Over the past few years I have finally become comfortable admitting to those around me that I am a full-blown feminist. I'm even vice president of the University of Dayton's feminist organization. And although I'm proud to call myself a feminist, the reactions I receive from others are not always positive.
One of the main reasons people snark at me when I say I'm a feminist is because there are negative connotations around the word. And my job as a feminist is to help change that.
While I try to change people's views on modern day feminism, I also find some joy in the weird comments I hear from people when I tell them I'm a feminist. If you're a feminist, you've probably heard some of these things too.
1. So, you hate men?
Thats So Raven Haters GIF - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphyNo, actually, I don't hate men. In fact, I really like men. And I want men to join the feminist movement as well. The word "feminist" is not synonymous with "man-hater." Feminism is all about the equality of the sexes, meaning that while I fight for women's rights I'm also fighting to breakdown stereotypes that harm men.
2. I believe in equality but I'm not a feminist
Life Mothering GIF - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphyAre you sure about that? Because by definition feminism is "the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes." If you believe in all that, then I'm sorry to break it to you: you're a feminist.
3. I just don't like today's version of feminism
New Girl Feminism GIF - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphyModern day feminism focuses on all sorts of issues related to sex, including equal pay, rape culture, toxic masculinity, transgender rights, and the way women are portrayed in the media. Although you may not agree with all arguments that today's feminism is typically associated with, such as being pro-choice, that doesn't mean you can't be a feminist. Every feminist is different. No check-list exists for what you need to believe in order to consider yourself a feminist, so you maybe you are one after all.
4. Are you some weird, liberal hippie?
Amy Poehler Feminism GIF - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphyMaybe? I guess in your opinion I might be. But, since I know what "weird, liberal hippie" means to you, the answer is this: I shave my legs, I wear makeup, and most days I choose to put on a bra. Those are my personal decisions. But those things don't necessarily need to be associated with feminism. Some men choose not to shave their face, does that mean they're making a statement? On the contrary, some feminists choose not to shave because it shouldn't be weird for women to keep their natural body hair. Everyone lives out feminism in a different way because, again, all feminists are different. That doesn't make anyone a "weird, liberal hippie."
5. I can't be a feminist because I'm not a white female
Angela Davis What GIF by Women's History Month - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphySad to say, feminism has struggled with intersectionality for years. But modern day feminists are trying to show the world that ANYONE, no matter who you are or where you're from or what you look like, can be a feminist. Feminism is for everyone.
