What does the word “feminist” mean to you? Do you envision a buff woman with a short hairdo rescuing a Betty Crocker prototype from the ills of her kitchen? Perhaps the more stereotypical bra-burning man-hater comes to mind. Whatever your interpretation may be, feminist theory has become one of the most misunderstood pedagogies of our generation, and our society is in dire need of a refresher.

Nowadays, feminism is considered unappealing when associated with a woman’s public career. Women once considered to be unconventional leaders are turning on notions of feminist thought with chilling detachment, separating their public identities from the kind of critical logic and personal vision that got them where they are today.

A woman like Ellen Degeneres – who has succeeded in a man’s game even with a very public, controversial lifestyle – has trivialized the feminist struggle.

In an article in this month’s issue of Harper’s Bazaar magazine, Degeneres commented on the hilarity of a woman in the presidential office.

“Who’s better suited to clean up the environment?” she joked. “A woman would be a good president because … her Cabinet would be cedar-lined.”

Although Degeneres is entitled to be humorous, this is an issue that should not be taken lightly. There is a real struggle for gender equality in today’s world, and by not taking that struggle seriously, the problem is intensified. Women with influence must stop giving feminism a bad name.

Webster’s definition of feminism is, “The principle that women should have political, economic and social rights equal to those of men.” Many would like to believe that these ideals have been long accepted and even upheld.

Yet, how are women represented as economically equal to men when the average female is paid almost 30 percent less than a man when performing the same job? What about the staggering lack of feminine influence in corporate America?

How are women given the same societal rights when we are expected to adhere to rigid physical standards far more demanding and discriminatory than men’s? How are we treated equally when female entertainers are radically sexually objectified and public recognition of female icons is widely compromised?

How are we to believe that a woman has the same political rights as a man when politically, we are represented as a drastic minority? We can’t even take the issue of a woman running for president seriously. And although women are America’s primary consumers and a driving force in our economy, why do we have yet to see a political and professional system reflecting it?

Feminism is not being taken seriously today. If our culture is going to pride itself on respecting women’s rights, we need to take action and correct the gender inequality in our world. That means not demonizing the feminists who work to perpetuate our common goals.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.