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Michael. 22. Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois. Currently: Queens, New York. Not Religious, Raised Catholic. Music. Musician.

What does the concept/word “feminism” mean to you? What does the concept of equality mean to you?

I understand feminism as the equality for women’s rights in a way. Equality and feminism inter-join as the same idea.

What do you think is the most pressing struggle for women today? What is the most crucial aspect in your eyes?

It’s difficult to define the most pressing struggle because there are so many different things. There’s a lot going on especially in the media right now with Hillary Clinton running for president, adding a whole different factor in politics. Then there’s the equality within the workplace, which is another factor. To subject them to a singularity is difficult because the struggles are all kind of on the same level of importance. If I had to break it down more, I think maybe the workplace is one of the most crucial factors because that’s where people are making their living. The pay gap matters insofar as just being able to function in society.

Why do you identify as a feminist and how/when did you learn about it? What were you taught about women growing up?

I actually never understood completely what feminism meant. I always heard about it at The New School because it’s an open and liberal college so they discuss a lot of these subjects. I also don’t know if there’s a difference on the subject of feminism between Chicago and New York, but I think feminism is important – I don’t know why people wouldn’t identify as feminists.

Why do you think the word “feminist” is associated with such a negative stigma? What do you think it connotes? How do you think it could change?

I’m not completely sure why there’s a negative stigma. Maybe people are confused about what feminism actually means, because they can support certain aspects of the cause but maybe don’t fully understand what the word means. It also depends on your upbringing and who you’re around. For boys, certain friend groups can influence you in a certain way where speaking out about feminism as such can’t be easy. Overall I think (and this doesn’t involve everybody), that the stereotypical masculine thing of “this is this” and “this is how you should act or talk” can be a factor as well.

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What issues/reservations do you have with feminism today? What do you personally think needs change?

A lot of people have an issue with how women are represented in the media and not all of it is really respectful to women. To hear that there are still issues about women in our society not getting equal pay or being respected as much, is not something we should still have. It’s kind of childish. We’ve already gone through so much with black rights as well and a woman’s right for the vote so why do we still have this? What’s the issue?

t involve everybody), that the stereotypical masculine thing of “this is this” and “this is how you should act or talk” can be a factor as well.

What issues/reservations do you have with feminism today? What do you personally think needs change?

A lot of people have an issue with how women are represented in the media and not all of it is really respectful to women. To hear that there are still issues about women in our society not getting equal pay or being respected as much, is not something we should still have. It’s kind of childish. We’ve already gone through so much with black rights as well and a woman’s right for the vote so why do we still have this? What’s the issue?

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Photo credit: Deryne Keretic