Modern Feminism

[Tiggeroo]

Do you consider yourself a feminist? I've been listening to an interview with Caitlyn Moran on NPR on young women and feminism today. It's pretty interesting. Many young women forget where they come from. I'm not a hardcore feminist and what I really love is the choices we have today, but I am bothered by young women who don't take advantage of what's available now. I do like Ms. Moran's quote from her book - She's talking about women who blanch at the thought of being called a feminist.
"What part of liberation for women is not for you? Is it the freedom to vote? The right not to be owned by the man that you marry? The campaign for equal pay? Vogue by Madonna? Jeans? Did all that stuff just get on your nerves?"

Part of what got me interested in this is the fact that i'm trying to read Fifty Shades of Gray. I feel that Ana is in many ways typical of many young women I know today. She gets involved with a man who she knows is not good for her. She compromises herself in order to keep him and to make him happy. (I know she gets something out of it too but she knows she'd be happier with a man who gives himself more) I am bothered that romantic fiction written by a woman, for women would provide so little female empowerment. (yes I know Ana casts a spell on Gray but it's not the same thing)
What are your thoughts on the state of modern feminism today?

 

[TinkerBelled]

I am disheartened by how few young women consider themselves feminists. I remember having this conversation with some of my classmates at college, about ten years ago. They were proudly saying that they weren't feminists. My reaction? To remind them that, just one generation ago, they wouldn't have been allowed to attend the school where they were sitting and disavowing feminism.

Of course radicalism drives people away, and I don't always think we've been the best stewards of our movement. But the idea that we should move away from something that has, at its core, argued that women should be treated fairly and equally by society and by the law, is deeply frustrating.

 

[Tiggeroo]

I agree. I'm not a radical. I'm not saying you must pursue a career instead of family. And I am pro free available bc and against abortion. But I see many young women just looking for men to support them. And I don't only mean financially.

 

[Tiggeroo]

Also, read some of the fiction that is captivating young women today. That kind of explains it all.

 

[laura.anne]

Yes, I consider myself a feminist.

 

[pat fan]

Am I for equality in the workplace? Yes. Voting? Of course. But do I consider myself a feminist? Absolutely not. Right or wrong, the "leaders" of the feminist movement have turned it into an ugly thing (IMO) which may or may not reflect the views of others who do consider themselves a feminist (like the OP).

At the risk of being completely flamed out, some of the "feminist" stuff is what's wrong with our girls today. They lost all respect for themselves when they told men not to respect them.

 

[Hrhpd]

Yes, I consider myself a feminist.

Me too.

I blanch when women post that they believe men are the boss or their superior, whether the beliefs come from their religion or not.

I am not radical, but I absolutely believe in equal rights for all, including women.

I still remember my MIL sitting me down before my wedding and telling me that I should never take out the garbage because that is a man's job. Nope, sorry, there is no man's or woman's job in our household. Nor does one the "man" get final say in large decisions.

Our daughters are being raised that they are absolutely equal to any man and should never, ever acquiesce to a man unless it is their decision to compromise. But never because they feel like they have to due to a man being superior.

Our sons are being raised similarly. They are taught that all people are equal and that they are never the "lord of the manor." Compromise and mutual respect for the genders are important values for both our sons and daughters.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Am I for equality in the workplace? Yes. Voting? Of course. But do I consider myself a feminist? Absolutely not. Right or wrong, the "leaders" of the feminist movement have turned it into an ugly thing (IMO) which may or may not reflect the views of others who do consider themselves a feminist (like the OP).

At the risk of being completely flamed out, some of the "feminist" stuff is what's wrong with our girls today. They lost all respect for themselves when they told men not to respect them.

Interesting topic. I am a feminist, contribute to NOW and read Ms. magazine.

I mean no disrespect - but what feminist stuff is wrong with girls today? Truly would like to know.

I believe in women's rights around the world as well and work for equality.

 

[Minnesota!]

Am I for equality in the workplace? Yes. Voting? Of course. But do I consider myself a feminist? Absolutely not. Right or wrong, the "leaders" of the feminist movement have turned it into an ugly thing (IMO) which may or may not reflect the views of others who do consider themselves a feminist (like the OP).

At the risk of being completely flamed out, some of the "feminist" stuff is what's wrong with our girls today. They lost all respect for themselves when they told men not to respect them.

I totally and completely agree.

And now, I am NOT a feminist, and actually would shy away from anything related to that "title". IMO, it's not something to be particualary proud of.

 

[SaraJayne]

Feminism is the radical notion women are people.

One of my all-time favorite quotes.

 

[pat fan]

I mean no disrespect - but what feminist stuff is wrong with girls today? Truly would like to know.

No offense
In a nutshell the second part of that sentence. They lost all respect for themselves when they told men not to respect them. I know it's not a popular opinion, but there you have it. My opinion has nothing to do with the world, workforce, politics or anything like that. I am talking strictly about the relationship (generic) between men and women.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I think that the women's movement was an excellent thing at its core. I think that many women might get turned off at the term "feminist" because of how some self proclaimed feminists can be. Websters defines a feminist as " a person who advocates equal rights for women". I think that is fantastic. I would consider myself to be a feminist using simply that definition. However, things are rarely in such black and white terms. Many women who call themselves feminists can actually be a turnoff to many women.

I was a special education teacher until I chose to be a stay-at-home-mom/homemaker/whatever the term is that people want to use. I love staying home with my daughter. I was there for her first steps, her first words, the first time she used the potty, etc. I would never want to give that up, even though I absolutely adored my job teaching special needs children. I have met women who have actually berated me for choosing to stay home. They say that the women of the women's movement would be horribly disappointed in me. They told me that I, and other women like me, are the reason that women get paid less than men - it's because women will choose to stay home with their children and are less reliable for it. I was appalled. That is not at all what the women's movement was about. There once was a time when a woman could be a nurse, teacher, or secretary. And that was only if she was single. Once she was married, society said that she should be staying home. Society said that if she worked while married, her husband was less of a man and couldn't provide for his family. They would say that a woman had no place outside the home if she was married, and no place outside of teaching, nursing, or being a secretary if she was single. The women's movement changed that.

The women's movement was all about how society had no business telling a woman where she belonged. That was her call. If she wanted to be a doctor rather than a nurse, who was anyone to tell her she was wrong for it? If she chose to be a lawyer rather than a secretary, more power to her. However, if she chose to stay home, that was her right. They just wanted women to know that they didn't need to feel that that was their only choice.

I consider myself to be a strong, independent woman who made a choice for myself. I do not feel that I am a member of the stronger sex. Neither do I feel I am a member of the weaker sex. I am a woman and I am able to achieve anything I set my mind to do and no one has any business telling me otherwise.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

I totally and completely agree.

And now, I am NOT a feminist, and actually would shy away from anything related to that "title". IMO, it's not something to be particualary proud of.

What is it about the word that is so bothersome?

As I use it - the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. Does not mean to put down men, or act like a man or any of that nonsense.

I support CAGeM too and other things to advance the place of women in other countries.

 

[Muushka]

A question for the feminists

Is having birth control paid for by someone else something that makes you feel more like a feminist?

I would think that the fact that a woman (with means of course) that could provide their own BC, would make them feel independent.

And of all the drugs that people need in the world, blood pressure meds, diabetes meds, whatever, why is birth control something that makes it to the "must be free (paid for by someone else) list"?

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

A question for the feminists

Is having birth control paid for by someone else something that makes you feel more like a feminist?

I would think that the fact that a woman (with means of course) that could provide their own BC, would make them feel independent.

And of all the drugs that people need in the world, blood pressure meds, diabetes meds, whatever, why is birth control something that makes it to the "must be free (paid for by someone else) list"?

This is something that irritates me to no end. Women are being used as a pawn in this situation. They are trying to make us believe that not providing free birth control is somehow an attack on women. If women are truly as strong as we are taught to believe we are, should we not be able to take control of our bodies ourselves? Should we not be able to provide for ourselves? Should we not be smart enough to take our reproduction into our own hands are wise enough to realize that if we cannot afford birth control, we cannot afford to be having sex? Pawns. And so many fell for it.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

A question for the feminists

Is having birth control paid for by someone else something that makes you feel more like a feminist?

I would think that the fact that a woman (with means of course) that could provide their own BC, would make them feel independent.

And of all the drugs that people need in the world, blood pressure meds, diabetes meds, whatever, why is birth control something that makes it to the "must be free (paid for by someone else) list"?

No, but if a plan is going to cover ED meds, why can't it cover my BC pills for cramps or another medical reason (besides preventing pregnancy).

And the reason a plan should cover BC - it is CHEAPER to cover a prescription than to have a BABY - so from a business perspective, it is smart to cover

 

[gina2000]

I believe many young women equate feminism with sexual freedom. As a result, they do not explore the many intellectual opportunities afforded them by women who struggled before them.

I also believe that embracing feminism requires a woman to resist stereotyping by others. Women must also resist stereotypical behavior. Feminism is the act of remaining true to oneself and embracing opportunities. Passive behavior, allowing others to stereotype, allowing oneself to fall into a stereotypical pattern of behavior - all must be examined and changed in order to reach equality. Making the most of one's choices is the goal.

 

[Diet Dr Chill]

I still remember my MIL sitting me down before my wedding and telling me that I should never take out the garbage because that is a man's job.

Several years ago, my mother was single, had been for at least a year, and no man on the horizon. One day the subject of oil changes came up. To my horror for her poor car, my mother said that she had never changed the oil in the car or even checked it. She had owned it for two years, so I asked her why in the world not? She said that was a man's job. I said it isn't rocket science to check and if you don't want to even look at it, why don't you take it to Jiffy Lube or the dealership or whatever and have them look at it? Oh well, that was a man's job too. I told her that was one of the dumbest things I had ever heard. Regardless, she simply did no maintenance on it until she met her current SO a year later.

 

[newt2]

A Male Gen-X perspective:

The feminist movement is not the same as it used to be, largely because it was successful. Women now outnumber men at most colleges, women outnumber men on the Olympic team and it's only a matter of time before we have a woman President. Many of the glass ceilings that were in place in the past have been broken and women are now doing almost anything they want. I know several women who are the primary breadwinner, and my boss is a woman.

Obviously not everything has turned around, wages are probably the first thing that comes to mind. Still, a lot has improved.

There's also been some backlash though. For a while, the feminist movement looked down on stay at home Moms as if they were not somehow living up to the standards that the movement had set. There are certain elements of the movement that are hostile to men in general, and a lot of women reject that. The feminist movement has also been tied with a lot of left wing agenda items, and with the rise of conservatism over the last 30 years, many women are rejecting the movement along with the liberal ties.

I think the main thing though, is that it's matured. A lot of the militant feminism is gone and it's been replaced by women being confident and knowing what they want out of life. They realize that they don't have to be militant feminists nor do they have to be some mans lapdog. They're their own person with their own desires and they don't have to live up to the expectations of some other person or group no matter who that may be. Their men appreciate this about them too. Today I see a lot of women under 40 who are really trying to balance both sides of what they want. They want to be treated like equals, but they also want to be put on a pedestal. They want careers and they want families. They should get all of that and not have to conform to some artificial standard created by anyone.

 

[Feralpeg]

I don't consider myself a feminist. I consider myself a person. I feel I am equal and as capable as any man or woman. I would never expect someone to respect me if I don't respect myself. Self respect is my utmost priority and something I've worked very hard to instill in my daughter.

I worked my way up through the ranks in a male dominated company because I would not take no for an answer. I had a child by myself and raised her to be a strong self sufficient person. I take care of my own house, yard and car. If something needs to be done and I don't know how to do it, I figure it out. There are very few things that I feel are beyond me.

So, I guess it all depends on how you define feminist. If being a strong, capable woman means you are a feminist, than I guess I am. I don't really like labels.