Feminism is a term that depending on who you ask has  different definitions.  Some people immediately think of the negative representations brought forth in the media while others think of positive advocacy for change in our society.  But what is real feminism?

Dawn Taylor, Carbondale Community High School librarian speaks about the stereotypes that feminists face coming from the general public “Most people when they think of feminists they think of angry women in pant suits, they don’t think of just everyday women who just believe that we have every right that a man does, we deserve equal pay, we deserve equal rights, we deserve an equal voice. They think we’re angry militaristic women in pant suits.”

 The definition of Feminism from the Webster dictionary is “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes” or “organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests”.  C.J Buss, a social studies teacher at CCHS, shares his personal opinions on feminism from a male standpoint. “I think feminism means supporting female rights and equality and matching that with equality as a whole on a broader scale.”

The feminist movement has been something of high importance to many women and still continues to prosper. At times when women are being conflicted by the overturning of Roe v. Wade the term feminism and it’s real meaning needs to be understood by the public. Maggie Beidermann, proud feminist, shares her thoughts on what  true feminism really is “Feminism means equality for women and equality on all fronts. Not just equality in the workforce, or pay, or everything else. It’s like literally representation in our nation. ”