Feminism Questions! (for my university paper)

[Nanaho]

Hello everyone!

So, I recently started my first year of university and I'm taking a Women's and Gender Studies course. One of my assignments is to ask a few people of varying age/gender/sexuality/sex some questions about feminism (as if I'm interviewing them). So, then I had the brilliant idea of asking on this forum since I'm already a member of AVEN, and I already have answers from a heterosexual person and a bisexual person. So why not get a few opinions from my fellow aces! Here are my questions:

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

You don't need to feel pressured into writing out super formal answers, I just want your opinions. So feel free to have a discussion. Also, you will remain completely anonymous in my journal.

[Luftschlosseule]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

Internet. Because in my immediate surroundings feminism isn't really spoken about. When I talk with friends, we usually are relieved when the depressing personal stuff is through and we try to talk about positive things.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Feminism means human rights to all people regardless of gender.
So, of course I identify as a feminist, because I want every human being to have the same rights and be treated equally.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

Feminism gets wider spread, or so it feels. And ignored. I am able to vote, to help at votings as official person, I am able to go to university and decide on my own which subjects I want study. Also, for my studies it means... more diversity in this field. Example: I am studying archaeology in ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt and Mesopotamia. Textile findings are really rare, because they compost very well. But in Egypt we do have textiles. For a long time they were regarded as mere filling, were thrown away as trash, but since maybe 30 years textiles get studied. Antique clothing gets more important, make-up, day-to-day care, the role of women - things most male researchers needed persuation to see that it's interesting and worth looking into.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

Still relevant. Will ever be relevant, I hope, but there'll be issues anywhere, like today. Don't stop moving.

[God of the Forest]

Hello everyone!

So, I recently started my first year of university and I'm taking a Women's and Gender Studies course. One of my assignments is to ask a few people of varying age/gender/sexuality/sex some questions about feminism (as if I'm interviewing them). So, then I had the brilliant idea of asking on this forum since I'm already a member of AVEN, and I already have answers from a heterosexual person and a bisexual person. So why not get a few opinions from my fellow aces! Here are my questions:

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

You don't need to feel pressured into writing out super formal answers, I just want your opinions. So feel free to have a discussion. Also, you will remain completely anonymous in my journal.

First, my condolences on your choice of class to take

The first thing that comes to my mind when you say the word feminism is what feminism actually is; Feminism aims for equal rights and opportunities, but it also presupposes that it’s women who are being systematically oppressed by the patriarchy (which is horse shit)

Feminism means nothing to me as feminism is, again, horse shit. I will pull my trousers down in public and shit in a fountain before I ever Identify as a feminist

Feminism at this point in history is...hmm...horse shit, and I don't have high hopes for it in the future

I think we should always strive for equality, but not based on fiction which is the source of a lot of feminist arguments and no I don't think feminism is still relevant and I think it should be tarred and feathered and burned

[Starlit Sky]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

First thing to come to mind . . . feminism is the idea that women should be on the same level as men all around the world. That's the original idea, and I agree with that because women don't have equal rights all around the world (surely to God no one is going to say "horse shit" to that, right?), and although things are infinitely better here in the West than they were before, no, women are not totally equal. You can tell me all about how sexism doesn't exist in the West when you grow up hearing about how a woman can never be president because she's a woman and therefore would not able to think things through, like I did. You can tell me all about how sexism doesn't exist in the West when you're out-right told by your father that, because you're a girl, you're supposed to be a "specialist" in shopping, like I did. You can tell me all about how sexism doesn't exist in the West when you weren't told by your teacher that God would never choose a woman because "if she seen a burning bush all she'd pay attention to was the flames, and not realize that nothing was burning," like I did. You can tell me all about how sexism doesn't exist in the West when you grow up feeling ashamed of being a girl because you were both directly and indirectly told that you'd be better as a boy, like I did.

That being said, feminism isn't just about raising women's equality, nor do I want it to be. The first thing I'm thinking about, though, is equality. If feminism really and truly was just about women's rights, I wouldn't want to be a part of it. Over time feminists have chosen to try and focus on things other than women's issues. They tackle racism, struggles with LGBT+ members, how the patriarchy affects men in negative ways, how people who aren't wholly able-bodied are at such disadvantages, and so on and so forth. I stand with the feminists who recognize such issues.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Maybe I'm not sure what feminism means to me. Obviously I know the original focus, and obviously I know that, in today's time, most feminists don't focus solely on women's issues. I identify as a feminist because I found Everyday Feminism, which talks about the issues of sexual abuse, racism, issues of poverty, transgender issues, asexuality and aromanticism (as in, up to six pages of articles that either talk about aromance/asexuality or at least mention it), and so on. I'm aware that that's a weird reason, but it's true. With intersectional feminism, I don't feel like I "need" to focus on one sole aspect of the world (of course that's not what feminism is about to begin with, but the question is to do with me and how I relate to it, so that's what this is).

I think that answers all three questions. . . .

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

Hmm . . . like I've said, at the start of things the focus was by and large on women's equality, and in more recent times the focus has included more than that. I imagine in the future it will . . . probably still be called horse shit. I really don't have much hopes for people to realize that feminism isn't about a bunch of angry women bemoaning an imaginary patriarchy, and ignorant people, regardless of whether they're assholes or not, will continue to call it horse shit. Never mind all the good it's done in the past and the good it's doing now and the good it's going to continue to do (hopefully).

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

You can tell me all about how sexism doesn't exist in the West when you grow up hearing about how a woman can never be president because she's a woman and therefore would not able to think things through, like I did. You can tell me all about how sexism doesn't exist in the West when you're out-right told by your father that, because you're a girl, you're supposed to be a "specialist" in shopping, like I did. You can tell me all about how sexism doesn't exist in the West when you weren't told by your teacher that God would never choose a woman because "if she seen a burning bush all she'd pay attention to was the flames, and not realize that nothing was burning," like I did. You can tell me all about how sexism doesn't exist in the West when you grow up feeling ashamed of being a girl because you were both directly and indirectly told that you'd be better as a boy, like I did.

Things are definitely better than they were in previous generations--but no, things still aren't quiiiiiite where they need to be. If feminism was no longer relevant (in the West), then, at nineteen years old, I still wouldn't go through times where I feel like I'm not good enough because I don't have a penis between my legs. Aside from my own personal feelings and experiences, I--and anyone else--can bring up any number of studies that prove that women are still not treated like they should be. Those who want to turn their nose up and pretend that girls are treated the same as boys are usually the ones who are either ignorant about what goes on in reality, or want to tune out when women are actually talking about what bothers them. Oh, and plus the people who don't want women to have rights, period. They're out there, too.

[Yatogami]

Please note these are my opinions, and not up for debate in further posts from other users.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

The "Triggered" meme, and all of the radical feminists online. Why? Because that is everything I am exposed too. You don't normally see moderate feminists online, and if you do you probably searched them out.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Feminism is an organization advocating for woman's rights.

I am not a feminist. I personally do not see it very much as Egalitarian, but at the same time I do not purposefully look into it because of the majority of feminists tend to be radicalized and or intolerant. It really leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

At this point, I think it has gone too far in all the wrong directions. Feminism today lacks and proper direction and control of its own movement. It is practically chaos. They do not realize the consequences of their own actions, and end up regretting some in the long run. They fight over the stupidest shit, or for the stupidest shit I've ever seen. They tend to be ignorant of how the world works, draw false comparisons, have unrealistic expectations of and for men. They can be hypocritical and toxic. Then they claim they know everything, but are missing the core problems every time. I see feminism heading into a direction of oblivion/transformation in the future.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

I think it was achieved, and now they are just nit picking at this point. They have gone too far in my opinion. Everyone is unhappy now a days, and everything seems much worse off since the family structure dissolved and "alternative" lifestyles began to pop up.

[Confusion 0]

"What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?"

Man-hating. Because that's sadly what the loudest internet feminists seem to spew out.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

To me, feminism means trying to put women above men as the superior sex. I do not identify as a feminist, because the modern feminism movement does not want equality.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

I think feminism has entirely run its course, and needs to be replaced by a more helpful, meaningful movement that actually recognizes the struggles of everyone, not just women and black people.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

No, and I firmly believe full equality can never happen, since men and women are always going to be different. As I stated earlier, I think feminism needs to be replaced by a movement that focuses on all parties, not just the few it deems worthy enough.

[Blaiddmelyn]

Eh, why not...

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

Equality between men and women. Because I'm fairly sure that's what it means.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

It means equality between men and women to me. I identify as one in the sense that I believe equality between men and women is a good idea and am quite happy to tell people that. I identify this way because I've yet to hear a compelling argument that equality between men and women is not a good idea. If the concept was called meninism, I'd identify as a meninist. It just happens to be called feminism.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

It's made pretty good progress and is continuing to do so. I think it'll continue into the future, provided people don't assume radical feminists/man-hating feminists are what feminism is.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

No. There are some areas where men are more favoured than women, and vice versa, especially in societal expectations. Similarly, there are some areas where women are favoured over men. For example, traits that are prized in men are often derided in women in the same context (e.g. being assertive in business meetings), and women often have to act more "macho" to get far in these organisations. Men in the UK often do not feel able to take more than a couple of weeks' paternity leave (or shared parental leave) because they believe they'll be looked down. Traits that women are allowed to express are often derided in men (e.g. women generally feel more able to talk about their personal problems and be emotional with friends than men do). So, yes, feminism is still relevant - and it's important for everyone, not just women.

[fuzzipueo]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

To me, it's an attempt by women to make everyone aware of how women and men are treated by society, how popular culture is used to propagate the way women are often turned into objects for the male viewer, or otherwise are treated like weaklings. Popular culture also pushes how men ought to be manly all the time, never show weakness, never cry, or otherwise be seen as buffoons (as a male friend of mine pointed out about commercials featuring men a while back. I think his complaint is quite accurate.).

I admit, however, that while I do not agree completely with this view point, I do not think it is complete BS by a long shot. There is a certain amount of truth in the accusation that neither side is viewed or treated fairly. It's thanks to feminism I work in an office not only owned, but also operated almost completely, by women and I make a decent living because of that.

In the end, however, the true goals of feminism have been over whelmed by the more vocal of the extremists, which have had detrimental affects on the movement in more recent years.

What does feminism mean to you?

To me, feminism means very little, to be honest. Beyond the job thing, I really don't know that it's had as big an impact on my life as it has on others. The only time I've ever participated in what could be called a feminist discussion was the evening I spent with an older friend who pointed out that Darren's attempts to control and otherwise suppress Sam's witch powers (in the show Bewitched) was a form of male dominance and patriarchy - a view, which at that point, erm, nearly 20 years ago? I'd never encountered before. Years later, when I was rewatching the series, I came to the same conclusion as Endora (Sam's mother) that Darren or Durwood, as Endora was determined to call him, was a complete and utter buffoon and a real jerk to boot.

Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

No, I've never identified as a feminist, because, quite honestly, I just never understood why I should be involved. I do think everyone should be treated as equally as possible, that the best person for a job should be chosen regardless of gender/ethnicity/etc., and that the world would be a better place if we did treat everyone better on the whole.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

I think feminism should take a step back and reorient itself, reassess its goals, and decide which way it wants to go forward. There are still areas where feminism can make a difference (see the commercial comment above). I do think that not everyone will ever be happy with the state of things, no matter how many changes are achieved. Human nature being what it is, there will always be places where equality isn't a realistic outcome.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

No. If it had been, there would not be an attempt by the extreme right in the US to smash down women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies.

[CaptainYesterday]

[deleted]

[iff]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?
The main thing I come across feminism is here on AVEN when i think of feminism, it is the arguments on this forum that I think of where there is a very vocal anti-feminism users.


What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?
feminism is about gender equality. I've never identified as a feminist, but I do agree agree with a lot of what is said in feminism.


Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?
future will be about maintaining the achievements and hopefully full equality.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?
No, I don't feel it has been achieved and I also feel that it will always be needed and always be relevent because even if gender equality was achieved, there still needs work to maintain that achievement. An attitude of "Yay, we achieved equality, we can stop now" because work has to be done to consolidate the achievements and work has to be done for full equality, then more work to consolidate that full equality. there will always be a need for feminism because of this.
Nairo Quintana makes a great point here in talking about Colombia "But even if they're not as serious as in a lot of other countries, that shouldn't stop us from trying to get rid of them completely."
I think this applies for the western world too.

[DamianThomas]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

Equality. Because that's what it stands for.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

It means social, political and economic equality between genders. Of course. If you support equality that pretty much means you're a feminist.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

I see it as continuous, adapting to the challenges of the time as it always has.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

A lot of progress has been made, but no final achievement yet. Still work to do. The vitriol women face online is one of the most compelling signs of how badly feminism is still needed.

[Nanaho]

Woah, so many replies I'm so happy! Thanks everyone. I'm on my phone right now, but I'll definitely be continuing to watch this discussion.

[Nidwin]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

Questions. How does it come that the feminist movement had to be created/invented in the first place. Where did it all went wrong, back then.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Women fighting for the rights of women through history and still Today. Nope, as I would be a bad embassador for the feminist movement and it's best to leave it to women, policed by women if needed, to tell us what's still wrong Today and that needs a change.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

Fractioned and manipulated by some people with a non-feminist agenda. I hope the dudettes will be able to clean up the actual mess amongst the movement to get everything back on track.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

No and I'm not convinved that's the right path to follow, pushing for full equality among men and women the way it's being pushed Today. Some deep crap needs to be resolved asap, of course, but proper cooperation between all genders so the right folks at the right place are doing the right stuff, because they're better at it for natural or social reasons, is the way to go in my opinion.

Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

Yes and much needed, especially in our western countries, but the dudettes need to clean up the mess first, as I mentioned above.

I don't have faith in our actual patriarch societies, for humans, in the long run and I think it's a dead end. It's clear to me that women are in general (there are always exceptions of course) way more "gifted" on socio-political level than us, the dudes. For me it's an observed fact, both in private as professional life, that at some point will have to be reflected in society on a much higher level than it is Today in our western countries. The wandering crazy dicks have been in charge for so long, complete failure through history and still Today, so may be it's about time to have this properly fixed for once and for all.

[Amedot]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

A political ideology of equality between all sexes/gender. It's the origins / basis of feminism.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Liberation from patriarchy, for everyone. Yes. I believe the world would be a better place if people weren't discriminated against for their gender.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

With the internet, communication is rapid and largely uncensored, we are able to communicate with people all over the world and get an understanding on how their perception of the world works. I'm excited for the future

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

The fact this question asks if equality is between "men and women" shows that feminism is still relevant! There are more than two genders, and we have a long way to go. I don't think "true equality" will ever be a reality for absolutely every single human on this planet but I do think it's important to always try to make the world a better place.

[Finn.]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

Equal rights and opportunities for people of all genders, skin colors, sexualities, religions, abilities etc.

My opinions on this matter is hugely influenced by the internet, as no one in my life other than me identifies as a feminist, even if we share the same ideas.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

I identify as a feminist for a few years now. Before that I basically had the same attitudes (but I was less educated) but hesitated to call myself that. Feminism means fighting for equality, supporting minorities and educating myself on various topics. Feminism is intersectional and can be applied to every area of my life.

I learned lots about different perspectives, I'm learning lots in general. It made me more interested in politics.

Feminism helped me to see my own self worth, it helped me be more confident in who I am. To see the roots of problems and be self-critical. To know when to let others speak and how to be an ally.

Oh, I don't refer to myself as a feminist as often anymore, plenty of people stop listening just because of this term. If I leave it out of the discussion, people are much more willing to listen.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

Feminism is polarizing and it always has been. I think feminism in general is becoming more intersectional (though there are lots of feminist out there that aren't intersectional). Feminist ideas are becoming more popular, especially as more celebrities (and politicians) talk about it. More people seem to realize how important it is to let people speak for themselves (and have them be heard) and not speak over them. But sadly there seems to be a huge anti feminism movement.

I think lots of people misunderstand what feminism stands for, or critizise the term. We could also call it egalitarianism, but there is is a historical difference in meaning that shouldn't be disregarded. I also noticed that lots of anti feminist use the word egalitarian, and their attitudes certainly don't match feminist ideas, so there's also that. I personally think we should stick to the term feminism.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

Many people seem to think so, even women. But it's just not the reality. There are still so many stereotypes and prejudices in our society There's still inequality when it comes to job opportunities and wage, to only name two.

Feminism is definitely still relevant, as (at least for me) it isn't only about equality of men and women, see question 1.

I guess there it more to say but I'll leave it at that.

[MC Dusters]

Hello everyone!

So, I recently started my first year of university and I'm taking a Women's and Gender Studies course. One of my assignments is to ask a few people of varying age/gender/sexuality/sex some questions about feminism (as if I'm interviewing them). So, then I had the brilliant idea of asking on this forum since I'm already a member of AVEN, and I already have answers from a heterosexual person and a bisexual person. So why not get a few opinions from my fellow aces! Here are my questions:

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

You don't need to feel pressured into writing out super formal answers, I just want your opinions. So feel free to have a discussion. Also, you will remain completely anonymous in my journal.

Sex and power. Because the ppl who have power can decide whom they have sex with

Empowerment of women. No. I'm not a woman.

Some stuff is good, some is yet to come.

No. Feminism will always be relevant, due to biological differences.

[emma-can]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

Women, because most feminists are women and feminism is intended to improve the status of women in society.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

I do identify as a feminist.  To me feminism is a movement whose followers want to achieve equality between genders by removing "toxic masculinity" and its implications from society.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

It's definitely looked down on right now (though when hasn't it been).  I think it's becoming more inclusive; "intersectional feminism" is really important right now.  Feminists are recognizing that patriarchy and toxic masculinity affect POC, LGBT people, and religious minorities differently than white cishet Christian people.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

I guess men and women legally are more or less equal.  However, that doesn't mean women are treated equally in the West.  Feminism is still relevant in the West because men as a whole (and even some women) don't recognize that most aspects of society are still set up in men's favour.

[A mere monkey]

My opinions on feminism are rather controversial, but they are my opinions, so I am not trying to target anyone with it.

 

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

I just feel the need to be cautious.. I tend to take all that's under the label "feminism" with a grain of salt. Why? Because many issues feminists manifest against are either only half true (so they are pretty misguided in this ocasions) or just plain false. Not to mention that those feminist talks at schools happened to put men against women more than they educate us, so I personally haven't had a very pleasant experience.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

It doesn't really mean anything. It's just an excuse to ask for more than what women have at the expense of men. Of course, not everyone is like that and it has little repercussion on laws, but there are a couple of laws in my country that do favor women over men, and apparently bringing that up is sexist. I do NOT identify myself as a feminist, never will. I do believe in equality and all that, but the term feminism has been corrupted by those radicals, and it has become a joke of what it used to be. I don't have to identify as a feminist to be for equality, so it saves me from trouble. But well, I'm uncomfortable with labels in general anyway.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

Now? I'm not sure. The consequences of feminism are still obvious around the West. I think it will eventually move to other countries, like Iran and the like, but not anytime soon, but it's still a matter of time.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

As I said, not completely, since here a law or two favor women over men, but generally speaking, a woman and a man have pretty much equal chances, and feminism isn't really needed. There are still some social issues, but that's not something feminism can enforce anyway.

[-1=e^ipi]

On 9/24/2016 at 11:50 AM, Nanaho said:

Hello everyone!

So, I recently started my first year of university and I'm taking a Women's and Gender Studies course. One of my assignments is to ask a few people of varying age/gender/sexuality/sex some questions about feminism (as if I'm interviewing them). So, then I had the brilliant idea of asking on this forum since I'm already a member of AVEN, and I already have answers from a heterosexual person and a bisexual person. So why not get a few opinions from my fellow aces! Here are my questions:

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

You don't need to feel pressured into writing out super formal answers, I just want your opinions. So feel free to have a discussion. Also, you will remain completely anonymous in my journal.

 

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

People that don't support equality between men, women and non-binary people enough. Because otherwise they would identify as egalitarian instead of feminist.

 

What does feminism mean to you?

Feminism has many definitions and I recognize the large number of definitions. It can mean anything from egalitarianism to misandric hate ideology.

 

Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

No, because feminist is an inherently gendered term. It makes far more sense to use a gender-neutral term like egalitarianism. Also, egalitarianism has a clearer meaning than feminism. Not to mention you don't get associated with fascist bullies that try to censor people they disagree with on university campuses.

 

Where do you see feminism at this point in history?

It's reached a point where mainstream feminism causes more bad than good, especially on college campuses. It causes people to block other people from speaking at universities, it causes people to try to imprison other people for having a differing point of view as the recent case of Gregory Allen Eliot in Canada shows, it causes people to adopt extreme identitiarianism and treat people as part of a collective as opposed to individuals, it causes people to dismiss other people's arguments on the basis of their race/sex/sexuality/gender and it causes scapegoating of certain groups of people who have done nothing wrong.

 

What about the future?

I don't think it has much of a future, at least in the west. Although it will have a slow death that may take decades. I think we've reached the end of feminism with the 3rd wave in terms of it's development. In countries like Saudi Arabia, feminism does have a future. Egalitarianism and men's rights issues on the other hand do have a future in the west.

 

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West?

No, certainly not. Men do not have as many rights as women. Infant genital mutilation against females is illegal in western countries, but the same is not true for male genital mutilation. Genital mutilation without consent is wrong and should be banned. Men also do not have anywhere near as much reproductive rights as women. There should be a distinction between consent to have sex and consent to have children and the best way to do this would be to give men an opt out of parental responsibility option early on in the pregnancy if one did not consent to having children, such as what was recently suggested by the Youth Wing of the Swedish Liberal Party. The sexist bias in courts for child custody and domestic abuse is also something that needs to be addressed.

 

Beyond legal rights, equality can also mean equal value in society, and this clearly is something that is not reached. We see people bending over backwards for women's issues in western countries, which is why you see people exaggerate/misrepresent/lie about various statistics such as the 75% wage gap myth and various on-campus rape statistics such as the famous '1 in 4 women get raped on college campuses'. On the other hand we see the 6 year life expectancy gap, the 3:1 male:female suicide ratio, the fact that men make up ~97% of workplace deaths, the fact that men make up 90% of homeless people, the fact that women-specific cancers such as breast cancer get significantly more funding than male-specific cancers such as prostate cancer, etc. all get ignored.

[Joe the Stoic]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

Generally speaking, I think of modern-day feminists and their hyperliberal ideology.

 

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

"Feminism" to me is any set of ideas primarily concerned with advancing the interests of women.  Since advancing the interests of women is not a primary concern, I do not see myself as a feminist.

 

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

At this point, I see many feminists promoting petty goals and overlooking real problems in social justice.  Most work today and in the future will have to be in the third world, where women are frequently second-class citizens.

 

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

Politically, yes, it has been achieved.  Culturally, I would say it still leans toward favoring men.  I think men and women alike feed into that divide, though.  I think even modern-day feminists do that somewhat.

 

[Sally]

On 9/24/2016 at 0:31 PM, fuzzipueo said:

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

No. If it had been, there would not be an attempt by the extreme right in the US to smash down women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies.

Best answer yet.  

[loomborn]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

Gender equality by the destigmatization of feminity. That's what feminism essentially is. 

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

I identify as a feminist because I'm a woman and I'm affected by the oppression that means being a woman, so I have the capacity to empathize on a personal level with victims that are faced by it and fight to stop it. 

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

I hope there's a future in which we won't need feminism anymore, but right now there's still a lot to solve. 

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

A lot of things have been achieved, but no, equality is not one of them. Women still die because of what they are and for refusing to submission. They are still raped and abused because men feel entitled to violent their body. On the scientific field the feminine body is stigmatized and understudied, men are mocked for being feminine as it is a social sign of debility. We still have to fight for a fair treatment for trans women. In the media, the female body is hypersexualized and used as an object by capitalism. WOC are unprotected and alienated by the own movement. In mixed groups, discussions are still dominated by men. Men hold a overwhelmingly bigger acquisitive and political power than women. What I do or don't so with my body is still other people's bussiness. 

And that's just a few of issues that come to my mind right now. Of course feminism is still relevant. 

[AspieAce]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

 

It would take me a while to write this out would be better if I could just whatsapp you or call or whatever if you don't mind.

[Ayu]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

 

Misunderstanding. Because that is the main thing that has followed the movement since its conception.

 

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

 

The emancipation of women. I identify as a feminist because I am empathetic to the systematic burdens that women face for the sake of being women.

 

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

 

I think it's in a difficult period because it has lost a lot of credibility due to aggressive attacks by the media and people who just don't know better. Still, despite all the backlash, it has made a lot of progress in the past few years, and because of that I think the future looks bright.

 

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

 

No. Feminism will be relevant as long as the current system exists.

[modrad]

@Ayu said it well. The entire movement has been so tainted by willful misunderstanding and selective listening such that many people who would agree with statements such as "women face challenges for being women" and "gender roles are restrictive to all people" are loath to call themselves 'feminists' for fear of being ridiculed and seen as an extremist.

[CaptainYesterday]

[deleted]

[modrad]

Hearing only the people who proclaim "I hate men" is. It isn't the most popular opinion, but it is the easiest one to deride.

[CaptainYesterday]

[deleted]

[Chris.]

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word "feminism"? Why?

Internet. That's where I learned about feminism.

What does feminism mean to you? Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

Feminism means wanting men and women to be equal in rights and duties. It is fighting for the basic human right of being recognized as a person just as worthy as a man. So yeah, of course I'm a feminist.

Where do you see feminism at this point in history? What about the future?

A long fight has already been fought, and there are many victories. But there is still discrimination based on gender, there are still men who think there is nothing wrong with raping or beating women, there are still places in the world where women are second class citizens, so the fight is not done.

Do you think equality among men and women has been achieved at least in the West? Or, do you think feminism is still relevant?

Just listen to what the president elect of the USA says about women. "Grab her by the p*ssy" should be answer enough.