It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.
I started questioning gender-based assumptions a long time ago.
When I was 8, I was confused about being called 'bossy' because I wanted to direct the plays that we would put on for our parents.
But the boys were not.
When at 14, I started to be sexualized by certain elements of the media, when at 15, my girlfriends started dropping out of their beloved sports teams, because they didn't want to appear 'muscle-y,' when at 18, my male friends were unable to express their feelings, I decided that I was a feminist.
And this seems uncomplicated to me.
But my recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word.
Women are choosing not to identify as feminists.
Apparently, I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, 'too aggressive,' isolating and anti-men, unattractive, even.
Why has the word become such an uncomfortable one?