a part of them that they most likely CANNOT and WILL NOT change?

If you seriously think that your way of life is in danger because a minority simply EXISTS, then you need to take a step back and look past what lies in your picture frame.