39 Reasons I Don’t Need Feminism

1. Women already have the right to vote.

2. I enjoy sex with men.

3. I Like men.

4. I have a serious relationship with waxing I am not trying to give up.

5. Women can be admitted to practically any U.S. college.

6. We are passed labels such as “man” and “women” now, it’s 2014.

7. I don’t enjoy picketing.

8. I don’t have any piercings.

9. I am not interested in a liberal agenda.

10. I have all the rights I need.

11. I have never been sexually assaulted or raped.

12. I can walk outside without having to cover my body in a burka.

13. I have birth control access.

14. I don’t believe in birth control.

15. I am anti-abortion.

16. I do not have female friends.

17. I do not wish to pursue a career.

18. I like wearing lipstick.

19. I like to decorate myself.

20. I don’t like to decorate myself.

22. I want to be a housewife.

23. I wish to have children.

24. I already have children.

26. I don’t care for politics.

27. I enjoy cooking and cleaning.

28. I’m not a vegan/vegetarian.

29. I am a Catholic.

30. I don’t listen to punk rock music.

31. I do not live in a country that practices genital mutilation.

32. I do not have an eating disorder.

33. I am anti-pornography.

34. I am pro-pornography.

35. I make as much money as my male counterparts.

36. I am not living in poverty.

37. I read fashion magazines.

38. I believe in plastic surgery.

39. I believe in feminist ideals, but I am not a feminist.

Why are we, as men, women, and individuals of varying genders afraid to use the “F” word in describing ourselves as feminists?

This list of painfully ironic reasons to “not be a feminist” illustrates the stereotyping and negativity that surrounds a person who considers themselves to be a feminist. It is clear after getting to the end of the list that it is virtually impossible to live in our society and not believe in the truest aspect of feminism—the basic human right to live a free, autonomous existence.

Feminism is not one stereotype, attitude or mindset; rather, feminism embraces the notion of women having choices in their everyday lives. It’s your choice to not call yourself a feminist is aligning with feminist principles. And if that is not your choice, if that is a result of the oppressive group-think phenomenon of society telling you that you do not fit the mold of a feminist, well then maybe you really aren’t, at least not yet.