Feminism is something women all over the world need. It reminds people of the importance of strength, support and opportunity. The feminism we have today in Western culture, however, doesn’t seem so promising. It focuses more on overcoming men, rather than searching for equality, which won’t bring positive changes for anyone.

According to Merriam-Webster, feminism is defined as “the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.” This definition has seemed to escape some women when discussing feminism today. A lot of the conversation is surrounded by discussion about how terrible men are in supporting the patriarchy, rather than approaching methods of change. This talk doesn’t push anyone in the right direction, it instead frustrates patriarchs and makes it more difficult to discuss improvement.

When caught up in the conversation of feminism, many forget how feminism isn’t an open option for some women in the world. There are women who don’t have the choice to freely represent feminism. These places of patriarchal rule often times mean women must follow what is told to them or suffer serious consequences, sometimes death.

By disregarding this reality, we undermine how important the original definition of feminism is. Inclusive intersectional feminism is the only true way to completely be a feminist, but is often overlooked by those with other privileges.

It is understood by many that feminism is necessary, especially in economics and the workforce. According to a wage gap report from the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, at every education level, women must earn one additional degree to reach average salaries around average salaries for men.

Women aren’t treated equally regarding pay and appreciation in the labor force. The approach, however, isn’t to attack men rather than to help everyone be aware of the disproportion.

A struggle with new-age feminism is that some feel the only way to change inequality is by rising to the top and taking control of the systems as a whole. This reversing of oppression doesn’t resonate with equality. This frustration with unjust treatment towards women is completely understandable. However, it won’t get the sexes anywhere near equality; it will contribute to a cycle of degradation and hate.

There may never be true equality. Power structures will always be in place, and women may unfortunately always be oppressed in some form. Regardless, using the name of feminism to oppress others isn’t the answer. This hypocritical view only allows for other issues to arise and isn’t in line with the idea of strength.

Chantelle Baker is a 21-year-old communication studies senior from Waipahu, Hawaii.