This week in my women’s issues class we are discussing feminism and the various meanings associated with the word. I would just like to take the time here to let people know that I am not one to get caught up on words. I mean really, words are just words, what they truly mean and how they can help or hinder is the way you interpret them. If you are one who believes the word feminism means you hate men, then you know if you believe that or not and from there you can decide if the word fits you. But this is where you have to be careful because there are usually numerous definitions in your head for every word you have ever spoken. Take my advice here and if you hear a word you have not heard before, do not just Google or Wikipedia it; you must define every word with various sources of information, only in the way can you truly know what a word means to you. I attend a weekly meeting that closes with the words “take what you like and leave the rest”; I try to apply this to my life daily. I realize I have gotten away from the subject of feminism, yet I felt it important for you to know more of me before I gave you my interpretation.
Personally, I have never been called a feminist. Frankly though I would not care because there are elements in the readings that I have been going through that make me realize that I am a feminist in several ways if this is the label you choose to give me. I believe in equal rights for everyone, not just women. I believe in equality for all women, children, men and whatever other labeled genders and species we have roaming our land. I am grateful for all the women in history who have given their life’s work in order for me to be where I am today.
September 3, 2009 at 8:09 pm |
I too did not believe I was a feminist until reading the true definition and the recent articles provided to the class and in the book. I have been asking random people I know if they believe they are feminist and why. The answers has been “no” on numerous occasions, and reason is because they believe they are not radical like feminist. It makes me laugh, how little we know about a word. I believe this means that word should either change, or in some way everyone should be explained the true definition.
September 8, 2009 at 10:50 pm |
“you must define every word with various sources of information, only in the way can you truly know what a word means to you.”
More people should follow this advice – defining their own interpretation of reality.