Lately it seems more and more people are afraid of the F word: Feminism.

Feminism is the belief in equality between men and women across political, economic and social lines. It’s about achieving social justice because sexuality and gender identity should not control what a person can do.

Yet those who see the clear sense in this idea too often shy away from identifying as feminists. Feminism has for too long held a negative connotation due to narrow-minded stereotypes that are absolutely not what feminism is really about.

It is especially discouraging that several famous women do not want to align themselves with feminism since they have a powerful platform that could encourage public discourse.

One year ago, Katy Perry won the Woman of the Year award at the Billboard Music Awards. She started out her acceptance speech with, “I am not a feminist, but I do believe in the strength of women.”

At its most simple definition, a feminist believes women should be equal to men. The irony and ignorance of Perry’s comments — especially in the context of an award honoring women — represents a missed opportunity, where she could have used her celebrity power to take a stand.

But Perry is not alone in denouncing feminism by misunderstanding it.

In a now-infamous Norwegian interview, Lady Gaga said, “I’m not a feminist – I, I hail men, I love men. I celebrate American male culture, and beer, and bars and muscle cars.” Gaga later revised her thoughts, showing more of an understanding about the power of a community.

Gaga based her initial thoughts off another inaccurate stereotype of feminism — that these women are “man-haters,” which is not the case.

Taylor Swift is among other celebrities who are missing the entire point of why we need feminism.

When asked if she considers herself a feminist in an Oct. 2012 interview with The Daily Beast, Swift said, “I don’t really think about things as guys versus girls. I never have. I was raised by parents who brought me up to think if you work as hard as guys, you can go far in life.”

Women are capable of everything men are capable of, but they can’t always go as far in life. We still live in a patriarchy where males are the primary authority figures, and sexism allows men to have privilege over women.

It’s unfortunate that a simple word is so feared.

In an October interview with Time, Kelly Clarkson, whose songs include “Miss Independent” and “Stronger,” said she thinks feminist is too strong a word.

“I think when people hear feminist, it’s like, ‘Get out of my way, I don’t need anyone,’” Clarkson said.

Feminism isn’t about not needing anyone — it’s quite the opposite. It’s a movement in favor of many people coming together to demand social equality.

These women, among others, have shown that they believe in the qualities of feminism. But their refusal to connect themselves to feminist movements defeats the purpose. There are many ways to advocate for equality between men and women, and it helps for those who feel the same way to be aligned in the same commitment.

Well-known individuals and celebrities speaking out on social issues are often beneficial in advancing a cause. They have a wide following and a unique way in which they can help open people’s minds and see what real justice should look like.

Feminism has been made a dirty word when it shouldn’t be — it should be one said with pride.

Today’s laws and systems are a product of yesterday’s attitudes. To end gender inequalities, we must advocate feminism — only then will we see change.

Laura Cohen is a junior magazine journalism and women’s and gender studies major. Her column appears weekly. She can be reached at [email protected].

Published on December 4, 2013 at 1:27 am