to be, or not to be...

feminism
pronunciation: 'fe-m&-"ni-z&m
function: noun
1 : the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2 : organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests

a colleague invited me on her live show this afternoon to dish on women's issues... strength, courage and wisdom -- plus some laughs and role model name-dropping on the side... without any hesitation i tackled the subject of vanity, claiming that it's all about being comfortable in your own skin... if that means slathering on a pound or two of cover girl and ensuring the straightening iron is used to its full potential, then so be it... if it means pulling on the closest article of clothing and a hair elastic before stepping out fresh-faced, then all the power to you..

however, once the discussion turned to the realm of feminism, i quickly stumbled on my words at first... eventually, with full confidence in my voice, i claimed that i am not a feminist... sure, i stand for women's rights, i often take on stories examining the subject, i am proud to be a woman, etc. but i just don't feel at ease placing the title upon myself... immediately i was questioned by the two self-proclaimed feminists in my presence...

possibly what the biggest issue for me is that i don't have a truly concrete sense of what exactly feminism is... it strikes me as being all that i do believe in -- but i'm just not sure why there needs to be a title for feeling proud of my gender and my rights... why can't i simply be me? why must i tag or not tag myself as following some gender doctrine of sorts?

feminism is often seen or misconceived as being a radical stance on women's rights -- i don't buy into that... but at the same time i do believe that perhaps in the past there was more of a need to build the path to equality... luckily i've rarely felt judged or penalized for my femininity and therefore i have a strong stance that i am an equal without fighting for it... i don't turn a blind eye to those around the world that don't enjoy this same luxury, but what's in a word?

perhaps i may have offended some -- with no intention -- but i refuse to pigeonhole myself into a system of beliefs... to each their own... much like religion, i'll sit this one out with the satisfaction that i know where i stand...