Lately I seem to have come across a number of snide comments about feminism. Many, of which, come from unexpected places, I’m not interested in ‘naming and shaming’, but statements like this really make me seethe:
"[Feminism] is one of those coined phrases that has a lot of innuendo and not much meaning...I believe men and women are different and they have different needs, therefore the concept of equal rights doesn't really sit with me..." (source Elle Macpherson, quote of the day on Isaac Likes)
Feminism doesn’t have much meaning? Equal rights don’t sit well with you?
Photo: John's Kitchen by Futurowoman
It was refreshing to open up blogger on Monday and see this wonderful post from Toni aka Little Suitcase. As far as I’m aware, Toni hasn’t set out to write a feminist piece, but her piece is what I would call ‘modern feminism’. Toni simply expresses her dismay in the Twilight character Bella as an example for young girls. Please read her piece, it’s great and I’m not going to re-create it here.
Modern feminism doesn’t always use the f word but it contains implicit feminist theory. Patriarchal caricatures of feminists (hairy armpit brigade etc) have lead many women to shy away from using the label ‘feminist’. I think that it is time to reclaim the label. Many advances for women were made under the feminist movements of the 50s, 60s and 70s. It’s time not to shy away from what these women achieved for us. One episode of Mad Men is enough to make you realise how far women have come. Feminism doesn’t mean that you can’t have a man open a door for you, that’s, in general, mostly about politeness and usually determined by who arrived at the door first, rather feminism is about:
- Equal pay for equal work (am sure Elle would live for the male model to be paid more because he is male)
- The ability to chose what you want to do and not be held back on the basis of gender (‘oh that’s no job for a girl!’)
- Not being judged on the basis of gender
- Control over your own body and life
How can you say you’re not a feminist?
PS Mia Freedman wrote a similar article in her Sunday Life Column – ‘Feminism is a word in need of a makeover’. Read the rest here.
I have a secret wish. My wish is to become a roller derby girl. I have shared with wish previously with my very supportive brother whose response was to shake his head and say 'they'll kill you'. To be fair, he has actually seen roller derby, live, in South Australia. The first time he went the ambulance came twice - first to a girl with broken ribs, second to a girl with a broken arm - so he just might be right. I'm only 5ft and not very stocky. However, last Saturday afternoon we went to see Whip It and my dream was reignited all over again. If Ellen Paige can do it, why can't I? Apart from the fact that there is no roller rink in Alice Springs. I bet we have enough eager women to make a league.
