A lot of people now these days think that feminists are supposed to butch man-hating lesbians that want to strip women of their feminity. But, I think that's BS. That's like the extreme form of feminism, like how terrorism is the extreme and distorted form of Islam. Feminism to me is about the ethical and human treatment towards women and men, annot seeing one sex as being superior over the other.
Feminism is also about choice. You can still be womanly, sexual and be a feminist. If someone is telling you that you have to be a certain way to be feminist (such as dressing like a man), than that's just wrong.
What about the rest of you? Do you think that feminism simply means equality and choice, or do you think that true feminists have to be masculine and man-hating?
P.S. Some famous porn stars, Madonna and Christian Aguilera consider themselves feminists. ;)
2007-07-01 11:05:35 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
That feminists demand special rights and special laws protecting women only tells all anyone should need to know about it in order to decide what feminism actually IS, regardless any errant dictionary definition.
Take the area of reproduction as an example. Only women have choices after pregnancy. Men have no choices at all while women have at least four, most of which heavily impact the man involved.
Since feminists are interested solely in advancement of women, even if it exerts a heavy cost on men and society in general, it simply cannot be said to be about "equality" but actually, superiority.
Feminists demand 'choice', as long as it is limited to women's and disregards men's choices.
That is not equality by any stretch of the imagination.
2007-07-02 07:26:51 · answer #1 · answered by Phil #3 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
If you're really looking for what feminism means to me as an individual: Feminism means women helping, supporting and empowering each other while fighting against bias and atrocities perpetrated on our sex all over the world. It means taking back the birthing experience so women see how strong they truly are. It means raising our daughters and our sons to be independent, strong, equality minded individuals that will not see division of the sexes or perpetuate sexism and will take up the charge of eliminating sexism and all other kinds of discrimination. It means embracing my sexuality and loving my body regardless of the perceptions society thrusts upon me and raising daughters that embrace these same ideas.
But I was told I'm not a real feminist, anyway.
2007-07-02 09:18:09 · answer #2 · answered by ginandchthonic 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
To me there are two distinct types of feminists: those that want equal rights and those that think that they are superior and want some kind of cheap revenge for percieved wrongs done in the past.
The first group I support, the second I have no time for. (revenge is always an empty goal)
The problem is with the word 'feminist', why can't we use the word 'humanist' or some other non-gender specific term so we can get on with the job of equal rights for all.
Different but equal. Vive la difference!
2007-07-01 11:38:15 · answer #3 · answered by megalomaniac 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
" . . . like how terrorism is the extreme and distorted form of Islam."
Are you saying that all terrorists are Muslim? You might want to rethink that line.
Anyway, yes, feminism means equality and choice. As with any other movement, there have been extremists, and they have been productive in their own ways. But on the whole, we are egalitarians.
2007-07-03 09:52:37 · answer #4 · answered by Rio Madeira 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
feminism
1. The qualities of females.
2. [After F. féminisme.] Advocacy of the rights of women (based on the theory of equality of the sexes). (Cf. WOMANISM.)
3. Path. The development of female secondary sexual characteristics in a male.
Number 2 suits me very well. Interested in equality but only interested in the rights of females. Not, therefore, individually capable of achieving equality.
You say: "Feminism to me is about the ethical and human treatment towards women and men"
This is where I disagree. I believe it is only about ethical and human treatment towards women.
2007-07-02 00:12:37 · answer #5 · answered by Nidav llir 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yes, the sexists have nearly won this round; they've convinced many that feminism is the same as male-bashing (and femininity-bashing).
A feminist is a person who accepts the idea that women are human beings.
We are not property; we need not be slaves or servants.
I believe that true feminism also recongnizes the oppression of men by societal expecatations.
Don't show your feelings.
Go earn; while your children grow up in your absense.
To name two crushing examples.
One of the things that bugs me the most when people talk about feminism is the assumption that all feminists are women.
Come ON, people? How many men have to proclaim themselves feminist, openly, and live it, before we drop that hideous idea that only women are interested in genuine equality and mutual respect?
2007-07-01 15:39:16 · answer #6 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 4⤊ 6⤋
Thank God for feminists. I was a single dad who has told his daughter and son that they can be ANYTHING they want as long as they have the capacity and will to do it. Without feminists pushing the agenda, the barriers women have today would be much more extensive
I'm a heterosexual male who can say I consider myself a human being BEFORE I'm a man. I can be a strong male role-model for my son, and give him a hug and a kiss at bedtime without feeling any conflict between the two. It was feminists who changed the perceptions of what gender roles should be, and I thank them for that.
Peace
2007-07-01 12:29:06 · answer #7 · answered by zingis 6 · 5⤊ 4⤋
Demanding the same as a man - not more, not less, just equal. So if I go to the same college, get the same grades and score the same job, I expect the same pay, and I expect equal respect. Female, 13, student.
2016-04-01 02:33:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
to me feminism is about recognizing gender role expectations and being knowledgeable enough to either choose them freely, or not choose them at all. It is also about raising awareness of these expectations and making it known that they are not "natural" nor "required" in order to be a "real woman and/or man."
it is also about equal opportunities. opportunities should not be limited because of gender, real or perceived.
certain biological things cannot be made equal but there can be similar opportunities in place for all parties in these instances.
2007-07-01 17:06:06 · answer #9 · answered by bluestareyed 5 · 2⤊ 4⤋
To me it's about equality. They don't have to be masculine as they should be allowed to choose what they want to be. Just as men should be allowed to be feminine if they so choose. I hate the stereotypes of feminists and what they represent, they are as bad as the stereotypes of what women are like.
2007-07-01 13:25:56 · answer #10 · answered by ginzuisho 4 · 4⤊ 4⤋