Feminism: A Clarification

Feminism is the philosophy of equality for women.
Feminist activism is the pursuit of equality for women.
It's really that simple.

Men and women are and can be feminists. I'd like to think that just about everyone I know is a feminist. It seems fairly obvious that when women have equality (i.e. Sweden ... sweet, sweet Sweden ...) all of society benefits.

To clarify further, feminism is nothing more than egalitarianism.

The beauty of feminism is that of CHOICE. When women have equality, they are free to choose from all the choices previously available only to men. Being a feminist has nothing to do with one's inherent strength of character, as many women of my generation seem to be espousing.

One's choice to be in a relationship, to want to be married, to have kiddos, etc, is completely valid under feminism and has nothing to do with one's strength as a human. The beauty is that we are not being forced into accepting a relationship simply because it is our only option as a woman, the beauty is that we are CHOOSING what is right for us -- and doing so freely. I take issue with any "feminists" who would make someone feel weak for simply exercising choice.

Basically, ladies, if we are making choices based on our courage to follow our hearts and shape our own path, then we are strong women and are embracing our true feminist nature. Let's not use "feminism" as a way to dismiss those who make different choices.