This Is What a Feminist Looks Like
Despite ongoing action in the pursuit of gender equality, a campaign has arisen called Women Against Feminism. A feminist, according to them, appears to be a man-hating character who judges women who want to stay at home and raise children, doesn't recognise innate gender differences and basically pursues more rights for women than for men.
Naturally, many people dispute this portrait of a feminist but whenever a feminist tries to engage in complex discussion about the matter at hand, many members of Women Against Feminism accuse feminists of trying to suppress them, thus affirming their belief that feminists don't truly represent women. Whilst I could write an essay on the importance of open debate, the easiest way to approach the problem seems to be to avoid argument and simply add information.
I'm a feminist and I believe that raising children is a perfectly valid and admirable full time occupation (for any gender).
I'm a feminist and one of my best friends is a man; the other is a woman.
I'm a feminist and I am aware that men and women are different and that sometimes our needs must be catered for in different, but equal, ways.
I'm a feminist and I enjoy sex.
I'm a feminist and I like being complimented on my appearance from time to time, provided I'm not only judged on my appearance.
I'm a feminist and in my role as a volunteer for a charity, I worked with clients who were involved in child custody negotiations. I gave the men the same level of support as I gave female clients. It never occurred to me to do otherwise.
I'm a feminist and when I identified a gap in support for abused men, I raised it as a social policy issue.
I'm a feminist and I believe that abortion is a very complex issue with strong arguments on both sides of the debate.
I'm a feminist and I also oppose discrimination of grounds of race, religion or disability.
I'm a feminist and I don't believe men are more disposable than women. I don't even know what that means.
I'm a feminist and I wear dresses and make-up, when I want to.
I'm a feminist and I don't bloody care about doors.
I'm a feminist and I have my own views within that framework.
Feminists are men, women and people who choose to identify as genderless, united by a common belief in gender equality. We each have our own views on topics within that cause and vary in our beliefs on how best to achieve equal rights.
If you would like to buy one of these t-shirts and blog your own feminist protrait, you can buy them from the Fawcett Society.
+5 comments
Ian, if you're scared, confusedcatsagainstfeminism.tumblr.com is a good antidote.
well said Rosen. I'm a door opener, but I would hold the door for either sex, any age or race. I would view it ignorant to close a door in someones face. Even if others would do this, I refuse to lower myself to such ignorance.
There are many titles these days which to me matter not at all. We are all different, unique and thus have our own views. But it is sad when tolerance and good manners disappear, leaving the bloody minded attitude behind.
All for equality for all. Long time coming
Well said. It is sad in this day and age that there appears to be regressive groups such as WAF with a forum. Their front page is truly scary!! Freedom of speech, I suppose. Which gets me thinking of freedom to vote, or maybe they don't remember that fight.....?! Lovely photo, by the way.