The F BombThe F word. A word that most are too scared to use. A word that many are judged for saying. A word with extremely negative connotations. That's right, the atomic bomb: feminism. Such a heavy word. There aren't many people who identify with such a seemingly extreme label. The common stereotype of a feminist is that of a man-hating, bra-burning radical. But is it really accurate? First we need to define the word feminism. Feminism is simply the belief that men and women should be treated equally and have equal opportunities. This can refer to equality in the workforce, in the media, or simply in everyday life. This denotation is a common definition found in most dictionaries and reputable sources, yet the word feminism has been so exaggerated that today's generation of young women are harassed, bullied, and rejected for associating themselves with this terminology. An article in the April 2014 edition of Seventeen magazine addresses the label of feminism, telling the stories of many girls who have been provoked for standing up for equality. One girl featured in the article, LaTonya, started an equality club at her school. Instead of creating a more inclusive environment and raising awareness, it ended up making people angry and causing them to lose most of their friends. Another, Valerie, was taunted and bullied after confronting a group of boys who joked about domestic violence (Seventeen Magazine). Feminism is not something to be afraid of; However, the new generation of teenagers has learned that the world around them is no place for feminists and that contempt is encouraged. Feminism is what is needed in today's society to help girls become self-sufficient,...... middle of paper......sm is not something to be afraid of but rather something that fosters awareness of women in America today and help a new generation become a better version of themselves and empower themselves through respect, hard work and equal treatment. I need feminism for generations to come, for my future children because I want them to grow up in a world where equality really means equality and where gender is not such a distinguishing factor, where there is not a separate section on Netflix but only for films with a “strong female protagonist” and where I don't have to feel embarrassed or apprehensive about choosing feminism as the topic of my American ID. As a prominent businesswoman, Sheryl Sandberg said, “I'm a feminist because I believe in women… It's a loaded word, feminism, but it's not a word I think we should run from. I am proud to be a feminist” (Cosmopolitan).