Reply #32: I hate when women say that [View All]

[skippysmom]

especially women of my generation (early 30s). We gained so much because of the women's movement and Title IX and the rest. I went to a women's college, where feminism is definitely okay, and I had a roommate who insisted she wasn't a feminist. When I asked why not, she said, "oh, I don't want to be drafted." A lot of ignorance out there.

Now, to your questions:

What are the worst stereotypes of feminists?

Hairy, man-hating lesbians. I'll never understand people's obsession with the hairy part. I'm a straight married woman, and with my legs hidden under pants or tights for the winter, my legs haven't been shaved in a while. Who gives a crap?

Are those assessments accurate?

As with any stereotype, there is a smidgen of truth there. Yeah, there are feminists who never shave. Yeah, there are feminists who hate men. Yeah, there are lesbians who are feminists. But there are lots of feminists who don't fit the stereotype, too. But more to the point, who cares?

Do you think it is important for people self-identify as feminists?

Yes, because it's an acknowledgement that women's issues are important and that women owe a lot to the entire movement.

Why would women, like Schlafly and Coulter, advocate for men's right to control and dominate?

They hate women, and identify with men. They are convinced that they, the "strong women", are the exception rather than the rule.

How can we reclaim the word?

Use it proudly. And I like seeing the "This is what a feminist looks like" t-shirts.