The real purpose of feminism?

Question

I think I'm a budding feminist. But I don't want to become what I perceive to be femi-nazi. In your opinion, what is the line between the two?

Answer 1

"Femi-nazi" is a term coined by Rush Limbaugh; that reason alone is enough to make me disinclined to use it.

Feminism is a very diverse movement filled with different opinions, philosophies, and world-views. I don't subscribe to all of them, of course. But I consider myself a feminist because I want to live in a society where women enjoy the same freedoms and are respected as much as men. I am for an egalitarian society, not a patriarchal one. I don't believe that men are evil or inferior, but I fight the notion that women are evil and inferior and must be kept in check by men.

Being a feminist means whatever you want it to be. You don't have to let other people define it for you.

Answer 2

You cannot just start calling yourself a feminist. But the classic, conservative feminist stances are seen best in the writings of thinkers like Jane Addams and Gillman. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, although seen as extreme in her time is the border between crazed bra burner and conservative feminist.
for the crazies look into Judith Butler, Anzaldua (she also gives an interesting discussion on personal identity), and Betty Friedan.
I suggest google-ing these authors then actually reading their works. especially "The Woman's Bible" by Stanton.

Answer 3

I believe the real purpose was to bring to light the fact women were regarded as second-class citizens, and were discriminated against in the workplace.
Unfortunately, it was taken up as a cause that went to the extreme, like many other worthy causes have been, and the feminist movement began attacking other issues that had nothing to do with the problem, such as pornography or women that choose to be a housewife.
This created a social divide, with many men's views opposing the feminist extremes (sexists and chauvinists as we are called).
It also brought forward an extreme anti-feminist viewpoint, and some men reacted by developing a hatred for women (Sorry, I forget the scientific term for it. We’ll just call them morons to keep things simple).
This latter category is one I am more strongly opposed to than the extreme feminist views.
Who knows, perhaps some day feminists and chauvinists may see that in many ways, they want the same things: Respect and love for women.
The only obstacles to overcome would be the fact that as male chauvinists, we like to open doors for a lady, we like holding her chair when she sits at the table, we like to work ourselves to death to provide for our spouse so she doesn’t have to work, and we like to be chivalrous and defend a woman when we feel she is being threatened, just to name a few.
What we don’t like, and will not accept, is for feminists to try and make our wives and daughters feel like second-class citizens if they choose to be homemakers rather than run out into the workforce just to try to prove they are better than men.

There, I have actually given a civil answer to a question regarding feminism.
Copy and paste it ladies, you may never see it happen again.

Answer 4

I highly recommend you read Christina Hoff-Sommers's book "Who Stole Feminism?" She draws a line between equity feminists (the kind you want to be) and gender feminists (the kind you're trying to avoid). It's pretty much canonical when it comes to learning the difference between the two. Pick it up the next time you're at the library. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Answer 5

As I understand it feminism is about working for the equality of women in the world. Some feminists take to hating men or taking advantage of being a woman which turns many people off. I would call myself a feminist, and personally, I do not like getting special favors because I happen to be female. To me, that is just as unfair as someone getting special treatment because they are male. All I look for is having an equal opportunity.

fem·i·nism –noun
1. the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.
2. (sometimes initial capital letter) an organized movement for the attainment of such rights for women.
3. feminine character.

Answer 6

I think its really cool to try to get equal rights 4 women and everything and its great to love us, but personally, feminism is actually just as discriminating to men as chauvanism is to women. why should we take sides when we're all in this together? Its also a form of sexism by the way! something really bad must have happened to those who want to discriminate against either half of humanity. i love men and women equally. just take a break and decide what made you do this to yourself.

Answer 7

I think the real purpose of feminism is about equality and respect for one's abilities. I suppose the fine-line is being assertive vs. aggressive in the way one goes about expressing their own beliefs. There's certainly nothing wrong with being assertive, taking a stand for oneself and saying what one believes -- yet there seems to be a lot wrong with being aggressive and shoving one's beliefs down someone else's throat.

Answer 8

to keep the man down

Answer 9

"Myst" and "Victoria" both have very good answers...MAINSTREAM Feminism wants equality, not special rights or superiority over men.