Do you identify yourself as a feminist?

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This one is for both men and women - do you identify as a feminist? What does it mean to you?

-- Anonymous, May 18, 2000

Answers

I agree with what you said in the weblog. The original ideals of feminsim - equal rights for women, access to education, high-level employment, the right to vote - are all Very Good Things and worth fighting for. But it seems the word has been hijacked by a few people who see victimization everywhere. And that seems contrary to what the original ideal was about, that women should have the freedom to pick options. Instead, some who claim the label would consider women who don't act as those few would wish to be traitors to their gender.
But there's no good word to replace it ... I support women's rights to education, political power and high-level employment, but I also support the rights of women to choose not to pursue those things if they don't wish to. I don't know what to call myself in that regard. I'm not a feminist if by that you (generic "you") mean someone who thinks all women should aim for the CEO spot, reject their sexuality and strive for power in all areas of their lives. But I am feminist if by that you (again, generic) mean someone who thinks women should be free to do or not do those things as their hearts lead them.
So I don't think I identify myself as a feminist. But I DO support equality of opportunity for women. I don't know what word to use.



-- Anonymous, May 18, 2000


Whenever I see people wanting to control the way other people think or act it offends me. That is exactly what today's feminist is all about -- she's not looking at herself, she's looking at other women, and wanting to control them to achieve her own objectives. It is truly sickening.

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2000

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