I find it strange to actually meet people who are not feminists nowadays. In fact, I consider these people to be almost stone-age thinkers. These people believe that feminism is not an issue, and that people are actually "overreacting". People are afraid to place the label of "feminist" upon their collars, for fear of being put in a category of "angry", "opinionated", and "unladylike". Which is, in my angry, unladylike opinion, quite the backward thinking.

The fact is feminism is not just a trend. Feminists do not simply believe that men need to be destroyed in order to create world peace. We are not attempting to eradicate men from the human race. In fact, men can be feminists to an extent, as well, and I will talk more about that later. However, I find it almost repulsive to meet a woman who is not a feminist. Usually, when I ask why they are not feminists, I get met with the same responses: "We don't have it that bad!" "We're pretty much equal already!" "I don't see it as a big problem." "I've never been discriminated against."

....and of course, "I don't hate men,".

This is a huge problem.

Okay, maybe you have never been raped. Maybe you have never had to run to Planned Parenthood when you were unaware of your birth control options. Maybe you never had to be submissive in cultures where it is customary for women to be bartered and sold as wives at the age of six, only to have children by the age of twelve. Maybe you never had your clitoris mutilated and destroyed as a ritual, or had your breasts smashed down to prevent men from "being tempted". But, you know, we as women "don't have it that bad". The fact is, we do, and to simply believe that it is unnecessary to be a feminist simply because you do not have it that bad, is extremely selfish and actually a very conceited world view. According to Copernicus, you aren't the center of the universe. We are all in this together, which means women have to stand up for other women. Feminism is a group effort.

Equality has not been achieved.

There are still an incredible amount of places where women are sold as slaves, and are expected to do several tasks simply for the enjoyment of men. Equality means equal pay for equal work, not, for example, in Australia, a $284.20 weekly pay difference for the same job and the same job performance. And this is not just in computer business and labor forces in the world. This is in film and arts, as well. Women also still do not have the same respect as men on the Earth, and of course, this is seen mostly in PoC (People of Colour) communities, trans*communities, and in third world countries. Remember, the world of feminism goes beyond a white woman standing on a platform saying she does not have to shave her legs. It goes into darker territory, where transgender women are being murdered at terrifying rates, and women of colour are unable to receive the same financial opportunities as white women, and worse, white men. So yeah, we are not equal yet. And as a group, feminists need to continue fighting for equal safety, equal respect, and equal pay in our day-to-day lives. Again, just because you have never experienced discrimination, does not mean feminism is obsolete. Think about people who are not as privileged, and then think again on your stance on feminism.

"Feminism is mean to housewives!"

Are you kidding me? Feminism is about the equality of women's choice, and choosing to have children and stay at home is a valid choice. Child rearing is one of the hardest jobs out there, and to dedicate your time to raising a person to be a good human being in a safe environment is extremely brave. The only time this is bad is when it is forced upon the woman, and is not a choice, and that is in any situation, in any country, in any workplace, in any home. If a woman chooses to be a housewife, then she is more than allowed to do so, because it is her choice, just as if a woman chooses to be a CEO she is more than allowed to, because it is her choice. A real feminist advocates for housewives who choose to be housewives, and does not discriminate against any profession.

"But I don't hate men!"

This is probably the most ridiculous argument I have ever come across. Feminists do not hate men. In fact, the only male friends that I find myself comfortable around are feminists, as well (of course, this is to a extent, due to the fact that men do not have the same experience as women and cannot speak for women). In a modern society, men and women are meant to be equal, and should a man be morally correct, he should believe in the same rights, resources, and opportunities that he has for women around the world. This is a feminist. Plus, women have every right to be angry for not receiving equal rights, so should a man wish to assist in feminist ideals, he should take his megaphone and give it to this angry woman for her to shout. He should not speak for her, for he cannot. It is also important to note that feminism assists in destroying the harmful, stereotypical tropes that "boys don't cry", and that "boys will be boys". Boys should be held morally responsible for their actions, and yet also be allowed the same weaknesses that women are stereotypically allowed. Remember, this is about equality.

"I don't want to label myself as a feminist. I don't like that word."

This is just as stupid as everyone in Harry Potter being terrified of saying Lord Voldemort's name. Except feminism is not a bad thing. Feminism is the progression of equality for all women, of all countries, of all sexual orientations, of all races, or all bodies, of all abilities. Feminism is not Lord Voldemort. Say the name, because it is not a bad thing. Destroy the ideal that the word "feminist" is something akin to Lord Voldemort. Don't be afraid of a word that is not negative in any way.

The fact is, at this day and age, to not be a feminist is an extremely stoic ideal. If you believe in the equality of women from all backgrounds, then, I hate to break it to you, but you are a feminist. Plain and simple.