Feminism has become a mainstream movement today. But how many of us truly understand what it stands for?

Feminism. The mere mention of this word is enough to create tension in the air. Why? Because instead of its actual meaning, it is often equated with man-hating and female supremacy. You’d think that at least well-educated people and those in the public eye would know its correct meaning. But no such luck! Due to its sadly negative connotation, there is a bevy of people from all walks of life who refuses to identify themselves as feminists. What’s worse is when they diss the cause itself.

Case in point: On February 23, this is what Kellyanne Conway, Donald Trump’s counsellor said in her speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, “It’s difficult for me to call myself a feminist in the classic sense because it seems to be very anti-male and it seems to be very pro-abortion, in this context. And I’m neither anti-male nor pro-abortion.”

And then the Merriam-Webster dictionary called her out with this simple but powerful Tweet:

Source: Merriam Webster

Naturally, it went viral and Tweeple couldn’t stop applauding this much-needed sass. Now although we can’t be sure if Miss Conway got things straight, it’s time that we do!
What, you thought things are better closer home? Absolutely not! Influential people including Bollywood celebrities and our political figures – both have no idea what feminism is. A-listers like Priyanka Chopra and Madhuri Dixit have refused to call themselves feminists, even though they have time and again shattered the glass ceiling. Dear Meera Rajput, choosing to be a stay-at-home mom while belittling working mothers is not feminism.

Moreover, politicians like Abu Azmi, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Tapas Pal have taken things to a whole new level with their blatant display of sexism.

These folks need to be schooled and how! Before you think this is going to turn into a long, long rant, these cartoons will be doing most of the talking now.

Equal rights for men and women – this is what feminism is all about!

Source: 9Gag

The term feminist can be used for a person of any gender. If you are wondering why a crusader for equal rights is called a feminist, here’s the answer:

Source: Rebecca Cohen

History is witness to the fact that women have always had it tougher than men. Speaking of equal rights at work…

Source: Dave Granlund

…and equal rights at home.

Source: Leftycartoons.com

Feminism is about doing away with double standards—at work, at home or in your relationships.

Source: FriendlyAngryFeminist

Source: Leftycartoons.com

Double standards in pop culture…

Source: Nakedpastor.com

Here’s what Archie Comics has to say about double standards…

Source: Click Here

It’s also about eliminating gender roles.

Source: Beautyisinside.com

And doing away with stereotypes…

Source: Click Here

All this, so that each one of us can choose to do as we please.

Source: Click Here

And be whoever we want to be – no matter how harshly we are judged.

Source: Bustle

In a nutshell, feminism is the only legal means to ensure that men and women are treated equally in each and every walk of life. Imagine a world in which both men and women are free from gender biases, stereotypes and double standards…wouldn’t it be heavenly? That’s the end goal of feminism, and if you support that, then kudos, you are a feminist – just like me. Let’s embrace it and spread the word.

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This article previously appeared here.