Feminism is a state of mind and a philosophy of life concerning equal rights for all mankind. The concept of equal rights will always exist, therefore feminism will never become outdated.

Any individual who believes in equal rights for everyone regardless of race, creed, color or gender, has a feminist point of view. Some individuals may resist being called feminists, but if they believe in equality and stand up for those beliefs, they are supporting the philosophy of feminism.

Feminists believe that women have equal rights under our constitution, and therefore should have available to them equal opportunities in all facets of society.

With these opportunities comes equal responsibility. It is not enough to be “entitled.” One must also be deserving, respectful and committed to keeping the door to gender equality open for future generations of women.

Feminism is not about whether or not women should work. It is about women having the choice. It is about not putting women in a box, perceiving them able to perform only in restricted areas of the workforce. Anything a woman believes she is capable of doing and desires to do, should not only be available to her as an option, but should be fairly compensated, with no penalty or consideration for her female gender.

Feminism is organized around the belief in social, economic and political equality of the sexes, and many men share these beliefs and are active in practicing feminist attitudes.

The emotionally charged women’s movement in the 60’s, led by such notables as Bella Abzug, Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem was the impetus for the creation of NOW, National Organization for Women. The exodus of women out of the home and into the workforce created focus on women’s rights, but true feminist philosophy encompasses equal rights for all persons.

A feminist adheres to the following beliefs:

* A feminist believes that all of the criteria for equality applies for men as well as women, and works toward social change for all oppressed groups in our society.

* A feminist believes equal rights apply to all races, colors and creeds of mankind.

* A feminist believes all individuals have a right to follow their dreams and aspirations without society stereotyping and limiting them with labels.

While great strides have been made in making a place for women in all the arenas of our society since the ’60s, we still have a long way to go to insure our daughters and future generations of women will not be inhibited in striving to forge their individual paths of independence.

A new generation of feminist have taken the cause for equal rights to the larger stage of globalization. Until the women and children in third world countries are set free from the bondage of poverty and prejudice, feminism in our country will continue to grow and thrive

Feminism will continue to exist as a relevant point of view. The feminist philosophy encompasses equality for all of mankind, regardless of gender, race, creed and color or country of origin. Feminism will never go out of style or be outdated.