Feminism. Most people have a very incorrect definition of the word… but what is feminism, exactly? Those that have the wrong idea may be opposing a movement that fights for their rights, and chances are they are feminists without knowing it.

“Feminism is believing that women deserve the same rights as men,” Libby Reimann, AP European History teacher, said. “Everyone deserves the same legal rights, [and] everyone deserves to be respected. Equality of opportunity.”

Reimann first realized the importance of feminism in college.

“I spent my last year of college studying in Britain, and I noticed the sexism there much more,” she said. “Women were the ‘girls’ in the office; there just wasn’t as much respect. That [was] my awakening to the fact that people were not treated equally, especially in the workplace.”

Darby Millan, junior, understands the hatred and conflict embedded in the feminist movement itself, especially when people don’t understand what it aims to do.

“Every movement has its extremes,” Millan said. “[Ours is] feminists who hate men; but [there are] also men who hate women. My biggest goal as a feminist right now is to try to live down the negative stereotype.”

Unfortunately, the feminism movement cannot gain momentum when so many people have incorrect ideas about the concept itself.

“I think the word feminism has gotten a dirty name among a lot of young females, and that astounds me,” Reimann said. “How can you be against a movement working to make sure you’re treated equally?”

People like Reimann and Millan share the resolve to spread the true definition of feminism and empower young people to fight against gender inequality. Millan also sees it as a fight for herself.

“People need to understand [that] I’m a feminist everywhere,” she said. “Advocate for men, [working] with other feminists across the country towards helping [everyone’s situation]. We’re all fighting for a common good, us feminists.”

Harmful standards such as gender norms and oversexualization still exist. But by spreading the word, the movement can continue doing good for the world.

“I see us helping people who don’t have any help for themselves,” Millan said. “[Countries] will have a little more freedom. [We will have] equal pay and disregard gender in the workplace. [In an ideal future,] there’s no need for feminism, but realistically there’s always a need.”

This consistent demand is everywhere, as Reimann understands.

“I hope that [feminists] will get the support of a vast majority of men and women together,” she said. “I don’t see what benefit in the long-term men get from keeping half of the human race from reaching their potential. It drags us all down.”

Supporting all genders and walks of life can be difficult. This work is far from done, and feminists young and old participate in advancing the movement.
“If past tactics haven’t gotten us to the point where we can say it’s over,” said Reimann, “we’ve got to keep moving forward.”