Types of Feminists

 

• "In my heart, I think a woman has two choices: either she's a feminist or a masochist." —Gloria Steinem
• "The day will come when men will recognize woman as his peer, not only at the fireside, but in councils of the nation. Then, and not until then, will there be the perfect comradeship, the ideal union between the sexes that shall result in the highest development of the race." —Susan B. Anthony
• "In passing, also, I would like to say that the first time Adam had a chance he laid the blame on a woman." —Nancy Astor (British Politician)

Feminism is the theory that men and women should be equal politically, economically and socially. Notice that this theory does not subscribe to differences between men and women or similarities between men and women, nor does it refer to excluding men or only furthering women's causes. Most other branches of feminism do. Why you believe in feminism and what your ideas are to make feminism a reality is what causes arguments within the feminism movement. So let's take a look at those arguments. Where do you see yourself on this continuum?

Feminist: One who believes in the theory of feminism that is mentioned above.

Amazon Feminism: Dedicated to the image of the female hero in Greek mythology, as it is expressed in art and literature, in the physiques and feats of female athletes, and in sexual values and practices. Amazon feminism focuses on physical equality and is opposed to gender role stereotypes and discrimination against women based on assumptions that women are supposed to be, look, or behave as if they are passive, weak and physically helpless. Amazon feminism rejects the idea that certain characteristics or interests are inherently masculine (or feminine), and upholds and explores a vision of heroic womanhood. Many films and books currently subscribe to this kind of theory.

Cultural Feminism: The theory that there are fundamental personality differences between men and women, and that women's differences are special and should be celebrated. This theory of feminism supports the notion that there are biological differences between men and women.

Ecofeminism: A theory that rests on the basic principal that patriarchial philosophies are harmful to women, children, and other living things. Parallels are drawn between society's treatment of the environment, animals, or resources and its treatment of women. In resisting patriarchial culture, eco-feminists believe they are also resisting the plundering and destruction of the Earth. They feel that the patriarchial philosophy emphasizes the need to dominate and control unruly females and the unruly wilderness. Ecofeminism states that the patriarchial society is relatively new, something developed over the last 5,000 years or so and that the matriarchial society was the first society. In the matriarchial society, women were the center of society and people worshipped Goddesses. This is known as the Feminist Eden.

Feminazi: Made popular by the radio/tv host Rush Limbaugh, a feminazi is defined by anti-feminists as a feminist who is trying to produce as many abortions as possible. Hence the term "nazi." Limbaugh sees feminists as trying to rid the world of a particular group of people (fetuses, particularly male fetuses). He may be wrong.

Individualist, or Libertarian Feminism: Individualist feminism is based upon individualism or libertarian (minimum government or anarchocapitalist) philosophies. The primary focus is individual autonomy, rights, liberty, independence and diversity. Individualist Feminism tends to widely encompass men and focuses on barriers that men and women face due to their gender.

Material Feminism: A movement in the late 19th century to liberate women by improving their material condition (economic status). This movement revolved around taking the "burden" off women in regards to housework, cooking, and other traditional female domestic jobs.

Moderate Feminism: This branch of feminism tends to be populated mostly by younger women or women who have not directly experienced discrimination. They tend to question the need for further effort, and think that feminism is no longer viable or necessary. 

Pop-Feminism: Pop-feminism is often mistaken by people to be feminism in general... the negative stereotypical man hating ideology. This type of feminism is seen to degrade men and glorify women.

Radical Feminism: The dominant feminist theory from around 1967-79. It is no longer as universally accepted as it was, and no longer serves to solely define the term, "feminism." This group views the oppression of women as the most fundamental form of opression, one that cuts across boundaries of race, culture, and economic class. This is a movement intent on social change. It questions why women must adopt certain roles based on their biology, just as it questions why men adopt certain roles based on theirs. Radical feminism attempts to draw lines between biologically-determined behavior and culturally-determined behavior in order to free both men and women as much as possible from their previous narrow gender roles.

Separatists: Separatists are often wrongly depicted as lesbians. These are the feminists who advocate separation from men; sometimes total, sometimes partial. Women who organize women-only events are often dubbed separatist. The core idea is that "separating" from men enables women to see themselves in a different context. Many feminists, whether or not separatist, think this is a necessary "first step," for personal growth. However, they do not necessarily endorse permanent separation. It is inaccurate to consider all lesbians as separatist. While it is true that they do not interact with men for sexual fulfillment, it is not true that they automatically shun all interaction with men.

Gloria Steinem: "If Men Could Menstruate"
Women Against Feminism (Rush Limbaugh)
"Who's Oppressing Who?" by Barbara Kay
Judy Syfer's essay: "Why I Want a Wife" (1971)
Camille Paglia: "The Modern Campus Cannot Comprehend Evil" (2014)

HOMEWORK: Please read the five articles linked above and compare/contrast the ideas presented therein. Which article speaks loudest to you, and why? Please respond in a thoughtful short essay to turn in with your portfolio next Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Also, please complete the fairy tale poem exercise draft for next Wednesday as well. (See post above this one for more info on that assignment!)