When most people hear the word "feminism" they immediately seclude into their shell of misconceptions, and point their fingers at those strong enough to actually voice their opinion. Feminism has evolved into so much more than the man-shaming, bra-burning stigma it used to carry.

Feminism is:

1. The advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes

2. The theory of the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes (Thank you, Beyonce)

3. The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities

4. The doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men

Many misconceptions arouse in peoples' minds because they view equality as "sameness." Men and women alike are anti-feminism because they say, "Well men and women are not the same, therefore they cannot be equal." In other words, just because a woman's body is different (often deemed "smaller" and "weaker") and they have different physical capabilities means that equality does not exist.

Although our nation does have roots in biological discrimination, "equal" and "same" do not go hand-in-hand. Feminism deals with equal rights and equal access to opportunities. Men and women do not have to be the "same" in physical aspects to gain the right of equality. We, as inhabitants of the United States, live a luxurious life compared to people in other countries across the globe.

As women, it could definitely be worse, but does that mean we shouldn't stand up for our own battles? Should we just sit back and let the gender wage gap grow larger? Should we continue to be silenced when there are women being abused, cheated, and lied to?

The media has been encompassed by women lifting up one another, telling their stories, and making history. From the "Me Too" and "Times Up" movements, to the Larry Nassar case, women are paving a new road for proceeding generations to follow.

Feminism is about loving the skin you live in. It's about waking up every morning with a hell-fire attitude, and going to bed every night feeling like you made a difference for at least one person. It's about self-respect, self-care, and self-love. Feminism is about blooming, not where you are planted, but wherever you want to be.

It's about empowering others; being a light for someone while also heading steadfast toward your own goals. Feminism is about standing up for what is right. It's about being human.

Feminism has historically been recognized as a loaded term, but it doesn't have to be. Each and every person, men and women alike, should be feminist in their own ways, and explore such thoughts in light of what is currently shaping our history.