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What the Heck is a Feminist?

For many Feminists, hearing America 's slogan as "The Land of the Free" is a big joke to them. Of course it is true when comparing other countries and their issues with ours and the fact that we have struggled for Civil Rights, the Emacipation Proclamation and so forth. But because this country has been been free for quite some time now, bringing up any kind of issue that deals with rights, such as equality between men and women, which is what Feminists are fighting for, is harder to deal with as a big problem. The reason for this is since the country is caught up with other worldly news,wanting equal rights between men and women is asking for too much, because the country feels like they have done their best in giving equal rights to women (despite the fact that women are still paid less than 3/4 of what men are for doing the same work, and in fact do several trillion dollars worth of work worldwide for which they are paid nothing at all).

Yes , some progress has been made because of enormous efforts by the women's movement, but in the 80's there appeared to be a backlash. Many of the old stereotypes were resurrected: feminists hate men, have no sense of humor, and will never be satisfied by any amount of reforms. Young women largely abandoned the term (and tended to preface the most modest request for dignity or equality with "I'm not a feminist but..."). This is understandable in a way, given the conservative right 's (embodied by Rush Limbaugh) coopting and derogation of the term till it became a put-down: femiNazi. So how much more freedom do women of America are fighting for? Many laugh but enough power to maybe one day run for president. People think the idea funny, even other women think so, because it is unlikely that a women is postioned to rule any country, much less the most powerful one the world, other than being queen of a foreign country.

Women of today , however, are not like the way they were a hundred years ago; they've made history with their many outstanding achievements, but many Feminists believe that this country still needs more work on giving everyone equal rights in order for it's aims to be completely realized.

Many people they think a Feminist is someone who only despises men of all colors and sizes and will not tolerate them opening doors, paying the check at a restaurant or anything else that they could easily do for themselves (but honestly, has anyone ever been given a bad time for simply being courteous?). Bottom line, feminists are interested in studying how power can be used to maintain equality, which is a useful way of looking at many aspects of popular culture, since our basic question is, What can this phenomenon tell us about what's going on? Also, it compliments semiotic's interest in the political or ideolgical importance of popular culture. So if you want to really know what feminists are about, you'd be bettor off to go to the source, rather than their detractors. Here's some places to start. You'll find other resources below

A Feminist basically lives as a strong independant woman who believes in equal rights and opportunity between men and women and does not discriminate the opposite sex. But in society today many people, especially men, have this outrageous notion that Feminists are women who want to take over the world and if they want to have equal rights as men, then they are going to have "extra" responsibilities besides being a house wife. It is not the issue that women what to take over the world but, just like the struggle Afro-Americans had to go through for civil rights, is basically the same essence in being a women in the world today. In example, women are sometimes rejected from higher paid jobs because the fact that they are female, but of course, to not have legal issues rise they are told for some other reason. So how do we know this is true? Well, in these cases, men who had the same qualifications as the women did were hired instead. It is because most of these particular jobs feel that hiring a women for such a important position, would decrease its value if a woman were hired. Another example would be in the third world countries, where it is illigal for women to drive for themslves, therefore must have their husband or a shouffer drive for them. It is incredible how women are treated in other countries and in America as well, but all women are really searching for is a chance to have their voice equalized with men.

To get more infromation on Feminism, you can link to a couple great essays and articles on this page. If you are interested in books on Feminism, you can link onto MELVYL, which will take you directly to the website that can search for the books at either the UC McHenry LIbrary, any other UC or colleges listed.

Mind Rape

Feminism and its Future by:Fredrick Irving

Do Feminists Hate Men?

Anger,Art and Activism

Certified Male: What do you mean you are a Feminist?

Machine Divas

In Defense Of Feminism by:Stephanoe Brancaforte

Why Women Are Oppressed

Feminism and Anti-Feminism discussion and resources

Feminist Activist Resources on the Net

Jewish Feminist Resources

Feminist essay the pro's and con's