Would you call yourself a feminist? | The Tylt

Barack Obama argues that it's important for people across the gender spectrum to embrace the label, and the movement, because public support for equality helps everyone. And if feminism means belief in equal rights for women, why is it a label anyone should shy away from?

After conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh popularized the term "feminazi," many people disassociated themselves with the word feminist. Maybe it's not the word itself or the belief system, but the negative associations attached to it that make people reluctant to use the word to describe themselves.

Still, others say "feminism" too often means "advocating for the right for white cis women." Some women of color have adopted the term "womanist" to describe themselves because they believe feminism has been the purview of white women of privilege.

Some say true feminism is intersectional, advocates for women across race and class, and takes seriously the fact of differences among women, including different identities based on sexuality, economic status, nationality, religion, and language.

Critics say the feminist movement is against men and alienates potential allies.

Many say you can support women's equality without labeling yourself a feminist.