Miss USA is already being criticized for saying she is an "Equalist" not a "Feminist"

Objectively, the fact that the new Miss USA is a black woman, a nuclear scientist, and an advocate for science education is pretty fantastic. Miss District of Columbia Kára McCullough dazzled her way into her crowning moment, but unfortunately not without perpetuating one of the oldest myths about feminism as an ideology.

In response to the question, “What do you consider feminism to be and do you consider yourself a feminist?”, McCullough took a moment before responding with:

“As a woman scientist in the government, I'd like to transpose the word feminism to equalism. I try not to consider myself this diehard, like, I don't really care about men.”

McCullough then went on to explain that she not only appreciated, but wanted to inspire more women in and into leadership roles, especially in her own field of science. But by equating feminism with hating men, she inadvertently dismisses not just the many men who identify as feminists, but more importantly diminishes the gender equality that feminism has championed over the years — including workplace equality.

See some responses by Twitter users below:

What's wrong with being a feminist Miss DC USA!?!? Who says feminists hate men? Gurl!!! #MissUSA pic.twitter.com/jr5Hc5p2DN

— Makho Ndlovu (@makhondlovu) May 15, 2017

I was happy that they crowned another black woman Miss USA... until I heard her thoughts on feminism and healthcare pic.twitter.com/TXQ31rijcj

— 💫 (@2Naes_) May 15, 2017

How you going to be Miss USA and not know the definition of feminism?

— Briana (@gibbsbellis) May 15, 2017

What do you think?