Over the last couple of weeks I have seen a plethora of feminism articles, memes, and quotes circulating social media. Some I agree with, others I definitely did not. One thing for sure, I feel a lot of people do not actually understand what feminism is. I can sit here and list how great feminism is and what this movement is trying to accomplish, but I think it would be easier to tell everyone what feminism isn't.

1. First and foremost, feminism is NOT man hating.

Feminism is defined as political, economic, personal ,and social equality between men and women. Real feminism does not look down on men, rather they look at men and women as equals. What's wrong with that? Exactly, nothing.

2. Feminism is NOT condemning stay-at-home moms.

Feminism does not only applaud women in the work force, otherwise they wouldn't be fighting for the equality of all women. Feminism makes it possible for women to make the choice between being a stay-at-home mom, a mom in the workplace, or a working woman with no children. The key to this one is that feminism is fighting for WOMEN to decide what they want to do with their lives rather than let the patriarchy dictate what they should do.

3. Feminism is NOT electing a leader only because she is a woman.

Voting for an official leader, especially in a role as vital as presidency, based on gender alone is stupid. Plain and simple. That is not feminist. To be a feminist politically one does not simply vote for the female candidate, you vote for the candidate you feel will help equalize the gender gap in this country. If that mentality leads you to a female candidate that's amazing, but if it doesn't, that's OK too. Do not settle for a female candidate just because you think it will help you gain feminist points.

4. Feminism is NOT being pro-abortion.

Being pro-choice does not automatically make someone pro-abortion. Someone can still believe abortion is not right and that they could never do it personally, but understand that there are other women in the world who disagree with their opinion and they deserve to do what they believe is right. Being pro-choice means having the decency to not push one's beliefs about abortion on another. It wouldn't be ethically fair to force someone who did not want to have an abortion to have one anyway, so why should it be ethical to force a woman to go through with a pregnancy she does not want all because you don't like abortion? Oh wait, that's not ethical either. Pro-choice is understanding one woman's body is her body and her body alone and what she wants to do with that body is up to her and only her. #prochoiceisfeminism

5. Feminism is NOT only fighting for women.

As I said before, feminism is fighting for the equality of the genders. This means doing away with senseless gender stereotypes that say women are the only ones who can have feelings or that men need to be sexual beings to be considered a "real man". Gender stereotypes are completely society-driven and feminism is fighting to do away with these senseless categorical tools. Who says boys cannot cry when they're upset? Not a feminist.

6. Feminism is not a shameful word.

Feminism is a powerful word. Being a feminist is something to be proud of. Do not cower in the corner when someone asks you where you stand on the feminist issue; hold your head high and say, "Yes, I am a feminist and I'm damn proud of it." Stand up for your views and stand up for equality; there is not, nor will there ever be a reason for someone to be embarrassed of wanting to be treated equally. Stop treating feminism like it is a dirty word and show our future generations that feminism is a great and powerful movement everyone should be a part of.

I can go on-and-on all day and night about the terrible things feminism has been said to be, but instead I will leave you with what feminism is. Feminism is fighting for a world where men and women are equals. It is an essential movement we need to help flourish not just in our country, but all around the world so the children of tomorrow will not have to grow up in a world and be treated a certain way only because of their genitalia. Feminism is the future that is starting today. Feminism is a level playing field between men and women. Feminism is A GOOD THING.