Huge question. There are all types of feminism. And feminists, just as any group, don’t always think the same way. It’s fair to say, though, that all feminists recognise that women face discrimination and even violence, and that steps need to be taken to address women’s inequality. Many feminists also see discrimination against women as part of a larger societal problem of inequity in general, and work to address all kinds of marginalization. Some of us want women to be equal to men in society, some of us go farther and want society to change significantly.
Wikipedia has a good entry on feminism, including the different feminist movements.
last edit by steve 2199 days ago
Q:
Why do people get impatient with me in the Feminism Forum?
A:
The idea behind the Feminism Forum is that it’s an area for feminists and feminist sympathisers to discuss issues related to women’s equity. There’s an expectation that people posting there will already have an understanding of feminism and women’s issues. Take the time to read some of the links above, and some of the existing threads, to get a feel for what feminism is all about.
Things that can get people irate in the FF include: Being asked to explain issues over and over, particularly at a basic level. Denying women’s experiences of sexism or violence. Men taking over threads and drowning out women, or derailing threads, or even unnecessarily rushing to women’s defence (being a “white knight”). Seems a bit intense? Well, the FF is intended to be a supportive place for feminists. If you’ve run into trouble before, just re-read your post before firing it off and ask yourself if it’s the sort that would raise hackles.
One thing that does rankle quite a lot is the “hey, I’m not like that!” reaction when women talk about oppressive behaviour, which means we have to take a time out from discussion to reassure men who post that. Or get annoyed, or both. Be confident, and assume we’re not talking about you unless you’re directly addressed.
last edit by Tehanu 2233 days ago
Q:
What are some stereotypes about feminists?
A:
That we hate men.
The majority of feminists don’t hate men. We have brothers, fathers, sons, partners and friends who are men. However, plenty of us hate the things that men do to women. There’s a difference.
That we don’t support stay-at-home mothers.
Uh, no. In fact, feminists are at the forefront of trying to ensure that women have all kinds of options, including support for parenting. Feminists work on children’s issues as well. We also hope to see an increase in parental leave and support for fathers. What we don’t like is the social pressure that’s pushing staying at home as the "best" or even "only" option for women.
That feminists are all lesbians.
Some of us are (some of us are bisexual, too!). Lots of us are straight. Some of us are butch, and some of us wear makeup. As above, feminists come in all types. Interestingly, if you read some of the history of feminism, you’ll see that lesbians have had to fight to be included in the feminist movement (at least in the USA), just as for acceptance in society in general.
That all feminists hate pornography.
Nope. Some of us do, some of us don’t. However, most feminists are likely to question the objectification of women that occurs in a lot of straight pornography. Just as we’re likely to question the objectification of women that occurs in beer ads. A lot of feminists would passionately like for a more woman-positive approach to sex in society.
That feminists believe women are morally superior to men.
Well, that’s getting into what’s known as essentialist feminism; the idea that women have superior innate traits (like compassion, empathy, or intuition). Most feminists are likely to say that women and men are socialised differently, and that our society would be much healthier if positive gender-associated traits were promoted for both men and women, and negative ones minimised.
That feminists want men's jobs.
Each human being has something to contribute to society. Keeping women illiterate, preventing them from studying certain subjects, training for specific trades or entering some professions is not productive. Every human being should have the opportunity to work and be paid for their work. There will always be types of work that is volunteer because women and men do it for love or out of a sense of commitment. But the value of the work should not depend on whether it's being done by a women or by a man.
last edit by ickydicky 2228 days ago
Q:
Isn’t affirmative action discrimination against men?
A:
Simple answer is that affirmative action, like other equity-based programs, is intended to address systemic inequities in society. So approaches like quotas or preferential hiring are intended to redress that. Men, generally, still enjoy preferential treatment in all kinds of spheres. Equity-based programs mitigate that. We’ve got a long way to go before men need to worry about being discriminated against the way women are.
last edit by Tehanu 2233 days ago
Q:
Why are you still bothering about feminism, aren’t women equal now?
A:
No. In Canada women still earn on average 70% of what men do. There are all kinds of employment fields that are still dominated by men. Men occupy the vast majority of leadership positions; for example the current federal parliament has only 21% women. Women’s access to abortion and reproductive choices are still limited and are being threatened. Women are still negatively portrayed in the media and pop culture. Women face a great deal of pressure to conform to traditional roles. Women face sexual violence and at least one in four women has been sexually assaulted. Many things have improved thanks to the work of feminists, but many others have not, and a lot of the gains can be lost if we’re not vigilant.
last edit by Tehanu 2233 days ago
Q:
Why are there women’s organizations (like REAL Women) who are anti-feminist?
A:
Well, not all women think the same, do we? Just like not all men do! Some organizations advocate for "traditional" values, and in some cases things like limiting reproductive choice, support for women’s equality, and so on.
Some men vote Conservative. We don't have to like it, though.
last edit by Tehanu 2233 days ago
Q:
Okay, I’m convinced. What can I do?
A:
- Be aware of and challenge sexism when you see it.
- Support women’s groups that are trying to make change. Pick a specific issue, find out what’s going on, and find out how you can help.
- On a political level, work to recruit, nominate and elect more female candidates.
- Most universities and many colleges have women’s centres. Great place to meet activists. As are women’s bookstores.
- Support your local rape crisis centre, women’s shelter, and family planning clinic.
- Network with others and reclaim feminism … it’s not a dirty word, after all.