Feminism has nothing to do with whether one is male or female.

[athena]

Feminism is the idea that people are equal regardless of their gender. The reason feminism is needed is that we all live in a world that views women as less than men: less intelligent, less capable, less valuable, less important. Our society still sees women's fundamental role as raising and nurturing children, and men's fundamental role as fighting, inventing, and leading. We all inevitably absorb this message, regardless of our gender. Even the most feminist women among us have sexist tendencies. Our society simply does not put women and men on an equal footing. The unfortunate result is that both women and men are repressed, held back from pursuing their dreams freely, and we all suffer collectively because of this.

If you are a woman, don't think that you are a feminist by definition. Chances are you are sexist like the rest of us, but the only way to change that is by keeping an open mind about the possibility that you might be sexist.

If you are a man, don't think that a feminist writing or talking about feminism is in any way accusing you personally of sexism. Chances are you are sexist like the rest of us, but the only way to change that is by keeping an open mind about the possibility that you might be sexist.

The only hope against any kind of discriminatory tendency is an open mind that isn't afraid to question itself.

It's depressing that most people can recognize the following:
1. It is better for colored and non-colored people alike if racism is eradicated from our society;
2. It is better for LGBT and non-LGBT people alike if anti-LGBT discrimination is eradicated from our society;
but have a problem with this:
3. It is better for women and men alike if sexism and misogyny are eradicated from our society.

[1000words]

1. Where does the "Radfem" movement fit in all of this?

Like all struggles, inevitably there is even disagreement amongst it's supporters regarding rhetoric and tactics.

Good post, athena. Recc'd

[athena]

3. I'm not an expert on feminist theory.

Long ago, I read some feminist literature, but it has all merged in my mind into a simple observation that our society is deeply sexist. What I read was pretty middle-of-the road, like Carol Tavris's The Mismeasure of Woman, Colette Dowling's The Frailty Myth, Susan Faludi's Backlash, Naomi Wolf's The Beauty Myth, and Inga Muscio's C**t. At some point, I couldn't read any more because it was too depressing. (I was a grad student in a male-dominated field at the time, and the only way I could continue my work was by trying not to think too much about sexism. Even these days, I can't bring myself to think about sexism for long periods. I have a lot of respect for people who can specialize in feminist studies; it takes great strength to be able to think about discrimination head-on, without denial, day after day.)

I guess what you mean is that some radical feminists might disagree with my post and say that only women can be feminists, that intercourse is intrinsically rape, etc. I guess I'm not that radical. (I do think, however, that it's good for a movement to have a radical fringe that pushes new ideas.) So my post was really a statement of my own opinion, and not necessarily representative of the entire movement.

Things seem to me to be going backwards these days. Ten years ago, feminists were discussing things like the inherent misogyny of the tradition of makeup. These days, I go to lectures on feminism where every single speaker is made up and dyed, so as to look as young and traditionally feminine as possible, and the topic of discussion is how to keep abortion legal. I see very little questioning of the mold into which our society tries to fit men and women. But it may just be that I haven't been keeping up with the movement. (Is it just that I stopped reading, or has the publication of feminist literature slowed down considerably?)

[In_The_Wind]

2. Kicked & recommended!