Quotes that will change the way you look at 'feminism'

MANILA, Philippines - Bette Davis once said, "when a man gives his opinion, he's a man; when a woman gives her opinion, she's a bitch." Well, thank heavens that is not the case now!

Many people argue about whether the term "feminism" should be acknowledged, simply because we are all BORN equal anyway. There shouldn't be an argument on which sex deserves more because everyone, regardless of their sex deserves the same treatment.

Moreover, for everyone who hates the term, modern feminism isn't about tearing down men, but about breaking the harmful gender stereotypes that affect everyone.

As Emma Watson said on her United Nations speech, "Why has the word [feminism] become such an uncomfortable one? It is not the word that is important; it's the idea and the ambition behind it." There's a difference between man-hating and loving both genders.

As we celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, Sunday, here are some of the best quotes that would change the way you look at "feminism" and would prove that racism and sexism should not be a barrier to anyone's success:

Oprah Winfrey:

I was raised to believe that excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism. And that's how I operate my life.

Malala Yousafzai:

I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard... we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.

Eleanor Roosevelt:

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Roseanne Barr:

The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.

Angelina Jolie:

Figure out who you are separate from your family, and the man or woman you're in a relationship with. Find who you are in this world and what you need to feel good alone. I think that's the most important thing in life. Find a sense of self because with that, you can do anything else.

Ayn Rand:

The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.

Jane Austen in Perception:

I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.

Marie Curie:

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.

Lena Dunham:

The idea of being a feminist: so many women have come to this idea of it being anti-male and not able to connect with the opposite sex, but what feminism is about is equality and human rights. For me that is just an essential part of my identity.

G.D. Anderson:

Feminism isn't about making women strong. Women are already strong. It's about changing the way the world perceives that strength.