Being a feminist is almost detrimental to 2017 and the progression of the free world. Too many people are turning a blind-eye to the fact that hate is all around us. All it takes is for us to smash down the walls that we’ve built around ourselves, open our minds and our eyes to what is really going on right in our own backyards, and learn to accept that a change needs to be made for things to start to improve. The following are reasons that feminism is so important today:

1. Because we need to pull together for the betterment of the world.

   If you haven’t been following any current (or past) events, you can still be in the “know.” It is common knowledge that racism, sexism, and all the other -isms exist. Even if you’re completely unconnected to the happenings of the world, these events are still happening and they are ruining the human race. As a feminist, you can relax in knowing how awesome people can be. You can be more observant to the injustices that are occurring around you. When you are a feminist, you see the mistreatment of others because you are aware of right and wrong.

2. Feminism isn’t black or white, it’s black and white (and everything in between).

   Feminism has no color, culture, sex or any other identifying trait that could make it more receptive to one group or another. Feminism is special because if you are in fact a feminist, you are unique to the human race. Feminists are more apt to be involved with other positive activism groups because they can appreciate the struggle of another human trying to do what’s right. Feminists are positive activists for every social standing and person, for any positive cause.

3. Feminism reduces hate of all people.

   This one is simple. If you are a feminist, you appreciate all people. You appreciate that everyone has a struggle (no matter how severe or easy the struggle may seem). This gives you a leg up when you see others reaching to stop hatred. Your heart bleeds for those who have had injustices served to them. As a feminist, you can sympathize with all people and not be so quick to judge or hate.

4. Feminism expands your mind and makes you smarter.

   This really speaks for itself. The more you know and the more you learn, the smarter you are. The more you are open to learn another person’s story, the smarter you become on the true ways of the world. You will never accept the full capacity of the hate crimes that are occurring in the world right now if you can’t let go of the judgement and the prejudices that are associated with fear. Listen, learn, and be a part of making a change. This will expand your mind and make you smarter.

5. Because if you’re not a feminist, then you are basically Trump (and who wants that?).

   I said it, and I meant it. I’m talking the “pussy grabbin,” openly racist, illogical, and all around stupid type of person that just so happens to be running our great country. If you’ve been so obliged to see some of his followers, they are comparable in his way of thinking is some format or another. Whether they support his abilities to run America, believe in a policy that he is enforcing (or wants to enforce), or if they are for Trump because of their political standing… There is something there that binds them. Therefore making those people feel that hate in some capacity is acceptable. We should never want to be in that position or the world will diminish itself and everyone in it.