I don’t hate men, I am not a lesbian (although I support and love those who are), I have never burned a bra, I do not want to take over the world and create a radical feminist utopia (although you have to admit, its pretty cool in theory), and I hate it when others project their own skewed perceptions of feminism onto my beliefs, without ever consulting me on what my beliefs really are.
Every feminist has different beliefs, depending on her own personal experience. There is no single feminist manifesto that we all follow. The closest to this is each of our personal declarations of our commitment to ensuring both sexes are treated with the equal respect they are due. This declaration usually occurs around the same time that you come out as a feminist and tell the world that you care. It is hard, because it doesn’t seem to be a popular paradigm at this point, but to all the beautiful, strong individuals who are able to admit to being one when asked, or at least to being a feminist ally, good for you. 
If you wish to educate yourself on what feminism is all about, talk to them. Go to the Women’s Resource Centre, there is plenty of information there. If you are interested in what it means to me personally, call me up for a coffee/beer/hot chocolate and we’ll talk. But until then, do not place your stereotypes on me.
The general perception of feminism makes it seem as though we are all militant radicals, and nothing could be further from the truth. Calling every Feminist a radical is like saying every follower of Islam is a fundamentalist or terrorist. It is completely untrue.
I am a feminist, and I will continue to work towards creating a safe, positive environment for other women on this campus, in this country, and around the world. My focus happens to be on eco-feminism, education, and creating safe spaces for victims of violence or prejudice or oppression.
I do think the world has been quite screwed up for a very long time, and yeah, the old, singularly patriarchal world order is largely responsible for the imbalance. I do not want to replace it with a matriarchy, I want to work with you to build a world where we all respect each other, regardless of being male/female/other.
That being said, I do enjoy going to university, I do enjoy being able to vote, I do enjoy cars, especially fast ones, and my cooking skills are quite limited, but I will make you that sandwich as long as you’re willing to deal with the potential food poisoning later, and I enjoy feminist-friendly men immensely. (I mean come on, is there anything sexier than a guy who respects you, and treats you as an equal? Cares about what you think/need/want/feel? Loves your body as much as your heart and mind? And is still amazing in bed!?!)
I love to dance, I love to bake, I have become quite good at knitting as well. I like pretty dresses, but I despise high heels. I love those silly romantic things that guys do, and yeah, its cute when you hold the door for me (as long as you let me open them for you too every once in awhile lol). I am actually a rather feminine feminist, but don’t be alarmed, I can still bitch you out for sexist/misogynistic/anti-feminist actions just as easily in a skirt as I can in a 3pc. suit. I do not have a vendetta against all of mankind, just those (male OR female) with archaic views towards the roles of women and men in society.
Feminism to me is about offering equal access to opportunities, especially education. The socially constructed gender roles are harmful to both sexes, as some women CAN be firefighters, surgeons, CEOs or professors and some men DO enjoy being house-husbands, teachers, and nurses. Its not about lowering standards, its about offering equal opportunity to the women who can do it as well or better than their male counterparts and vice versa. The discrimination against traditionally feminine areas of work or study is a huge frustration to me. I have nothing against stay-at-home moms (or dads), it is their personal choice. My work is to ensure that she and her daughters have enough education to make a conscious and informed decision about their life choices, and that they have a support system to help them if they fall through the areas of society that still need fixing. (sexual assault, domestic violence, equal access, pay equity and that damned glass ceiling to name a few).
Solidarity. Come on ladies, you know you like being able to vote and go to school and find a career that you love. No more pressure to just get married, have kids and give up all your hopes, goals and dreams. The world is yours. That is all because of feminists. Women like Mary Wollstonecraft, Nellie McLung, Agnes MacPhail, Eleanor Roosevelt, Gloria Steinem, bell hooks, and many, many more.
lol
But seriously, respect women and they’ll return the favour. We are not higher or lower than you. (And please don’t just assume that feminists think they are above guys. We really don’t). We are your equals, in spirit if not physical strength. We are your mother, sister, future daughters and girlfriends/partners/wives. Do your part to discredit the oppressive attitudes of the past. You will be creating a safer place for your children or nieces or nephews to be raised in.
So go ahead, tell me my place is in the kitchen. Yours is at the stove, while I sit at the kitchen table and enjoy whatever you have lovingly prepared for me to eat. I’ll make dinner next time, or bake up something delicious for dessert.
[rant over <3 ]
“Feminism has fought no wars.It has killed no opponents.It has set up no concentration camps,starved no enemies, practiced no cruelties.Its battles have been for education, for the vote,for better working conditions …for safety on the streets, for child care, for social welfare…for rape crisis clinics, women’s refuges, reforms in the laws.If someone says, “Oh, I’m not a feminist!”, I ask,”Why? What’s your problem?” :by Dale Spender ‘For The Record: The Making and Meaning of Feminist Knowledge’
