Poll: Are you a feminist?

[sqbr]

So, I've always had a certain amount of interest in women's rights, but always felt a bit put off by feminism for reasons I couldn't articulate. I eventually decided to dig a bit and either get over it or figure out what the problem was. In the process I've become convinced of two things:
(a) I am a feminist, and feminism still has a lot of important work left to do
(b) There are a bunch of things I don't really like about the feminist movement as it actually works

And I got curious about you guys experiences and identities.


If you're not sure what the definition of "feminist" is, well... afaict there isn't a completely agreed upon one, but here's a bunch, afaict the consensus is along the lines of "Thinking society deals with gender in a way that, on balance, harms women, and that this should be corrected".

[Poll #1169959]

I'm especially interested in women who don't identify as feminist: do you have an issue with feminism, or do you think it's ok but just don't see any particular need to identify yourself that way? Other people's povs (including mens!) are also welcome, though.

And yes, vegetus, this does give you leave to rant a bit :) Though I would remind everyone to be civil, openminded, and tolerant. Keep in mind that we have some very different POVs here, any one of which will probably strike at least one person as Wrong And Dumb. Please take any narky arguments outside and try not to start any!

As for myself, well, you can see my (mixed) opinions on this lj. ithiliana's post Racism Imbroglios, White Feminist Bloggers, RWOC, and deja vu inspired me to make this poll, I particularly liked the line:

Within feminist discourse sisterhood became simultaneously an unquestioned assumption, an unexamined bond, and a mode of controlling behavior and containing difference.

Comments

[edible-hat.livejournal.com]

And their opponents seize on the extremism and pretend that's all there is.

It is true in a few cases. For example, all terrorists are crazy extremists.

But not all vegetarians are crazy extremists, just the small minority (eg the ones that send razor blades to staff at universities which conduct animal experiments).

Also, all extremists are cowards. Terrorists kill themselves rather than face punishment. Animal rights nutters pick on old ladies in fur but not bikers in leather.

Re: It says "none of the above", not "none" :)

[alias_sqbr]

Also, all extremists are cowards. Terrorists kill themselves rather than face punishment. Animal rights nutters pick on old ladies in fur but not bikers in leather.

I'm sure I've encountered some brave extremists, I think it's just that most people are cowards, and extremists are no exception.

Though I guess you could say extremism stems from a fear of compromise, complexity, and uncertainty.

[vegetus.livejournal.com]

Hey I pick on anyone waring a skin that is not their own... though I'm unlikely to throw red paint at bikers or old ladies.

And most of the AR nutters I know do disagree with fur and leather equally.