We earn less, yet we pay more.

We are given less, yet we crave more.

We are paid approximately 80 cents to every dollar a man makes. We pay approximately 48% more on certain products and services. Even in 2018, we struggle in this society of ours that has been and continues to be a patriarchy.

So what do we do? Well, we have tried to change the norms.

As many of us know the term “feminist” is often what women consider themselves to be. This term is defined by Merriam Webster as “one who supports feminism,” which is “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.”

However, this term has  derived a negative connotation. Some say that feminists are people who do not care for the rights of men, when in reality the goal of most feminists is to achieve equality. However, there are different kinds of feminists who want different things for their sex.

Firstly, there is radical feminism. Radical feminists believe that the idea of sexism is deeply rooted in society. Thus, in order for this idea to be eliminated, the concept of gender must be eliminated first.  Radical feminists seek to end patriarchy in order to liberate women. They believe this can only be done if a reorder in society were to take place. Some radical ideas include creating a way for children to be born outside of the female body, as many believe this is one of the roots of society that have put women at a disadvantage.

Third wave feminism is a movement that arose in the 1990’s. Third wave feminists are known for redefining the concept of feminism.

Many radical feminists, however, struggle with accepting third wave feminists as actual feminists.

Some say that Beyonce’s famous 2013 Super Bowl performance, for example, in which she stood in front of a large projection of the word “Feminist” wasn’t actually a feminist statement, but rather the opposite.  People say that Beyonce was fulfilling sexist stereotypes while performing. For example, she was showing off her figure and barely wearing any clothes, making her someone who wants feminism yet also making her someone who fits the mold society makes for women.

What is important to understand is that everyone has their own way of standing up for whatever it is they believe in. One cannot simply dismisses someone’s way of standing up for what they believe in. There is one commonality in all of these various types of feminism: they all have the same goal: to advance the rights of women.

Therefore, people should spend less time notioning at the fact that certain types of feminism aren’t real, but rather spend time coming together to make the movement they are all fighting for that much greater.