Feminism.

It’s a word a lot of people are afraid of. A word people don’t understand the true meaning of.

In fact, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the true definition of feminism is “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.”

I consider myself a feminist, and because of this, I have been told to burn my bras and stop shaving my legs.

The reason I identify as a feminist is because I believe women should have the same rights and opportunities as men and vice-versa. As the term’s definition stated, feminism is about equality, not about women or men having more power than each other.

Recently, “#meninist” was a trending topic on Twitter and The Meninist account has gained more than 50,000 followers.

The account brings up the issue of double standards between genders and “unfair” privileges women have over men.

Some of their tweets include “only time she should have her phone out at dinner is to calculate her half of the bill” and “us men should also get a week out every month to complain and be taken care of, like girls do on their period.”

First of all, the man doesn’t always have to pay for the date. I think any woman can and should pay for her significant other’s dinner or movie ticket when given the chance. I have done so with my boyfriend and I know he appreciates the gesture.

Second, during that time of the month, I do complain. A lot. It’s hard not to. But I would never expect my boyfriend to buy me things out of pity or care for me like I’m helpless.

So, I don’t think the people who have started referring to themselves as meninists know the actual meaning behind feminism.

In my eyes, feminism is equality for both parties. Feminism fights for increased rights of women but also the fair treatment of men.

If a woman wants to run for a political position, she should without being questioned about whether she can care for children or be critiqued on her outfit.

If a woman wants to be a lawyer, she should be able to do so without suffering from the wage gap.

Those who have identified as meninists complain about not being equal to women in some cases, but a true feminist is also against the double standards.

A true feminist believes that after giving birth to a child her husband, or the child’s father, should have the ability to take paternity leave.

A true feminist believes if a man wants to wear a dress, go right ahead. Wear makeup, too. Whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy.

I know there are cases when it isn’t possible to be completely equal – I’m not as strong as a man and honestly can’t do a regular pushup, but I can accept my weakness.

However, I shouldn’t be told by a man that I can’t enjoy sports because it’s not feminine or that I don’t know what I’m talking about.

I shouldn’t be told to go make a sandwich while the man watches Sunday night football.

But in addition to all of this, I believe I should be treated fairly in the workplace and represented equally in politics.

I should not be taken advantage of by a man and my pay should not be less because of the sex I was born with.

The #meninist trend is further proof women can’t have any movement without some men making a movement all about them.

Meagan Beck is a reporter at The State News. Reach her at mbeck@statenews.com.