1. You’re most likely already a feminist: I hate (love) to break it to you, but if you believe that all men and women should be equal socially, economically and politically, you’re already halfway there. The next step is admitting that you are a feminist. If you don’t believe in those things, well, we have some bigger issues here.
2. You deserve your own Joseph Gordon-Levitt: JGL is “man enough” to admit that he is a feminist! (Yes, men CAN and should be feminists too!) His wife? She speaks 3 languages, has a master’s degree and is the CEO of her own company. Now that’s a man who isn’t turned off by ambition. If you find a guy who genuinely supports your determination, goals and is not a sexist pig, he’s a keeper. Know your worth, and get to know a guy or gal who believes in you just as much or even more than you do.
3. This doesn’t mean that you are anti-men: There is a negative misconception about feminists despising men, but being a feminist does not mean that you have to be against the entire male population. It’s actually the opposite. This may come as a shocker, but we do not want to see the demise of men and take away all their power. On the contrary, we simply want to be leaders right alongside them. There’s room on the top for bowties AND high heels!
Feminism actually stands for guys as well. Males have gender roles, too. Whenever guys act “feminine,” like crying for example, they are told to man up. When you’re a feminist, you’re telling males that they are still “men” even if they freely express their emotions and choose to be whoever they want to be. Whether it’s a football player or a fashion designer, we accept them either way.
4. Beyoncé:
Need I say more?
5. You don’t have to be the “perfect” feminist: I believe that feminism is about being who you want to be without listening to society. It doesn’t matter whether you want to be a CEO or a stay-at-home mom, you can still be a feminist because that is your choice. Feminism is not anti-family because women can have it all. We can have a successful career while being in a happy relationship, and we can have children if we want to. Personally, I am Catholic, in a sorority, love make-up, watch romance movies, shave and listen to rap music. And guess what? I am still an unapologetic feminist!
Honestly, you don’t have to agree or necessarily be aware of every feminist issue to be considered a feminist. If you’re willing to open your mind and respect yourself and everyone around you equally, then don’t be afraid to call yourself a f*minist like it’s a bad word. There is something so empowering about adopting the title. So just call yourself a feminist already, and find out exactly what I mean!