My dear friends, if you'd like to know how to irritate me to the core while bringing my blood to a boiling point, it's the look on your face as you roll your eyes saying "oh, you're a feminist, then?" As I kindly bite my tongue trying not to let the little person inside of me scream out all I have, I kindly respond with, "yes, yes I am." I'm not quite sure when believing in feminism began to be such a taboo, but let me tell you having a strong opinion in women's rights hasn't necessarily been a widely praised belief.
To the ignorant hegemonic male, I'm sorry. I'm sorry you see me as a bitchy angry woman who doesn't shave her armpits, while wearing a t-shirt that screams "I hate men." Sadly, that's not the case. Although, I admit shaving isn't necessarily a priority, so you could win that battle. But that's besides the point.
But what I won't say is sorry.
I won't say sorry for believing in my fundamental right. I won't say sorry for actually putting my foot down when you "jokingly" make a sexist remark. I won't laugh it off when I'm walking to class and a group of boys are cat calling and don't understand when it's not taken as a compliment. I won't ignore the next male gaze drawn to a woman because her shirt and skirt happen to flatter her very well, as you look her up and down and whisper to your friend "slut."
I won't have it.
I'm not here to bash you; actually, none of us are. Contrary to popular beliefs, feminists don't hate men in the slightest. We're not here to take your beloved privilege you've instilled on society. Instead, I kindly ask you not to roll your eyes. The enemy here isn't males, the enemy is the sexist thought and behavior.
As a story as old as time, sexist attitudes date back far before you and the rest of us were born. The "f" word is a word that has become made fun of more than Rebecca Black driving a Prius. It's not all that funny anymore when it's 2016 and the world we live in is still remotely sexist towards our mothers, daughters, colleagues, and friends. Or even yourself.
Feminism isn't asking for men's jobs, it isn't just asking for equal pay in the work force. It isn't demanding we overpower men.
It's a privilege to be a male in this world, a luxury of not having to notice one's gender. I'd love to walk home at night and not be scared for my 19-year-old life, to not come off as bossy rather than looked up to when I demand authority, to not do the shopping and housework, and to not stop boys from playing with dolls because it's too "feminine."
So yes, I am a feminist, in a world where I'm not judged on my credentials but my skirt length, where I make 75 cents to a man's dollar. In a world where being masculine isn't being a stay at home dad. Where I, as a woman, am to moody for a political position. I am a feminist in a world where it's daunting living in a world run by Caucasian males and the almighty dollar.
