The opening of a women's studies class began with the "F-word" written in bold letters across the board. The discussion began without explanation: why the word is used, how it is used, the idea that it can be intimidating, and how it can be perceived by those unfamiliar with the context in which it is used were discussed. been discussed. After the ideas were discussed, the word feminism was replaced where the “F-word” had previously been. (Ray) Women of the past lived their lives as second-class citizens, never being able to cope with the difficulties that came with being a woman born into a "man's world." Women have slowly but surely broken down the barriers and glass ceilings put in place to hold them back. The idea that women are not as mentally and physically strong has been replaced by the idea that women might even be stronger in some cases. The feminist movement has been one of evolution, but it still seems to be a movement facing stigma, fear, and opposition, even if the message is not lost. "Simply put, feminism is a political philosophy and practice focusing on the concerns of women and opposing gender inequality" (Feminism). The feminist movement began in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, when the idea was put forward that women deserved equal treatment with men and the right to vote. This idea sparked the first wave of feminism with the women's suffrage movement. The suffrage movement was accomplished in 1920 when women gained the right to vote through the 19th Amendment. Women saw no need to stop there and began to fight for the rights they all believed they deserved. The second wave of feminism began in the 1960s. “The 1960s were a time of transition, change, and confusion,” journalist Kati Marton observed in “Hidden Power: The Presidential Marriages That Made.” . middle of paper ...... helped them move from second-class citizen status to full-fledged members of society. Although this name has caused unrest and conflict, it represents the history of the movement. Feminism is not a dirty word, it is an empowering word and movement that has changed the world forever. Work Cited Shaw, Susan M. "I Am a Woman: Southern Baptist Women and Feminism." Baptist History and Heritage 45.2 (2010): 6+. United States History Collection. Internet. November 21, 2013. Walsh, Kenneth T. “The 1960s: A Decade of Change for Women.” American News. USNews & World Report, March 12, 2010. Web. November 16, 2013 “Feminism”. Thematic pages. Boston: Credo Reference Contributors, 2013. N. pag. Reference of the Creed. November 21, 2013. The web. November 21, 2013. Glazer, S. (April 14, 2006). The future of feminism. CQ Researcher, 16, 313-336.Clark, CS (February 28, 1997). The future of feminism. QC Researcher, 7, 169-192.