'Feminist' is not a four-letter word

Ask someone if he or she is a feminist, and the likely response will be a resounding "no." A look of shock, revulsion and disdain tends to be the most frequent response. Indeed, recent celebrities have shied away from using the word to describe themselves. What's wrong with being a feminist? Lady Gaga, for instance, said, "I'm not a feminist - I, I hail men, I love men," as though loving men and being a feminist were mutually exclusive. News flash: it's not. And before her, there was Kelly Clarkson, who said in response to a question asking if she considered herself a feminist, "No, not at all … I've never had to even think like a feminist because no one around me even thinks one [sex] is higher than the other." Not only does Clarkson vehemently deny being a feminist, she adopts a wildly naive perspective that feminism is outdated. We are a far cry from becoming an equal society, and though overt sexism is fortunately fading away, that does not by any means render feminism obsolete.

Though the definition of "feminist" varies from person to person, there is a common thread explained by none other than the Dalai Lama himself. "I call myself a feminist. Isn't that what you call someone who fights for women's rights?" he says, according to a post written in the "Memphis Flyer" by Bianca Philips. Despite the negative connotations of the word "feminist," a feminist is not an evil man-hater hell-bent on oppressing men. The word "feminazi" is particularly abhorrent, not to mention nonsensical; there is simply no way to equate a proponent of feminism, no matter how fervent he or she may be in their beliefs, with a proponent of genocide.

Anyone can be a feminist. Look at the Dalai Lama. Look at Barack Obama, pictured on the cover of "Ms. Magazine" wearing a shirt that proudly proclaims, "This is what a feminist looks like." In truth, it does not matter which female celebrities avoid the word "feminist" like a type of scarring brand because frankly, they are terrible role models. What matters is that people such as the Dalai Lama and Obama, people who have the capacity to change others' mindsets, are boldly proclaiming what a few years ago would have stigmatized them.

Since no one in his or her right mind could accuse the Dalai Lama or Obama of being intent on destroying all men and creating a matriarchal society, this is a vast improvement of perspective. But it's not enough. Despite what Clarkson might proclaim, the fight for equality is not over. In a world where the Lily Ledbetter Act was only just passed, where women are often victims of violence and abuse, it is clear that we have not achieved the equality our predecessors fought for. The problem with sexism is similar to racism; it has become so incorporated into our culture that often times, we don't even notice when something is sexist or racist when in reality it is. Take, for example, rape jokes. Who decided that making a joke about a violent, traumatizing act would be funny? Or consider the paradox of male entitlement, of men who might claim that they think women are equal to men but balk at the idea of staying home to take care of children.

Many women are afraid of calling themselves feminist because they don't want to be associated with the stereotypical angry, bitter, unattractive "feminist." But if the average woman begins calling herself a feminist, then it would be pretty clear that a feminist does not adhere to that stereotype at all. And in all honesty, a feminist will be indignant, will be outraged at the inequality perpetuated by society, because if the injustice did not incite anger, then it wouldn't be injustice. Many men are afraid of calling themselves a feminist because they have a misguided notion that this would make them less of a man. On the contrary, supporting women and believing in their rights is a fundamental aspect of chivalry, which is typically considered a manly characteristic.

Reclaim the word feminist. Do you believe in striving toward equality between genders? Then look in the mirror and say, "This is what a feminist looks like." If the Dalai Lama can proudly proclaim that he is a feminist, so can you.