What is a Feminist?
- Jennifer_Johnson
- mykidzmom
- Jennifer_Johnson
- DawnF
- Jennifer_Johnson
- Jennifer_Johnson
- DawnF
- FeatureWriter
This archived discussion is "read only".
For the corresponding "live" discussions, post in the active topic forum here.
» Jennifer_Johnson - Hello!
Hello!I loved your article "Mother=Activist". Those are exactly my feelings. Does that mean I am a feminist? I have never considered myself one...though women's rights are of utmost importance. I fight powerfully in all causes I see that are just. I am aware, intelligent...so I am wondering what draws the line at feminist or not? Is it the social/political issues that divide women so adamently? I am conservative...does that mean I can't be a feminist? What is a feminist? Do I have to have liberal viewpoints and politics? What do you all think?
-- posted by Jennifer_Johnson
» mykidzmom - Hi!
Hi! You wrote: "...though women's rights are of utmost importance. I fight powerfully in all causes I see that are just." You sound feminist to me!!! I am conservative, too. I never thought I was a feminist, and was surprised to find out that I am. lol To learn more about feminism, I'd like to suggest Zelda's website...Feminist Mom Center of the Universe
http://www.geocities.com/zeldaanslinger/
-- posted by mykidzmom
» DawnF - This is interesting...
Jennifer, what about feminism do you *not* identify with? The question of abortion rights is certainly devisive and while I'd venture to say that most of us feminists are pro-choice I know for certain that not all of us are. Is it that issue that makes you think you may not be a feminist?
Dawn
-- posted by DawnF
» Jennifer_Johnson - Good question.
Good question. I had to think for a moment. Since I am not sure there is an all encompassing definition of feminist, I will go by my impressions. I don't think I am a feminist in the sense of "hate men" and blame the traditional family for all evils in the world. I am not so liberal as to agree with lesbianism. I am really conservative on almost all political issues. BUT I will fight for all these issues on the side with which I agree. and I am all for women's rights and taking on causes and justice for all.Let's see...other areas I thought I differed...I didn't think SAHM were feminists.....I guess what I really need is a good definition. The far left feminists turn me away so fast I hardly read anything from more moderates...anyway, those are just my views. I was thrilled to read "mother=activist". You did a great job on that one. Many many people could benefit from that article.
-- posted by Jennifer_Johnson
» Jennifer_Johnson - Oh yeah, and I am pro life.
Oh yeah, and I am pro life. By me saying all these things, I am not passing judgement on any woman or her belief, just openly stating mine. Oh yes and I respect the differences between men and women and honor and recognize different familial roles. No, I don't see my husband as king and me as servant. It is just different. Gender brings with it different ways of dealing with children etc. and I personally think the woman is better suited to care for the children. So, do these feelings and beliefs cut me off from all feminism? Or can I join the club?
-- posted by Jennifer_Johnson
» DawnF - Absolutely!
I think you can own whatever label suits you including that of "feminist". The feminist movement benefits from diversity of all sorts including the presence of more conservative feminists. After all, we feminists look like a lot of different things and they're all good. I'm glad you liked the Motherhood=Activism piece and that you're thinking of exploring feminism further. So welcome to the club! By the way, here's a link for Feminists for Life of America: http://www.feministsforlife.orgDawn
-- posted by DawnF
» FeatureWriter - Re: Absolutely!
Hi everyone,I found this discussion very interesting. I worked as a communications assistant for Feminists for Life for about five years. I think, to answer Jennifer's question, a feminist is someone who believes a woman should be treated fairly and equally, and that women are not inferior creatures.
I, too, am conservative and have a little trouble with the fact that the term feminist is so often viewed as synonymous with liberal and pro-choice. I also don't believe in divisive, male bashing rhetoric as some feminists do. These are the images the media have put into the minds of the public, and it's hard to overcome them when proclaiming yourself a feminist.
Groups such as Feminists for Life have put aside political differences and have sought to join together with other feminists on issues such as domestic violence. There are so many common ground issues we can focus on and doing so without focusing on our differing philosophies will move us in the direction we need to go...forward.
Just as the pro-life movement is diverse (atheists, Christians, Jews, African Americans, whites, Asians, hetero and homosexuals, women, men, young, old) so too is the feminist movement. If we put aside categories we can accomplish so much more together.
-- posted by FeatureWriter
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