I have seen people, of both genders, roll their eyes at my friend's t-shirt: "A Woman's Place is in the House, and the Senate." I have been quieted when I bring up the issues of maternity leave, pay inequality, affordable daycare, in a debate. I have watched breastfeeding women reprimanded at the hand of strangers, scolded because the sexualization of their bodies have displaced motherhood.

I have been told feminism is unnecessary, is that true?

You say feminism is unnecessary but

when you stand at 5'2 and a man wants to dance

the word "no" has its power sucked dry, it is left flat and nasal, a whisper

under the throb of a club's bass

You say feminism is unnecessary but

when you ride the subway home at 1:30am

back from dinner, a movie, maybe

when the drunk, unshaven man sitting across from you refuses to break his gaze

you get up and move seats

only then can you breathe easy

You say feminism is unnecessary but

I have walked the line between insult and injury

slut is used all too playfully

it is not a turn on

it incites nothing

You say feminism is unnecessary but

1 in 5 female college students will be sexually assaulted during their time at

university

I sit in the library and look around, and think which one of us is a statistic

Will he be someone we sat next to in lecture, someone who knew all the answers?

Or is it a stranger

a giant who's sweat is mostly smirnoff, a slippery-handed villain

I pray none of us ever find out

We march on bravely

mundane things, grocery shopping and morning jogs, done with a careful eye

a hint of hesitation

there is danger everywhere, from the door held open, to the bartender's smile

I go out for brunch

the table is set for five

You say feminism is unnecessary, but how can that be true?

How can it do more harm than what has already been done?