Real reasons why we all need feminism

     It's nuts, but some people STILL believe feminists are angry lesbians who hate men. Or that feminists think they are better than men. Or that feminists think women deserve special privileges. They never were any of that and still aren't. It isn't what feminism is. I strongly believe that we still need feminism--almost more than ever. To be considered a feminist, you have to be open to the idea of "the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men." Although most are now openly understanding the true definition of feminism, there's still a negative stigma attached to it. Perhaps this is partly because of the name--society just reacts to the "fem" part. If  it was called "equality-ism" or something, doesn't it seem like more would be on board with it?

     Anti-feminist campaigns are a real thing, such as "Women Against Feminism." These campaigns mostly consist of women posting selfies with the caption, "I Don't Need Feminism Because..." and then "because I believe that men aren't evil" or "women aren't better than men". In my opinion, it's another example of people reacting to the FEM in feminist, maybe, and not truly understanding that feminism means EQUALITY. Actual feminists do not think men are evil, obviously. Like I said before, feminists aren't angry lesbians who hate men!!

   Here are (just a few) real reasons why we all need feminism.

1. Because model agencies are scouting out people outside of anorexia clinics. (source: trettiotreanledningar.com/33-reasons-to-be-a-feminist)

2. Because women STILL make less money for having the same job as men with the same level of education.

3. Because it's still more dangerous just to be a woman than a soldier in modern conflict. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/soraya-chemaly/rape-in-conflict_b_150..., http://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/it-now-more-d...)

4. Because we want our bodies to be left alone, and not a constant reason for discussion, disrespect, and objectification.

5. Because 77% of anti-abortion leaders are men. 100% of them will never be pregnant. (source: liveaction.org)

6. Because America is still very much a patriarchy.

7. Because female fetuses are being aborted in China because girls are not wanted.

8. We live in a society that tells women to be careful not to get raped instead of teaching men not to--and you say we don't need feminism?!

     And now, here's a couple great examples of feminism in action:

1.  http://nmgmembers.com/-- It exists!

2. Women on Twenties Campaign!

3. The Feminist Majority Foundation (www.feminist.org)

4. Say it Sister! --National Organization for Women (now.org/say-it-sister/)

5. The American Association of University Women (AAUW)

6. Girls Incorporated

7. Women's Sports Foundation

8. National Organization for Women (NOW)