Inspired by First Lady thread-Who here considers themself to be a feminist?

[MScott1851]

Just wondering...What is your definition of feminist? Do you think that the term has negative connotations? And do you think that some women take it too far and feminism slips into men bashing(either outright or implied)?

 

[Pop Daddy]

they dont like men

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Originally posted by MScott1851
Just wondering...What is your definition of feminist? Do you think that the term has negative connotations? And do you think that some women take it too far and feminism slips into misogyny (either outright or implied)?

IMO, a feminist is one who strives to make a level playing field for ALL women.

I would consider myself a feminist. I think it is incredibly important for women to be able to make educated choices for themselves.

I do think some take feminism too far. But, most don't. Most feminists don't hate men either.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

Oh Pop Daddy! How wrong you are. I LOVE men, one in particular quite regularly.

Yep, a feminist to the core! To me being a feminist means I believe men and women to be equal. How scary is that?

MScott1851, I believe the dictionary definition of misogyny is:

mi·sog·y·ny ( P ) Pronunciation Key (m-sj-n)
n.
Hatred of women: “Every organized patriarchal religion works overtime to contribute its own brand of misogyny”

Therefore I fail to understand your reference. Can you 'splain please?

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I think feminists are women AND men who expect and believe that both genders should be given equal chances to do everything.

I think I am one of them.

However, I do think some women take it too far, and it turns into not only man bashing, but also sometimes bashing of women who choose to remain in traditionally female roles (SAHM's etc.)
I don't like that.

I think that if a woman chooses to be a stay at home mom or wife, or if she chooses to be against abortion etc. that as long as no one is "forcing" her to make that choice, and she feels it is the right choice for her, than that is perfectly fine and it bothers me to see some feminists bash these women.

But I agree, the bashers are NOT the majority.

I recognize that women and men are physically different and that with few exceptions, men are physically stronger.

However, I think our great female athletes and soldiers have proven that women can be just as good on the playing field and battle field as they can in any other once male dominated area. Maybe not competing directly against men, but one needs to realize that sports and battle are not ONLY about braun.

I think women and men both have the equal ability to be wise, and make good decisions and be leaders.

 

[KristaTX]

Originally posted by Pop Daddy
they dont like men

I do believe that to some people the term feminist has negative connotations .

Am I a feminist? In the purest sense of the word, yes. I am for women. However, I think because of the radical attitudes and behaviors of a fairly small group, the term "feminist" may have forever lost it's original meaning. For so many people there is no such thing as a non-radical feminist.

I was confused on your last question as well, but now it makes more sense. My answer to that question is yes. That is why the term "feminist" has lost it's meaning.

Let's come up with a new term.

 

[KathyTX]

I think I'm a feminist, and I like Pop Daddy.

I think we can be equals, especially in the workplace, but still retain our femininity.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Humanist has a nice ring

 

[MScott1851]

mi·sog·y·ny ( P ) Pronunciation Key (m-sj-n)
n.
Hatred of women: “Every organized patriarchal religion works overtime to contribute its own brand of misogyny”

I realized that as soon as I posted it...that's why I immediately edited it...too bad someone jumped the gun and quote/pasted me. The word I was reaching for was "misandry ...contempt for men"...Then I realized that one was not so common, therefore: man bashing was my phrase of choice..

 

[rcyannacci]

Well, I'm pretty certain that after my posts the past few days, people know where I stand on this issue. I take pride in calling myself a feminist, even though there are days when I know that I will get a negative reaction from some people because of it. (I've noticed that since I changed my title and avitar- about two weeks ago- that I've begun to get more heated responses to my posts. But it was my decision to make this a permanent part of my identity here, so I guess I should expect both positives and negatives to come with that choice.)

But I think it is important to continue to use the term and to give tribute to the women who came before me to fight for the rights that I enjoy today. Depending on the circumstances, I sometimes try to talk about "issues of women's equality" because feminism is such a loaded word with such a loaded history.

I agree with EsmeraldaX that it's distressing to see other women attacking the choices of other women, particularly over the issue of motherhood and children. This is something that women should be able to come together on and support one another.

But, I also think women should all be more supportive overall- this is why I became so vocal on the Teresa/Laura threads. I wish that we could celebrate them both and not have to drag one down to support the other. If we can celebrate Laura for her "classy" nature, then why can't we celebrate Teresa's intelligence. Just because one is "classy" doesn't mean the other has to be "trashy"- it's way too simple and doesn't account for either women's complexity. It's not a melodrama- there can be two heroes and no villian.

I also believe that men can be feminists too- it's a matter of respecting notions of equality across society.

One thing that concerns me is the lack of an activist or feminist spirit among younger generations. Young women (20-25, I think) are the least likely to vote in this next election, and I worry about this demographic not having a political voice. It's an important time. I can't imagine that if (*big if*) the draft re-emerges that we all won't be having discussions about women's participation in this system. It's important that elected representatives feel a responsibility to this group, just as they do to other demographics like Seniors that have shown thier presence in voting booths.

OK- I've certainly rambled on for long enough, but if you're still reading, thanks.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

Originally posted by rcyannacci
Well, I'm pretty certain that after my posts the past few days, people know where I stand on this issue. I take pride in calling myself a feminist, even though there are days when I know that I will get a negative reaction from some people because of it. (I've noticed that since I changed my title and avitar- about two weeks ago- that I've begun to get more heated responses to my posts. But it was my decision to make this a permanent part of my identity here, so I guess I should expect both positives and negatives to come with that choice.)

But I think it is important to continue to use the term and to give tribute to the women who came before me to fight for the rights that I enjoy today. Depending on the circumstances, I sometimes try to talk about "issues of women's equality" because feminism is such a loaded word with such a loaded history.

I agree with EsmeraldaX that it's distressing to see other women attacking the choices of other women, particularly over the issue of motherhood and children. This is something that women should be able to come together on and support one another.

But, I also think women should all be more supportive overall- this is why I became so vocal on the Teresa/Laura threads. I wish that we could celebrate them both and not have to drag one down to support the other. If we can celebrate Laura for her "classy" nature, then why can't we celebrate Teresa's intelligence. Just because one is "classy" doesn't mean the other has to be "trashy"- it's way too simple and doesn't account for either women's complexity. It's not a melodrama- there can be two heroes and no villian.

I also believe that men can be feminists too- it's a matter of respecting notions of equality across society.

One thing that concerns me is the lack of an activist or feminist spirit among younger generations. Young women (20-25, I think) are the least likely to vote in this next election, and I worry about this demographic not having a political voice. It's an important time. I can't imagine that if (*big if*) the draft re-emerges that we all won't be having discussions about women's participation in this system. It's important that elected representatives feel a responsibility to this group, just as they do to other demographics like Seniors that have shown thier presence in voting booths.

OK- I've certainly rambled on for long enough, but if you're still reading, thanks.

Very, very well said. Thank you. I'd tip my had it I had one.

 

[JVL1018]

I don't like the word feminist because that conjures up a hard hearted woman who doesn't want a family, thinks men are useless etc.
However in the true sense of the word, it means to me equality, without that meaning men and women are the same, and freedom to choose what we want to do, yes I am a feminist.
I do not believe men and women are equal in all things, I believe that women as a whole have greater strengths than men in some areas and vice versa.
I believe that we all deserve respect for our choices and that staying home to raise your children is a wonderful, valid choice, as is going into the workplace.
I believe that women doing the same job as men deserve equal pay.

 

[Crankyshank]

Very well said rcyannacci

I am proud to say I am a feminist

I agree that there are some who are actually setting back the women's movement with their extreme feminist views, just as there are those setting it back with their extreme women inferior views.

 

[JetMom]

I have been a proud feminist since the 6th grade when I distributed "ERA YES" stickers in my middle school.

I feel that a feminist is someone who feels that all people should have equal freedom and opportiunity to make their own choices.

I also feel that all people should receive equal respect and compensation for their labors.

People should also be entitled to equal protection under the law and equal treatment in the workforce.

I also agree with the posters who have commented on many women's horrible treatment of other women. As a wife/mother and long-time Early Childhood Education profesional, I am often appalled by the way women talk to and about each other.

 

[Disney Doll]

When I hear the word "feminist" I will admit it brings up a somewhat negative coonotation in my mind of a group of women who feel that they have decided for all women what we will do.

Feminism in the truest sense of the word is women having the ability to choose how they want to live their life, and living it that way, without taking heat from anyone because of it.

If you want to be a career person, that's fine. If you want to be a working mother, that's fine. If you want to be a traditioanl SAHM, that's fine.

I also fell that feminism is equal opportunity for women and men. I don't think it means that I should get something extra because I am a woman, it just means I should have the same opportunities as men.

 

[poohandwendy]

No, I would not classify myself as a feminist. Mainly because I do not see myself fitting into a group based on the specific rights of women or any other group. I believe in equal rights for all. Period.

What turns me off to the feminist ''movement'' is the unwritten "if you are born with ovaries you must support others with ovaries club' mentality.

Sorry, I support people I respect... woman, man, black, white, asian, german, jew, buddist...

 

[Celluloidgal]

I agree with a lot of you. Do any of you struggle with being a "feminist" & a Christian? Just curious...

AND I agree that "feminist" has a negative connotation to it.
I liked Poohgirl's suggestion "Humanist"

 

[auntpolly]

It's a shame that feminism got such a negative connotation. If it weren't for feminists, none of us would be making the money we do or have the opportunities we have.

I want to support other women. We need to support each other because there are still many things that are more difficult for a woman than a man. It absolutely stinks that even some women honor the double standard. If that makes me a "feminist", so be it.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

Originally posted by auntpolly
It's a shame that feminism got such a negative connotation. If it weren't for feminists, none of us would be making the money we do or have the opportunities we have.

I want to support other women. We need to support each other because there are still many things that are more difficult for a woman than a man. It absolutely stinks that even some women honor the double standard. If that makes me a "feminist", so be it.

Um, I think it does! Would you like me to teach you the secret handshake?

 

[Laura]

Big-time feminist! I think it's totally a positive thing. It means having choices. If you want to be a SAHM, good for you! If you want to be a childless career woman, hooray! If you want to be a working mom, go for it!

It's about knowing what your personality is like and how you can best express it. It's about not being limited by others' preconceived notions, and not thinking you're less than a man because of biological differences. That's what feminism is for me.