What is Feminism?

I will be the first to admit that the word "feminism" scares me a bit. It seems that due to certain stereotypes, the word feminism no longer means what it used to mean two decades ago. Now days, one which is considered a feminist are also considered man haters, lesbians, and haters of housewives. They are arrogant, assertive, and loud. They do not want women to be equal to men, but better than men.

I myself had never contemplated exactly what a feminist was; I only knew that I did not want to view myself as one. Recently however, I realize that I share many of the views that feminists have.

Wanting equal rights, affirmative action, reasonable day-care, and safety from sexual harassment should not be looked down upon. These are ideals that every breathing woman (and man) should want. Just because one supports these ideas does not mean that they hate men or stay-at-home moms, they simply want more choices for women.

Up until recently I thought that since I shared the American dream of having 2 kids, a dog, picket fence, and a husband, I was the last person to be called a feminist, and maybe this is true. Maybe I am not a femist. However, I do pursue an education and a career, and I plan to teach my children that they can be whatever or whomever they wish, as long as they have the drive to get them there, whether they are man or woman. I feel that this is what feminists want. They want to be able to do anything, whether they are a man or woman. It is an unbelievable fact that less than 10% of women hold high standing careers; and that women make approximately $0.76 to every $1.00 that men make.

The fact is, everyone wants to be treated equally, no matter what the age, gender, race or ethnicity, and they should be. Due to financial strain on society today, most women do not have the choice to work or stay at home. A family of four cannot survive on one paycheck alone. Women are forced to work to make ends meet. They are also expected to prove themselves everyday by working full time jobs, rearing the children, and doing housework almost single-handedly. This puts a great amount of stress on women and families. The last thing that women should have to fight for is equality to men.

After giving much thought to my feelings, the feelings of others, and the feelings of feminists, I have come to a conclusion; feminism has not died, it has simply taken on a new form. Even though today feminists are stereotyped as being man haters, arrogant, assertive people, they accept the stereotypes, deal with them, and in fact are simply the brave ones who are willing to fight for what every living being wants, equality. Maybe in some regards, we all should practice a little feminism, if not for ourselves, then for our children.