The issue is with the idea that feminism consists of a cult of women running around burning their bras.

Before you hit the home button on your phone, or exit this screen due to the fear that you will be “converted” – don’t.

I am not a preacher – just an advocate.

Feminism n. the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality.

Translation: Women are not better than men – men are not better than women – nothing less – nothing more.

Men who repel the term “feminist,” I fear that the reason you don’t allow this word to define you is because you believe that only a woman can be a feminist. Granted – feminism is being proud to be a woman; however, it is also being proud to know a woman.

Feminism has taken on this stigma that it did not earn for itself. This stigma consists of the idea that a feminist is a super aggressive woman without an ounce of femininity.

Feminism IS wearing a dress.

The idea is not to be like a man, or to beat a man, the idea is to break through this glass ceiling with out any trace of blood. The glass ceiling is more than a metaphor. By definition, the glass ceiling is the “unseen yet unbreakable barrier that keeps minorities and women from rising to the upper rungs of the cooperate ladder, regardless of their qualifications or achievements.”

The constant denial of feminism hardly allows women to scratch the glass, much less break it.

Most people are unaware that in the cooperate world a woman is traditionally paid two dollars less than any man in the same position. I do not believe that anyone has yet to create a good enough excuse as to why this takes place in the workforce. If you hear one please let me know.

Feminism is far more simple than this radical modernized version that our society has created. I am completely aware that just because one may not possess the title “feminist,” does not mean that he or she does not support the notion. Feminism is not a hate movement. The intention is for equality, not to drink men’s tears.

Women have been suppressed for centuries and countless suffragettes have fought and fought for women to have more than just the title of “house wife;” and to say that you are an anti-feminist is to laugh in the face of every woman who lied awake at night just hoping to think of an incredible idea that would maybe convince some man that a woman is capable of having a vote.

Perhaps you are indifferent. You neither care here or there, but what is the point in sitting voiceless? If you are going to live, live believing in something and fighting for something – it makes you feel as if you are really breathing.

“‘Feminist,’ more of us should reclaim that word.”

– Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, author of “We Should All Be Feminist”

Tell all the fair maidens that Prince Charming has canceled his ball. He rode off into the sunset all alone with no princess to accompany him. Cinderella, while flattered by his marriage proposal, kindly declined when he asked her to sit alongside of him on the throne and “just look pretty.” She instead decided to further her education so she can later on, not sit beside him on the throne, but eventually sit alone on the throne as the ruler of the kingdom.

Many girls seem to be following Cinderella’s example and seem to be doing “men’s jobs.” Women in the twenty first century are no longer settling with a “prince” just to be a housewife and do “women’s work.” Women are becoming CEO’s of companies, leaders of nations, and taking other positions of power.

However, when Cinderella refused to amount to nothing but a pretty face she caused unintended consequences. Girls began to become offended whenever a boy decided to act like a gentleman and so boys decided to stop performing kind gestures. Cinderella consequently killed chivalry.

When you type the word chivalry into google, the first definition that appears defines chivalry as “the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code.” While this definition is true, it’s also from the medieval times. In the twenty first century, chivalry simply means manners and politeness. When someone is following you through a door, you hold the door open for them. When you see a person struggling to hold all their belongings, you offer to help them. It’s simple, kind acts.

If you continue to scroll the webpage, you come across the urban dictionary definition of chivalry. One of the definitions is “something women complain is dead even though it cannot logically exist in an equal society, which is something women wanted. It’s one or the other.” Or “women killed it… they don’t like when we are nice to them anymore,” or just simply “dead.”

This, to me, is sad. Men are beginning to feel as if their kind acts aren’t appreciated or aren’t wanted anymore. What women don’t know is it’s their own faults. With the uproar of feminism comes the downfall of chivalry. Feminism isn’t meant to mean “girls rule and boys drool,” feminism means “boys rule and girls should rule too.” Ladies, the doors open both ways. It is not only a man’s job to exemplify chivalry, it is our job too. You are not taking away a man’s masculinity by holding the door open for him just as he is not taking away your rights as a woman by offering to carry one of your heavy possessions when he notices you struggling.

Feminism does not mean killing off masculinity. It does not mean that it’s disrespectful to women for a man to treat a woman with respect. It does not mean that women should hold more power, make more money, or be given better opportunities than men. Feminism means women should have to opportunity to earn as much power, earn just as much money, and earn the same opportunities as men. Feminism should be seen for what it is: equality for all people.

So, Cinderella, get off of your high horse sometime and let the prince steer. He is only trying to help you reach your goal faster. Don’t take everything he does for you as demeaning because, who knows, he might just help you sit upon your throne someday.