“The doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.” That is one definition of Feminism. Another is “A path of using tact to forward women’s rights.” That’s my own personal definition. And another is “The philosophy of acting like a barbarian towards men because men are pigs.”

I’m pretty sure that most men recognize the last definition, because, honestly, men can be pigs. I also believe that women are aware of the definition because they have seen other women act like barbarians. And oh how we can be so don’t push your luck.

Feminism and women’s rights seem to be two different concepts these days. I am for women’s rights but I am not a feminist. I believe that women are just as capable as men in many arenas and men are just as capable in other arenas. Women can run Fortune 500 companies and men can stay home and take care of the kids, both successfully. I’ve seen women hold their own when it comes to combat, law enforcement, and fighting fires. I have seen men soothe their child after a major crash on asphalt.

My father, when I was born, saw his chance to create a woman who could outdo any man, in every category. I was raised to succeed at every cost. I was raised to be the best at everything I did. I rebuilt a 1966 Mustang. I taught myself how to do home repairs and upgrades. I don’t ask for help until after many many failed attempts because help is a four letter word. If something needs to get done, I teach myself how to do it. And when someone tells me that I can’t do something all I hear is “Teach yourself Annie and just go do it.” “No’s” don’t go over well either.

Minus my physical pain I am able to do most things any man can do, if I so desire to educate myself. I’m not trying to put myself on a pedestal, I’m anything but special. I’m simply pointing out that the things we can do, women, is limitless. Labels, expectations, perceived notions, our own self-talk, those are just intangible roadblocks. They only exist in our minds, no matter how they got there, they belong solely to ourselves. And we are the only ones who can remove our roadblocks.

To all of those women who are determined to prove that they are better than men, be cautious. I know how to change a tire but it’s the Feminist who chooses to get dirty by not letting the truly kind gentleman change it for her.

E. T. Aka Annie