To the woman who is not a feminist,

May I just start off by asking why? Do you understand what feminism means? It actually means that women want to be treated like human beings. Some men have made women feel as though they are second-class citizens.

Feminism is defined as the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.

Being a feminist does not mean that you have to be a man-hating lesbian. Quite the contrary. Most feminists are heterosexual women. But, of course, all other sexual preferences are accepted and celebrated.

Being a feminist does not mean that you majored in “women’s studies” in college. First off, at my college, that is not a major choice. It is only offered as a minor. Women’s studies classes are not even that bad. They are honestly just a way to see what women have done for science, history, and all other important subjects.

Being a feminist does not mean that you cannot be a stay at home mom. Actually, feminism creates a safe place where either parent can be the homemaker without being treated like it is the less important job.

Being a feminist does not mean that you hate the women who have decided to be stay-at-home moms. You do not view them as lesser. You just hope that they had the choice in the matter and were not just expected to do that.

Being a feminist does not mean that you do not believe in God or follow his teachings. You just realize that if everyone was created equal, we should treat them as such.

It literally just means that we want to be thought of as equal humans. Not as men and “other”.

Feminism does not mean that we all want to murder babies. Yes, some feminists are for pro-choice. I am not even going to begin to examine the pro-life vs pro-choice debacle. A good portion of feminists are mothers or grandmothers or even fathers.

Feminism does not mean you have to be a middle-aged white woman. Everyone can be a feminist. Men, women, children, people not on the gender spectrum can be feminists. People from all across the age range can be feminists.

Being a feminist does not mean that you have to agree with all women’s issues.

Do you want to be in control of what happens to your body? News flash, you are probably a feminist.

Do you want to be paid as much as your male counterpart? Oh crap, that’s a feminist ideal.

Do you want to have paid maternity leave? Boom, feminist!

Feminism is not a bad word, we need to stop treating it like it is.

Please, before you knock feminism, just try it out. Think about the points I have presented here. Talk to your friends and ask them what they think.

Feminism is not an all or nothing gig. You can agree or disagree as wholeheartedly as you want. Just please do not shame others for their beliefs.

Sincerely,

A Young Feminist