How many times have I encountered women, especially in my age group and younger, say "I'm not a feminist, but..." and then go on to espouse feminist values.  The frustration that follows, for those of us who are all about embracing the title of feminist, has been discussed exhaustively.  There's few things I have to say about that.

Folks need to get over why they don't think they're feminists and why they feel the need to add that disclaimer before expressing an opinion about women's equality.

I'm ALL ABOUT embracing feminism as a title.  I don't care if people want to assume that that makes me a man-hating, unshaven, ugly, lesbian.  As I've stated in the past "so what if I am?"  First of all, if I hate men, I have really good reasons and it's totally reactionary, second of all shaving is totally over-rated, third, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and finally, since when was that any of your business?

Anyhoo, I don't need to disprove any of the things that are said about feminists because as far as I'm concerned it's the same as trying to prove that not all engineers are socially inept geeks that love star trek and don't get women.  The point is that, as with most stereotypes, they are exagerrations, are a result of backlash, and are generally untrue or at least mostly untrue for the majority of the populations they represent (except for engineers, it's well known we're all a bunch of asexual dweebs).

That said, here are ten reasons I am a feminist activist:

1) Inequality makes me angry

2) I believe that I have a right to be angry

3) The course of history doesn't move toward equality on its own

4) To paraphrase many a civil rights leader and feminists - the oppressor won't give up power willingly and you can't use the masters' tools to dismantle the master's house.

5) It's a man's world, but it shouldn't be

6) Women's equality is a critical component in achieving other important goals, including ending poverty, addressing climate change, creating solutions for global environmental policy and achieving world peace

7) I want a better world for myself.

8) I also want a better world for my sisters and any future children I may have, but definitely for my nieces and heck, nephews too.

9) Men benefit from male privilege, while women are oppressed - this is just unfair

10) I deserve equality

Why are you a feminist? (I will throw my high-heel at you if you start your message, "I'm not a feminist, but...")