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Society stereotypes feminists |
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Thursday, 15 February 2007 |
by ALLISON CASEY
Comedian Margaret Cho once said, “If you’re not a feminist, kill yourself.”
That’s a little harsh and I certainly do not advocate suicide, but feminism is not the scary, militant, man-hating institution people seem to think it is.
I am a feminist. I wear skirts and lipstick. I am heterosexual. I don’t own combat boots, and I don’t hate men.
Now try and get over your shock for just a moment.
Not all feminists are, to use the derogatory term that is all too
familiar, “butch” lesbians. It may be hard to believe, but not all
feminists are even women.
Feminism demands gender equality for everyone, not just women. It also
recognizes that the unequal power structure forces men into gender
roles they likely don’t fit.
Gender equality extends past women and men to include transgendered
individuals as well. Feminists disagree with forced gender roles for
everyone.
I’ve been a volunteer at the apolitical Appalachian State University’s Women’s Center since last year.
We have several male volunteers, some of whom are heterosexual and all of whom we love and adore.
There is no ray that zaps men when they walk in the door, I promise.
“The Vagina Monologues,” playing this week at Appalachian, manage to
spark controversy and debate every time it is performed worldwide.
There go those crazy feminists again, speaking against violence and demanding equality.
Why is feminism so threatening? I still have no idea. It is no more
threatening than any other movement demanding any other type of
equality.
Why then is there such a strong stigma attached to the word “feminist”?
A female friend of mine recently said, “I’m so glad I’m not a feminist
anymore.” Being absurdly sarcastic, I couldn’t help myself and
naturally responded with, “Yeah, I really hate voting.”
Feminists want the shockingly high rate of violence against women to
end. They want equal pay and equal representation. They enjoy voting.
I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
Why are women afraid of demanding, or even asking politely, for equality?
Still, there is no one “blanket” set of beliefs for all feminists. Some
are pro-life, some are socially and politically conservative. The
common thread is that we all want equality and won’t be passive in
getting it.
Of course there are extremists, a kind of woman dubbed a “Femi-nazi” by radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh.
Extremists exist in every category and do an excellent job at making bad names for everyone.
Naturally, there are extreme, man-hating feminists.
I really dislike those people, and I’m not alone in saying so.
If feminism demands gender equality, how can a true feminist dislike an
entire sex? I do not understand it and I do not agree with it.
Feminism is also not just about activism. It’s about an individual set
of beliefs and a commitment to equality, not about letter writing and
protests.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminazi