According To Me

A Follow Up

The question was: How do you define feminism? What is a feminist to you?

Thank you to each person who took a moment to offer their thouhts. I truly do appreciate it.   

To me, tryin to define the word feminist or feminism, is difficult because I appreciate the historical sinificance of the definition and understand the recent manipulation of the stereotypes. Let me bein by sayin that I am not fond of labels and when feminism is used as a label it does not define the reality of a roup or individual consciousness. However, I would prefer to be defined as a feminist rather than someone who is opposed to the word.

A word about labels. Many people consider themselves Christian and yet do not  support every radical Christian belief. Many people consider themselves politically left or right yet acknowledge that extremes on their side ocassionally spout nonsense. It is possible to define yourself as something without accepting everything that the something is about.

Yes, I consider myself a feminist because I support a movement that challenges unquestioned patriarchy. Yes, I am a feminist because I believe in the full social, political, and economic equality of all people.  Yes, I am a feminist because I am grateful for the countless women who came before me and raised their collective voice so that I could have an individual voice. Yes, I am a feminist because not being one has never been a consideration for me.   

The problem with any label is that a few radical groups use the term to advance an agenda. The other problem is that a few people choose to believe that the radical segment represents the majority. The result, in this case, is that feminism is tinted with the hue of negativity and shaded with misconceptions. No centrist feminist that I have ever met, and yes I have met many, has ever said that it is not possible to be  a feminist while also being feminine. To assume that a feminist cannot celebrate her femininity suggests a radical rather than moderate view of feminist theory. Feminism is about choice. Choosing not to have children and focus on a career is a choice. Staying home with your children is a choice. Choosing to have children and have a career is also a choice. It is feminists that  fought for the right to have that choice. It is also narrow-viewed to believe that a middle class white feminist is the voice of all women. There are many feminist voices that cross age, religious, ethnicity, socio-economic, sexual and gender groups. It would not be fair for me to speak for another individual and I never have. However, it is also not fair for anyone else to speak for me or assume that they know something about me simply because I acknowledge myself as a feminist.

If I must choose between being a feminist and not being one; I am very much a feminist and damn proud of it.

Comments

[Isabella]

Wow. I'd like to say you took the words right out of my mouth, but they're much more coherent and thoughtful words than I would've been been able to muster over teh last couple days. I skimmed through the conversation here, but was too busy to formulate a meaningful comment of my own. Let me say now, though, that I too am such a feminist and I too am damn proud. (Most women I know are also such feminists, whether they like the use of that word or not.)

[nat]

Another reason I like to leave the issues writing to eloquent writers such as yourself. I'm damn proud to share a gender with you, Michele!

[Jennifer]

I cannot say I agree with everything you've said, but you've certainly presented it very well. And clearly with heartfelt passion, which is never a bad thing.

[elle]

Brava!

[Ella]

Very well said. I too would class myself as a feminist even though I shudder at some of the more radical elements of feminism. I have the same problem with classing myself an environmentalist. I think I would say that I embrace the doctrine of feminism, rather than the movement.

[kimbofo]

Here, here! Very well said. Ever thought of going into speech writing? *cheeky grin*

[Shane]

I wonder what number of sociology, or gender/cultural studies students end up plagiarising from this posting over the next few months.

(Distinction)

[Raehan]

You are so great! Well said. I agree with you completely.

I love this blog because you bring people of so many different backgrounds/opinions together in a fun, welcoming way. This kind exchange is rare these days.

Thank you all for feeling so free to voice your opinions. And thank you Michelle, for, being so good at being you, and for bringing us together.

[Margaret]

Very well-said, Michele. You know I agree since I talked about labels in my comment. You are so eloquent!

[blaze]

"There are many feminist voices that cross age, religious, ethnicity, socio-economic, sexual and gender groups."

I agree, its much more than a 'label', and its cause are not restricted to mere astrocities as mentioned by some - "issue of spousal abuse, rape, date rape and marital rape."

[True Jersey Girl]

I knew I liked you. But now I am 100% sure of it. You said it all right there. Go girl!

[Michele]

Blaze: Do NOT use the comment section on this blog to criticize the words of another blogger. I will not tolerate it.

[blaze]

ok. Michele!

[wavybrains]

Well said! I'd rather be one and celebrate the foremothers who came before, who got me this equality, than be afraid to use the word :)

[Pink Sun Drops]

Wow. Very well written, Michele, and well put. I have never really liked the word because of the negative connontations, but have never totally disliked it either. I won't go into the why's because you just put it all into words, and now I know why I have always been torn over that very word, and am no longer.

[Betsy]

Very very nicely done. I struggled and abandoned a similar post of my own - and now? I can just point to yours and say 'me too'...

Thanks.