Rise up!

I am a feminist. I am proud to say this. It shocks me when anyone acts as if this is a bad thing. It shocks me when anyone says that it's not necessary for women to speak up, to fight for what they should be getting. Have you looked around at all? Do you really think there's no difference?

It's not us-versus-them. It isn't about one being better than the other. I don't hate men. Not at all. Men are interesting. Men are sexy. I love men. But there challenges that women face that men can't even understand. There are challenges that some women don't even understand.

It's important to call out the inequities between men and women. Silence is acceptance. We need to mention it often and with conviction. If we only say something when it gets to be too much, we're questioned as to why we didn't say something sooner. Let's point out issues. Let's normalize the correction of behavior. We need to speak up. Let's not yell, let's not get crazed, but let's be sure to point out the behavior that is sexist.

I know it's hard. I know it's uncomfortable. But why are we uncomfortable with calling out something that puts us down? We need to get in the habit. We need to make strong a good thing. Let's do this!