The F-Word

The F-word. It's scary, abrasive, and attention-grabbing. It always gets a reaction. People have strong feelings associated with the F-word. Some abuse the word, others don't understand it. Some people believe the word shouldn't even exist. Most people have heard the word, and many are afraid to use it, in case they are misunderstood or considered offensive.

The word I am referring to is, of course, feminism.

Webster defines feminism as "the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities; organized activity in support of women's rights and interests". Well that doesn't sound so bad. Actually, that sounds like something everyone should believe in, right? I mean, if this is the definition of feminism, shouldn't we actually be asking those around us why they aren't feminists?

But feminism still gets a bad rap. Now whole blogs could be (and have been) written on why there is such anti-feminism out there, but I'm not all about just regurgitating information - so here.

In an inspiring TED Talk video, the role of men in feminism is highlighted and championed. "We need more men who have the courage and strength to start standing up and saying some of this stuff. Standing with women, not against them, somehow pretending this is a battle between the sexes and other kinds of nonsense. We live in the world together." So clearly, this isn't just a "women's issue".

Feminism is about equitable treatment for all human beings. I use the F-word. I am a Feminist. I want my dad, my brother, my mom, my male and female friends to be feminists. I sincerely hope you are a feminist too.

Frankly, there's no good reason not to be.