Recently, social media has been rampant with articles/opinions about how, if you are a feminist, you must be pro choice and anybody who thinks otherwise must be anti-woman. While I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I also feel that using this opinion in order to condemn others for their beliefs is a misuse of freedom of speech. Feminism is defined as the belief that men and women are equal politically, socially, and economically. I believe all of this and will fight endlessly until being called "a girl" is a compliment rather than an insult. However, I also believe in the sanctity of life from conception until natural death and, thus, have issues with Abortion and the Death Penalty. I know that this position may be seen as unpopular and setting the women's rights year back, however, I do not feel like one belief validates/ invalidates the other. I understand that social media allows people the opportunity to spread their opinions while having the security of hiding behind a screen. When opinions turn into blatant condemnation and hatred for someone with opposing issues, as a society, we have failed.
Thus, I encourage you all, no matter what your position on controversial issues such as Pro Life/ Pro Choice to engage in constructive dialogue (preferably not on social media) and don't forget that you don't have to agree with someone to be respectful!
