Tell TIME: Feminist Is Not A Bad Word

In a recent survey by TIME Magazine, the magazine asked what words should be 'banned' in 2015; this is an annual tradition for the magazine. The problem? Among slang terms such as 'bae', 'basic', and 'turnt' was an odd word to be included: feminist. The magazine asked "...when did it become a thing that every celebrity had to state their position on whether this word applies to them, like some politician declaring a party?", not considering the importance of such a word.

Since the poll came out, many news outlets and organizations, such as The Huffington Post and Planned Parenthood have come forward criticizing the magazine. Feminist itself is not slang, it is not 'trendy', it is the name of an active movement in order to help women and men have equal rights. A political movement shouldn't be reduced down to a word that should be banned. There's power behind words, having TIME put 'feminist' in this poll just takes away that power.

Since then, TIME has apologized, however:

TIME apologizes for the execution of this poll; the word ‘feminist’ should not have been included in a list of words to ban. While we meant to invite debate about some ways the word was used this year, that nuance was lost, and we regret that its inclusion has become a distraction from the important debate over equality and justice.

It still isn't enough, though. What needs to be realized is that feminism isn't a trend, it's a political movement.