Feminism is a term that scares off most people due to its connotation, but it’s more than just the extreme that most people see.

The definition of feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. The key word in that definition is equal. It doesn’t mean that women are better or elite or should be worshiped; feminism is asking for equality among the sexes.

Women have fought for their basic human rights and for equality since the 15th century when Christine de Pizan, writer of Epitre au Dieu d’Amour (Epistle to the God of Love), picked up her pen. The term “feminism,” however, wasn’t developed until the 1970s; perhaps because the thought of needing such a term was ridiculous.

Throughout history women have tried to earn to be seen as equal, and some efforts were more successful than others. With every story, there are two sides; it’s the same with topics or ideas. With feminism, there are two sides: the feminists and the “feminazis,” the extremists. Because of the radical feminists, a new group has developed: the meninists.

Meninism is the same thing as feminism, but for men. Again, the key word is equal, but as experienced with feminism, the most noticeable members are the ones that blow the definition out of proportion or may not even know the definition.

Neither term is meant to be defined as being superior to the other, but more often than not, that’s how it’s seen. With the creation of meninism, feminists have become more active and voice their opinions louder just to be seen and heard. Once again, even something that is meant to help equalize the people on this Earth is being used as a contest.