Feminist is only an eight letter word, but it is still misunderstood by a majority of students at Southern Lehigh High School. It is implausible that so many students are quick to deny any connection with the word, especially since its meaning is simple. Feminism is defined as equality between men and women on political, economic, and social grounds.

Media portrays feminists as psychopathic, unstable women who believe that women are, or should be, better than men. These broad stereotypes are nothing but misleading. Feminists are passionate people, both men and women, who advocate for equality between the sexes despite human anatomy. So, why are so many distant from the three-syllable word?

“Media portrays feminists as bra-burning, man-hating lesbians who are crazy to see the problems in society that they do,” senior president of the Feminist Student Union, Cara Schiavone said. “Ironically, this view on feminism and feminists is caused by the same male-centric cultural norms that feminists are fighting so hard against already.”

The cynical citizens who disassociate themselves from feminism are only harming society and shunning basic human rights. In the year 2015, it is disappointing that the public is still blind to gender gaps. While some feel that feminists only fight for women’s rights, this is untrue. Feminists work hard to eliminate all gender-specific stereotypes.

“The reality of feminism is that the same issues that affect women negatively also negatively affect men,” Schiavone said.

Despite the somewhat controversial name, the belief of feminism is nothing but looking past human anatomy to discover that we are all human, so it’s time we treat each other that way.

“It’s a no-brainer,” freshman William McGlone said. “Why would anyone not want to have equal rights?”