Do feminists who appear provocative hinder the goals of feminism with hypocrisy?

Question

or do they benifit it by showing the strengths and beauty of women?

Thanks Gnu. I will take my star back an check things out next time. I guess I am a little fraud warning happy this time of year.

Answer 1

A feminist is a person who takes full responsibility for her actions, who regards herself as a person, with the same rights as any man, and the same responsibilities.

Some women are beautiful. Their beauty is difficult for them to hide, and there is no reason why they should. It is part of who they are.

But women who are habitually provocative are generally vain, narcissistic, and manipulative, and these qualities are not those of fully functioning adults.

Answer 2

Depends on why, really. I mean, if you want to look sexy or feel beautiful, by all means do so. If you're only doing it because you feel you should, that's not good. But if you just like it, there's no problem. Feminism isn't about telling people how to live; you can be a stripper or a nun, you can sleep around or stay celibate, you can pile on the makeup and wear 6-inch heels or you can dress modestly, and still be a feminist.

My mother refuses to leave the house without a full face of makeup and her hair done. That's an example of why feminism is still necessary: my mother feels that, as a woman, she must look young and beautiful all the time, even if she's just running out for some cigarettes. I wouldn't call that feminist at all. However, I like to wear makeup sometimes when I go out, and I don't think there's anything at all wrong with that.

Answer 3

I don't believe the way women dress should hinder the goals of feminism. *Newsflash* women have bigger nipples and breasts! Should we be ashamed of them and try to cover them up so as to be as inconspicous as possible? I don't think so.

I'm NOT an advocate of trashy dress or provacative clothing, but there are times when you cannot hide the fact that you have a body. I dress extremely conservatively and I never even wear high heels. You'd be surprised how many men still comment on my body.

Besides, Men wear a lot less than do women on many occasions and they don't get harrassed. Men can walk around topless and it's no big deal. If a woman walked around topless she'd get arrested.

Also, men can wear speedos and no top at the beach. Now if a woman walked around a beach wearing only speedos, totally different story.

No, women should not have to cover themselves with amorphous clothing to hide their femininity. The female body is not obscene or vulgar. Women should not be made to feel ashamed of their bodies.

Answer 4

Define provocative.
Because of my figure (let's just say I have certain large natural assets) no matter what I wear or indeed don't wear, people, not just men, look at me. Well its normal and natural to look and while it made me uncomfortable when I was younger, I've come ot accept that I catch stares.
How dare someone say I can be a feminist or be a strong woman because of the way I look? Frankly I can't help it, it's all natural and anyone who would say being provocative means you can't hold feminist views needs to take a good hard look at their own views. I wouldn't judge them for how they look.

Answer 5

Appearing provocative is one thing; using a provocative appearance to get ahead in a situation that is not based on looks is something entirely different.

Answer 6

The feminists I know are teachers, lawyers, salespeople, accountants, librarians, psychologists, travel agents, scientists, IT professionals, college professors, bakers, mothers, fathers, UPS delivery personnel, office workers, students, reporters, photographers, building managers, maintenance workers, etc. etc. etc.

None dress provocatively in public except for a few very young girls going out dancing. They all exemplify the strength and beauty of women (and men too) by their diversity, commitment, intelligence and professionalism, not by the amount of skin they show.

Answer 7

It all depends on intent and presentation.

The goal of feminism is to simply be liberated - to be able to do the same things as men without legal reprecussion or obstacle.

If a provocative woman upholds this ideal, she is not a hippocrate (although some would object).

If she is being provocating with no intent other than to please men, she can be considered a hippocrate, however, this is a vague determination.

Answer 8

No, that would imply that she's just resting on her laurels, so to speak. A woman can dress in a sexy fashion and still have a brain.
I like that feminists are a diverse group. We don't all fit neatly into a tiny little box.

Answer 9

I think it depends on exactly how you define the "goals of feminism". I don't really think much of any woman who dresses or acts provocatively because it makes me feel like she doesn't have respect for herself. That may not be true, but that's my immediate impression of her.

Answer 10

I think it is perfectly female to be provocative. It is actually a tool. Now provocative behavior is strongly representative of the desire of the female to engage in sexual activity. It is much more honest, and acceptable. Males act provocatively as well. Only in a male way.