Well, for starters, we’re not Straw Feminists who hate men and will force you to look at our hairy legs. Feminism is a very broad church about gender equality. The fact that many women want to be treated equally but don’t consider themselves feminists tells us more about the media’s demonisation of the movement than the movement itself. Go read the Wikipedia entry about it and calm down already.
Secondly: the need for feminism is all around us. Once you start looking for sexism you will see it everywhere. And it’s important to see it and call it for what it is otherwise people assume that things which are the result of a sexist society are just normal specialisms of different genders. I recommend that everyone on the planet reads Delusions of Gender by Professor Cordelia Fine. It is wonderful.
Feminism is just as important to males as it is to females. More equal societies are happier, healthier and more productive for everyone. It’s been proven.
Not all feminists speak for all other feminists – or all women. It is a very broad church and intersectionality – i.e. listening to and respecting each other’s diverse experiences – is incredibly important. Class, race, sexuality and a world of other factors will affect what you experience in the world, and what is important. Just see this open letter to Slutwalk written about black women’s experiences and why embracing the term ‘slut’ is not high on the author’s agenda.
Right: the basics out of the way: I write for various feminist blogs including Bad Reputation – a feminist pop culture adventure and Fat Quarter Magazine. They are both wonderful – go check them out. My blog is informed by feminist thought. I am a proud third wave and third generation feminist. I make no apologies.
