General Discussion
Showing Original Post only (View all)Yes, I am a Feminist. Deal. With. It. [View all]
I am so tired of Feminism being treated as a dirty word. For me, it's about equality. That's really it. One of my favorite definitions? Feminism is the radical notion that women are people. I sometimes still find myself shocked at how contentious this is, how vilified Feminists often are, even here on DU.
What it *doesn't* mean to me?
That I (or other Feminists) hate men (I certainly don't)
That I am responsible for every idea every other woman (or Feminist, or RadFem) ever had or spoke out loud. I support their (and every man's) right to their opinion. I don't have to agree. I don't have to shy away from criticizing them because they're also female. I am not responsible for every fringe idea out there. I will call out women who are spouting MRA or RW talking points that are hurtful. I will disagree with RadFem ideas that I think are hurtful. I will also point out that IMO, neither are mainstream or typical.
I find the gender wars here on DU really kinda puzzling and disturbing. Perhaps I shouldn't. It's not new. But it does feel like it's heated up in the last year or so. I guess I'm naive, but I still don't understand why a lot of this (like rape culture or white male privilege) are particularly controversial concepts.
Sorry for the rant. If ya read all the way through, thank you.