Femanism" what does it mean to you?

[Caseheidi]

I have never really thought of myself as a feminist, but after reading a blog post by Myiam Bialck about the topic, I believe I may be an old style feminist.

http://groknation.com/women/the-waves-of-feminism/

I had never thought about how the definition had changed over the years. I definitely agree with the ideas that many of the first feminist fought for and the fight for women to be treated as fully equal with men ( for all people to be treated equally really). However, this new modern style of feminism where women feel empowered by showing their body and living a more casual lifestyle doesn't sit well with me.

So my question is, what do you think it means to be a feminist, and are you one?

 

[Disneylover99]

I guess feminism means equality to me.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

As a man, I find that as little as we know about women, somehow we seem to know even less as each day passes.

 

[jevs]

I've never considered myself a feminist even though I advocate for equality for all. I have some friends who wear the tag and at times I'm a little baffled by what gets them so heated and frothy at the mouth i.e. being called guys, dear or similar. Like seriously, that's what pisses you off

All I want is to be able to wear what I want, walk where I want, at whatever time of the day I want without the thought that I may have to defend myself. If someone could sort that out, that'd be brilliant.

 

[3Gsandme]

I am a feminist. I, honestly, don't understand how all women AREN'T feminist. How can you not be pro-yourself? I believe feminism to be the power to do whatever in life I decided to do without being hamstrung by society or the government. I'm a stay at home mom. Can you be one and be feminist? Yes. It was an active decision. An active choice made with myself and my husband. It wasn't anything I was forced or expected to do, it was something I WANTED To do. If I was done being a stay at home mom tomorrow, I should be able to go out to do any job I am qualified for and expect to be paid on par with any man who has similar experience and education.

 

[pat fan]

Ugh, that word makes my skin crawl.

I believe in equality of treatment, that we all have the same worth no matter our color sex or what have you. But the insanity that I should flip out if a man holds the door open for me ( he should) or someone includes me in a "you guys" is ridiculous and a disservice to humanity in my mind. "Feminists" may have started out with good intentions but it's been bastardized into something of a nightmare.

 

[usnuzuloose]

The word disgusts me.

 

[Colleen27]

I struggle with this. At times, the attitudes of some who call themselves feminist and who are widely regarded as spokespeople for the feminist movement make me very reluctant to call myself a feminist. As an intelligent woman who has consciously chosen a very traditional lifestyle (DH works, I'm home with the kids - it was vice-versa early on but I'm better suited to the "home" end of things and was less attached to my career), I find some of the feminist rhetoric around these choices insulting and at times offensive. But at the same time, I believe there's still a real need for an organized movement centered around ongoing issues of workplace inequality, work-life balance, and other issues relating to the role of family in our society, issues where progress would benefit both men and women and which are generally associated with "second wave" feminism.

That said, I lean more and more towards proudly embracing the label these days, as our mass media throws out one example after another of the double standards that apply to women as compared to men even now.

 

[lesliekatya]

I define a feminist as someone who believes in equal pay for equal work, and equal opportunity. Who believes that a woman can be an engineer or a fire fighter if she wants to. Simple as that. I am a feminist.

 

[PopSugar]

The word disgusts me.

it wouldn't if you came of age of great disparity of wages, as I did.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

it wouldn't if you came of age of great disparity of wages, as I did.

Well, I was around then. I also don't care for the term. It brings to mind a woman who is so wrapped up in what "men have done to women" being unfair that they can't see that not all men are that way.

I probably could be considered one, but I don't identify myself using that term.

Personally, I agree men & women doing the same job with the same abilities should be paid the same. Are they always - no. But there can also be two men (or two women) doing the same job with the same abilities that aren't paid the same, sometimes.

I also feel that same woman shouldn't expect to be able to take 3-6 months off if she opts to have a child and expect her job to be held for her.

 

[shoney]

"Feminism" to me is an older term associated with the women's rights movement and conjures up the image of "burn your bra"....and thank goodness for it!

In 2016, I would hope that we are beyond that and women are just equals. Gender equality. The right for women to be who they want to be.....president or porn star!

 

[kimblebee]

Well, I was around then. I also don't care for the term. It brings to mind a woman who is so wrapped up in what "men have done to women" being unfair that they can't see that not all men are that way.

I probably could be considered one, but I don't identify myself using that term.

Personally, I agree men & women doing the same job with the same abilities should be paid the same. Are they always - no. But there can also be two men (or two women) doing the same job with the same abilities that aren't paid the same, sometimes.

I also feel that same woman shouldn't expect to be able to take 3-6 months off if she opts to have a child and expect her job to be held for her.

Yikes to the last part. Up here, women can take up to 52 weeks off and are also paid 55% of their wages while they do it. PLUS, the time can be split between the mom and the dad. Why should a woman suffer for having a baby?

No, I don't consider myself a feminist but like Jo said, I want to be able to do what I want, where I want, and how I want.

 

[Marchand63]

Well first "femanism" means nothing to me.

However feminism means a great deal. I grew up when women weren't encouraged to be unordinary. I had many arguement with my father over the direction women should take.

I chose a career that was not "normal" for a woman in the 80's. I heard numerous times how I shouldn't be in my field. Was told by one man I should be home taking care of the kids, I happily told him if he wanted to pay my mortgage I would do just that.

I was pretty radical in my beliefs but now as I grew up & have aged I have come to some realizations. No women cannot do all the things men do. We won't be playing in the NFL, maybe a kicker. But we are different, that is not a bad thing it is just a reality. I think women are more cerebral, and nurturing than men. I think men are stronger & more physical. This not a bad thing, it is just how we are.

Do we deserve same pay - damn skippy(my age showing) But can we all do the same things, nope.

Ok this is for the norm, there are always exceptions. As someone once said "why do compare the best to the worst to try & prove the norm? You only prove the exception.

 

[3Gsandme]

Well, I was around then. I also don't care for the term. It brings to mind a woman who is so wrapped up in what "men have done to women" being unfair that they can't see that not all men are that way.

I probably could be considered one, but I don't identify myself using that term.

Personally, I agree men & women doing the same job with the same abilities should be paid the same. Are they always - no. But there can also be two men (or two women) doing the same job with the same abilities that aren't paid the same, sometimes.

I also feel that same woman shouldn't expect to be able to take 3-6 months off if she opts to have a child and expect her job to be held for her.

I think you're missing the point.

Is it posible that two men doing the same job for the same company are paid a different rate? Sure. But women make less than men across the board. It isn't a matter of happenstance or luck. It transcends industry. That is a huge a problem. One woman making less than one man? Meh. Nothing. Men making more than women overall, for the same work? Problem.

Are there some women who insist on being called "womyn"? Who hate men? Who scream about the patriarchy with every breath? I suppose. I never met one. Not even in my women studies class in college. I think these people are stereotypes and while they exist, technically, they are few are far between.

As to your last point, I don't even know what to say. However, I think mothers AND fathers should qualify for maternity/paternity leave because that is what is good for families.

 

[Marchand63]

"Feminism" to me is an older term associated with the women's rights movement and conjures up the image of "burn your bra"....and thank goodness for it!

In 2016, I would hope that we are beyond that and women are just equals. Gender equality. The right for women to be who they want to be.....president or porn star!

Or both!!!!!

 

[Marchand63]

I got my first like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sayonara lurkerville. LOL!

 

[alicat8]

I got my first like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sayonara lurkerville. LOL!

You're welcome. Cool Kid Club

 

[low-key]

If you flirt with her she will go to the boss

 

[jevs]

[QUOTE="shoney, post: 56480153, member: 85534] The right for women to be who they want to be.....president or porn star![/QUOTE]

Ah but being a porn star is one of the things that gets my feminist friends frothing at the mouth.

So I find it all a little hypocritical. On one hand they advocate for women's rights, but only if it suits their views. And they completely ignore that being a porn star may be the career choice of some women.

They also went berserk over some American lingerie football team that were playing down under. I may or may not have wound them up a little