Most of those who style themselves 'feminist' don't know what it is, it seems to mean different things to different folk. To many it's just a word they've read in a book. Most young women just think it is "trendy" to call themselves feminists. Thoughts, please.
2007-10-26 05:40:07 · 11 answers · asked by celtish 3 in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
To me being a feminist is embracing my femininity. Celebrating being a woman and appreciating all that goes along with that in terms of reproduction and mothering. Not seeing womanly attributes as being weak or less valuable than a male's. Giving and getting respect and not buying into the system that expects women to be everything yet not allowing them to ever give anything to themselves.
Men are allowed to be "selfish" about choices yet if a woman put herself first she is considered abberant.
2007-10-26 15:27:41 · answer #1 · answered by Deirdre O 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I think that's bullshit.
Most young women bristle at being called a feminist, because with the word comes the caricature of the ugly-man hating feminist that neocons have come up with for lack of a better position on women's issues.
It's true that they don't know the definition of "feminist", which, by the way, is "advocate of equality for women"
2007-10-30 08:56:47 · answer #2 · answered by Elizabeth J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, most young women take exactly the opposite view of feminism; even though they support most of the fundamental principles, they have a Pavlovian reaction to the word. Those who do call themselves feminists but ask for female advantages really need to reconsider what they believe in. Those who call themselves feminists and refuse to accept female advantages are the ones who mean it.
Laura Doyle (author of The Surrendered Wife) is a good example. She calls herself a feminist because she likes having opportunities and doesn't like being discriminated. There's more to being a feminist than that. If she meant it, she wouldn't say, "You deserve special treatment and protection just because you're a woman."
Seriously, she said that. I almost choked when I read it.
2007-10-26 12:44:04 · answer #3 · answered by Rio Madeira 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
It is good to be idealistic. Especially when you are young. Don't you wish that you didn't know now what you didn't know then. Don't you wish you could still live in the fairy tale utopia where no one has to give anything up for anyone else and equality is a right of birth. We learn too quickly that life is never fair. you just have to pick your battles and look for the fairest solution for everyone.
When you are a young kid (girls especially) feminism seems noble and just. It only makes sense that everyone be treated equally. The problem is that ideals and reality very rarely coincide in the same universe.
I would never discourage a young girl from exploring feminism or any other 'movement'. But I would always stress that you have to keep your eyes and your heart open to be able to distinguish between fact and ficton, and perception and reality. And you have to be able to see the situation from all angles, not just your own.
2007-10-26 13:47:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
True, true. Most women who call themselves feminists, aren't really feminists. The most common manifestation is picking the parts of it that are comfortable, easy, and only feel empowering and rejecting parts that are uncomfortable, take work, and are truly empowering.
2007-10-26 15:25:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Nope, I know exactly what it means, but you guys don't.
There are many different types of feminism. They all stem from the basic belief that women are equal to men, but there are different theories on how we should best guarantee that or reach that point. I do find, for the most part, that mainstream feminism tends to pretty much just have one solid belief system.
And it's trendy to call myself a feminist?? Ha! I wish!
2007-10-26 12:46:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 2⤋
Women that TRULY want equality are often times misled by the textbook definition of feminism & would reject it if they knew the truth.
Just like when N.O.W. describes themselves as:
"NOW is the largest, most comprehensive feminist advocacy group in the United States. Our purpose is to take action to bring women into full participation in society — sharing equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities with men, while living free from discrimination."
...But neglects to mention their intolerant, sexist, & stereotyping ideas about men. ...& the sexist slanted laws they enact and fight for.
People are buying merchandise at face value & don't know what they're getting themselves into.
These women in the links below are actually about true equality & as you'll notice... reject mainstream feminism:
http://www.iwf.org/
http://www.ifeminists.net/
2007-10-26 13:05:30 · answer #7 · answered by hopscotch 5 · 7⤊ 2⤋
I think calling yourself a feminist is perhaps the most untrendy thing you can do.
2007-10-26 14:00:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think it's the opposite. We've all heard people (both males and females) say something akin to:
"I'm not a feminist, but I believe in equal pay."
for example.
2007-10-26 13:07:11 · answer #9 · answered by bikerchickjill 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Yes they act like they are the members of some cult not real true genuine feminists. I think they are just haters. The forum females here
2007-10-26 12:48:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 4⤋