In a video posted by the United Nations, Emma Watson steps up to the podium in front of the general assembly of the UN to say: the world, not simply the leaders nor the rich and famous, needs to wrap their heads around what feminism really is. Too many times superstars have botched the meaning, too many times people have nonchalantly brought it up in a vague understanding, and far too often, the media has misconstrued feminism.

Feminism is often portrayed as ‘aggressive’ or ‘nonsensical;’ and it’s about time that someone put ‘fem-haters’ and those who don’t fully understand, nor care to understand feminism, in their rightful place.

Some women have become afraid, or completely against feminism, because the word doesn’t mean what they want it to anymore. So why are we fighting over the word? Emma Watson says, “It is not the word that is important, it’s the idea and the ambition behind it.” . Women should not be scared to call themselves feminists just because they think that men will ‘bash’ them or hate them for it. Because ultimately the message is: feminism is for everyone and, most importantly, it’s for you. And it’s up to you to stand up for it.

When you believe in something you stand up for it, regardless of other peoples opinions. We need gender equality to be acknowledged on a global scale, not only in courts and movies, but also in our everyday culture.

Sometimes in order for an idea to be culturally accepted, we need people who have a vast outreach, whether through entertainment or politics, to take the stage. But sometimes, “pop feminism,” feminism taken up by celebrities and the like, often pick and choose parts of feminism often without regard for the movement itself. (Think critiques of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift). But Watson doesn’t fall into this trap.

Watson’s speech focuses on the acknowledgment of the fact that feminism is not just about women, but about women and men equally. She says, “How can we accept change in the world if only half of it is invited, or feels welcome to participate.” The other half is men of course.

On a personal note, I’m sure that there have been plenty of times when my brother, a high school baseball player, has looked in the mirror and thought ‘I need to look more like Channing Tatum, the chicks love Channing Tatum.’ We see young boys trying to fit within masculinity.

Emma Watson talks about these points as well, “Men don’t have the benefits of equality either. …. Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong.”

By acknowledging this fact, Emma Watson is showing those men and women against feminism, that gender equality doesn’t just mean that women are being discriminated, but that men are as well.

And for those who say: ‘What does Emma have to contribute to the dialogue of feminism misperception? She was born into a world of equality.’ But she understands that she has had a privilege too often denied to women in other countries, she acknowledges that yes, she is Hermione from Harry Potter. But, as an actress, she believes it is her right to stand up and say what needs to be said.

Emma’s speech is not anything new, she is only bringing light to a situation too many people turn their backs on. She is enlightening those who have completely thrown feminism away, because they no longer wish to talk about it. One day we might not need famous people to tell us what’s right. Hopefully one day we can evolve past the point of calling it feminism and recognize it for what it really is equality.