What is your definition of a feminist?
Everyone has soooo many thoughts about what a feminist is and I thought I would be the first to clear the air and say no one is right! Simply because every single individual probably has their own answer. I find this so liberating to know that everyone is thinking for themselves but it's also frustrating becasue when I look up feminist on dictionary.com I see, "the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men. "
In a way this is correct, yet it makes me angry becasue the words "equal to those of men" sounds like I have something to live up to..live up to be more like a man..I dont want to be more like a man I just want equal respect, opportunity etc...
Also this definition makes me weary because I feel that men cannot be left out in the movement. Rape is not going to stop until men stop raping! And time after time I hear my male friends, who act as though they are feminists, completely shy away from the word because they do not see themselves in the definition. The definition cleary is talking about women and they are not a woman so...they do not claim it for their own. (part of me is thinking women always feel left out of everything so I'm not sorry that you're not included in one thing!) but the other part of me is thinking feminism is about every issue interconnecting with every other issue and we strive for the equal respect of everyone, not just women.
So- Here is my definition of what a feminist is to me. Please comment back and tell me what feminism is to you!
"I am fighting until every human being knows their self worth, until every human being has a say in their life, until every oppressed person has equal respect and until everyone is able to lead the life they choose while feeling comfortable and safe doing so."
2 comments:
Thank you for your post! I think there is a lot of truth in what you say. And it's not only men, but some women who feel as though they don't see themselves in the feminist movement. All I can say is, I promise you, no matter what the popular image of a feminist is, the woman's movement is full of women (and men!) from all walks of life, all ethnicities, all backgrounds, all sexual orientations, all gender identities and expressions, all abilities. What we need to do is transform the image that most people see when we say the word "feminist."
Yes, thank you for your post. It is important that we address the definition of feminism so we can counter the negative perception a lot of people give to the word.
I remember when someone first called me a feminist only a few years ago, and I was offended. I assumed that being a feminist would mean I was angry, loud, obnoxious, and so many other traits that I did not want to be. However, I now understand that I am angry, but mostly frustrated. I realize that I am loud, but not loud enough. I know I am obnoxious but only because I live in a society that tells me, as a woman, I am not doing as I should. It is time for us to not be afraid of this word. It is time for all of us, including men who wish to uphold equality, to embrace what we are.
To me, feminism should be a conscious decision to stand up against inequality in all of its forms: sexism, racism, violence, and others. Women should not be so afraid of a word. We have been afraid for too long about too many others things. We're afraid to ask for a raise at work, or even walk down a street late at night. So, we should not be afraid of a word; it is harmless compared to our other foes, but it has a power deep inside that scares many women away. I believe the simple question is "do you want equality?" If your answer is yes, then in my mind, you are a feminist. But addressing yourself as such cannot be true without action. Find what aspect of feminism you are passionate about whether is be reproductive justice, violence against women, equality in the workplace, or whatever. Just grab onto that one thing (or more if your grasp will allow) and go with it. We cannot change the perception of feminism if we do not embrace the word, and we cannot make a difference if we do not realize who we truly are.
If a tree falls in a forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound? If an act of injustice occurs and no one reacts is it an injustice?
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