I still need feminism

I need feminism because I have been taught to yell fire if I am attacked, instead of help! or rape!. 

I need feminism because when I walk to my car alone at night, in my gated community in the third safest city in Southern California, I put my keys between my fingers as a weapon, have my phone unlocked and ready to call someone, and have every exit route planned in my head.

I need feminism because I am told to never go anywhere alone, but am made fun of for going to the bathroom in groups. 

I need feminism because I worked on a staff with only male supervisors. I need feminism because I was told women couldn't be supervisors there because the other guys on the team would not listen to girls. 

I need feminism because I am terrified to drive next to semi trucks because I have been creeped out by way too many drivers making graphic gestures towards me. 

I need feminism because I hear kids on the play ground insult others for being weaker by calling them a girl or a sissy. Because I have a ten year old boy in my class who doesn't respect or listen without arguing to any woman teacher (the authority), but as soon as any man gives him an instruction, he follows it without question. 

I need feminism because if I am being hit on, my "no" doesn't have enough validity for a man to stop, but telling him I have a boyfriend, using another man, will automatically make him turn away. 

I need feminism because I have to watch a bartender make my drink. I need feminism because if a strange man buys me a drink, I make him take the first sip. 

I need feminism because it's not wierd that I have to check in with my friends half way through a first date. 

I need feminism because I share my location with my roommates if I am meeting a new person. Because I share my location if I am going somewhere new. Because I share my location if I am going by myself anywhere after dark. 

I need feminism because my body is shameful. Because I have been told to cover up my body because it might tempt boys. Because it is my fault and it is my actions that have caused him to lust. 

I need feminism because I have cried with girls who have been shamed into thinking that their rape is their own fault. That their demeanor and clothing choice was the cause. 

I need feminism because there is a whole purity culture that promotes rape culture. I need feminism because there are people who don't believe rape culture exists. 

I need feminism because I have been told a man will never want to marry me because I am a feminist. 

I need feminism because I am told I cannot be a stay at home mom if I am a feminist. 

I need feminism because I am mocked for being a feminist. 

I need feminism because these reasons are all my personal experience and there are many other women(and men) who need feminism because of darker experiences. 

I need feminism because even in my limited, sheltered worldview, I still need feminism. 

*I also need feminism because there are unborn children being killed because they may have genetic abnormalities or because they are a socio-economic problem. Because those girls and boys don't have equal rights. I need feminism because women are shamed for having an abortion, but also shamed for being a single mom. I need it because I live in a society where people are pro-birth but not pro life. Because I live in a society that doesn't care for the orphans and the widows. I need feminism because education is not equal. I need feminism because I believe in equality. But that's for another post.