The election of 2016 is bringing me — and many others — to the realization that there has been a split in the way, generationally, many feminists think about feminism. Universally, the feminists of my generation abide mostly by the definition of a feminist

An Open Letter to Gloria Steinem and Madeleine Albright

famously said by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in the Beyonce song “Flawless”: “a person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.” Gloria Steinem a powerhouse feminist in the 1960’s, journalist, and social and political activist, was quoted as saying “a feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of men and women.” See the similarity? I definitely do.

During an episode of The Real Bill Maher show on February 5, 2016 after talking about Hillary Clinton and the gender and race gap, Steinem said “women get more radical as they get older, it’s the opposite of men. I don’t mean to overgeneralize. I’m sure you [Bill Maher] get more radical, but men tend to get more conservative because they gain power. Women get more radical because they lose power as they age. So, it’s kind of not fair to measure most women by the standard of most men because they are going to get more activist as they get older. And when you are young, you are thinking ‘where are the boys?’ The boys are with Bernie,” Steinem said. This is after she publicly endorsed Bernie Sanders in 1996. At the time she stated, “I’m only here today to make Bernie Sanders an honorary woman.” Were the boys there then too, Gloria?

At a Hillary Clinton rally, Madeleine Albright, the first woman to be Secretary of State and self – proclaimed feminist, stated “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t support other women.” Right off the bat, Albright’s comment doesn’t really leave much wiggle room. My whole philosophy about feminism is that feminism gives everyone the freedom and equality of choice. A person can choose to be a stay at home mom or dad, work full time or try to have it all, and still be respected. By this sentiment, Albright, a feminist icon, is saying the opposite of what I have been taught and feel feminism is my whole life. I’m not the only Millennial who believes in the same philosophy. Feminists took to social media to call out both of the feminist leaders: @Eliseknits wrote on twitter “‘there’s a real special place in hell for a woman who doesn’t support women who make their own damn choices,’” and @iamkatebowers tweeted  “can’t wait to hang out in Hell w/ all the women supporting Sanders. Hopefully all the men we wanted to impress will be there #NotHereForBoys.”

Suggesting that younger women – brought up as feminists – don’t have enough brain power to form an opinion, and should give up the choice that the previous feminist activists fought to bestow upon them; that’s the most radical feminist sentiment I have ever heard in my entire life! Instead of lumping young feminists as silly girls who, because of their years, have no backbone and just sway anyway their hormones take them; view them as the respected next generation of leaders. We were born with the right to vote, with the choice to work, and with the slogan of “girl power” in the back of our minds. We are growing up with feminist icons in the media: comedian Amy Schumer, first woman on late night television Chelsea Handler, and comedy duo Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. We never had to fight for the right to have an abortion. We owe our freedoms to all of the women and men who fought to give it to us; I’m talking to you Madeline Albright and Gloria Steinem. What problems we do face are student debt, the wage gap, and civil rights (yet again). We are respecting your hard work and determination by using our noggins, and voting for the best candidate that will further the cause of equality for all — regardless of gender.