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"What does it mean to be a feminist? While the F-word may still conjure up images of bra-burning and the radical '60s to some, modern feminism\u2014now in its so-called\u00A0\"fourth wave\"\u2014is diverse, inclusive, and very much on the minds of teen girls. In fact, from taking a stand against slut-shaming to starting their own feminist clubs, high school and college students are at the forefront of the still-evolving (and still important) movement.\n\nReaders share their thoughts\u2014and you should, too. Make yourself heard in\u00A0the comments below!\n\nSarah H., 18,\u00A0from\u00A0Michigan\n\n \"I just recently became interested in feminism when I began taking a liberal studies class in September. We talk about many different topics, but when we discussed gender discrimination, it really stuck with me. I was shocked to hear that it still exists in our world today, which is why I chose the subject for my final paper. The deeper I get into my research, the more my feminism strengthens. I'm beginning to analyze songs, music videos, and even workplaces with a whole new perspective. More women should be educated on these issues!\"\n\nEmily O., 17,\u00A0from\u00A0Ohio\n\n \"Growing up, I was a huge tomboy (notice the word 'boy' in that term?). I didn't get why my mom didn't want me to run around in the dirt, get scraped up, and climb trees. I want my children to be who they really are\u2014not what gender roles tell them they should be\u2014and feel confident and whole in their bodies. Believe it or not, Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of my feminist heroines. She had this constant cloud of stereotypes over her because she was blonde, pretty, and little. No one thought she could kick butt or think quick on her feet to get out of a tricky situation. She helped me realize that I can be smart and tough, and people can get over what they think I should be.\"\n\nSimone F., 18, from New York\n\n \"Growing up with a mother who has a master's degree in feminist and gender studies did predispose me to being a feminist. During most of my high school years, I struggled with her agitation about the world's lack of justice. But as I grew older, I came to understand and appreciate her frustrations. I call myself a feminist because people use it as an insult, the dirty F-word with which no one\u2014especially a woman\u2014wants to be associated. The difficulties I've found in trying to discuss gender issues that I think are important and others find unnecessary bother me to no end.\"\n\nColleen B., 17,\u00A0from\u00A0Florida\n\n \"I really hate the fact that so many celebrities today shy away from the label \"feminist\" like it's a bad word. To me, being a feminist is wearing makeup if I want to wear makeup or fixing cars if I want to do that. I can't stand girls laughing when guys say something like, 'Go in the kitchen and make me a sandwich.' How is that okay? My mom always taught me that it's fine to fall in love and get married and have kids, but first you need to follow your dreams without a boy. She told me that girls need to learn to be alone to figure out who they really are.\"\n\nMorgan E., 20,\u00A0from\u00A0Illinois\n\n \"Without hesitation, I identify myself as a feminist. I've been an active feminist since high school and consider myself an advocate. I was raised with the knowledge that women are equal to\u2014and just as powerful as\u2014men; I credit my independence and strong will to the fact that my parents educated me on the importance of women in society. By creating awareness about these issues, we can truly change the world around us.\"\n\nEmily K., 18,\u00A0from\u00A0California\n\n \"My school's feminist club was founded at the beginning of the school year, and currently has 35 active members. It serves as an open forum for students to discuss their feelings about gender equality; they're even working on a documentary to submit to the Feminist Film Festival here in our town.\u00A0In addition, the club partnered with the WISTEM (Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) club to host several female guest lecturers from a local university. My friend and I started WISTEM because we felt like girls often shy away from more difficult math and science classes at our high school. We hope to encourage young women to challenge themselves and have confidence in these types of subjects.\"\n\nSarah L., 18, from New York\n\n \"I identify as a feminist because it simply doesn't make sense for women to be treated any differently than men. Living in Montreal for college, I'm terrified to walk home at night by myself and that should never be the case. I only became interested in feminism within the past couple years\u2014I never really understood what it meant or why it was so important until I became aware of how it affects me and the people I love. Blogging communities like Tumblr have helped me learn about feminism and what I can do to fight for it.\u00A0Really, being a feminist is simply caring about human rights.\""^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.teenvogue.com/story/teen-feminism>