What exactly is feminism? No, seriously, what is feminism? Those words almost leave a bad taste in our mouths these days, but why? Why are we disgusted by the fact that women throughout history have worked so hard to get to where they are today? The Oxford dictionary defines feminism as "the advocacy of women's rights based on gender equality." That sense of equality is extremely empowering, but in politics, many people look down on the concept of equality. We as a society have turned back the clock; this is not how we were meant to live! As a woman in an all-female household, I've only ever known my mother and sister. I can change my own lightbulb, make my own money, and provide for my family. Women these days tell me, "feminism is awful, because women just think they're better than men," which disgusts me because it's not true. Feminism means equality to me; no one is too weak to survive in this world, and no one should be treated differently because of their gender. It's empowering to know that I don't have to rely on a male figure for basic human needs; as a society, we've come a long way... However, I still believe that divide exists in schools. In the last two years, my peers and I have advocated for a much more open rule book, and those rules regarding our school's dress code, saying shoulders are proactive and distracting is disrespectful when there shoulders. Children mock and make fun of these, but this is a serious issue for women, who are defined by their figures and what they can and cannot wear due to their weight. However, since this is our only life, it shouldn't matter what women wear or weigh; I just want to live in a world in which it isn’t a second thought, not a whisper behind a hand or a finger pointing and laughing. Women bullying women has to end, we need to empower one another and end this cycle of men tearing women down and judging them for there weight or way they dress. feminism means equality, it will always mean equality we need to praise that word instead of fear it, we need to teach the future women of America about this powerful word. The importance of standing up for themselves on there own and not hide behind a political man, telling her that feminism is a nasty word, it is not.