When you think of feminism, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it women wearing suits who are man-haters or ball-busters? How about women marching on the streets burning bras? Or even women who hate family or refuse to shave? This is what a lot of people think of when someone says “I’m a feminist.” Because of these images a lot of people tend to say, “I’m not a feminist but…” or “I don’t like using the term ‘feminist.’” Modern feminists should not be afraid of being judged because they identify as Feminist. We need to redefine the term feminist.
These old stereotypes of feminism come from the feminists of the 1960’s, 70’s and even the 80’s, but these stereotypes do not reflect the feminists of the 21st century. What feminist women of the current era want is not simply creating equal job opportunities for both men and women; there is so much more to it than just that. We have gained a lot from the feminist women who have come before us and we need to cherish and acknowledge the gains that they fought for us to have, but there are new battles that need to be fought. We need to continue to show young girls what women can do by example: with women as CEOs, presidents of companies, and politicians along with anything and everything a young girl could hope to be when she grows up.
Along with teaching by example, there are a lot of other issues that are considered feminist issues. Issues like immigration, poverty, and health care are all feminist issues because they all affect women. Feminism is about equality for women but also about being connected as women around the country and even around the globe. Feminism is no longer about upper class white women or about women wanting to gain equality in job status. It is about gathering as women united together. We are all connected and need to learn to help each other to rise up and not bring each other down. This is the feminism of the 21st Century; this is the kind of feminism that I mean when I call myself a feminist!
It is important that our new generation stands up and takes back the term feminist and claim it as a positive term and not something to be looked down upon or something solely for radical women. Feminism is for all women all around the world. There is no need for separation based upon race, class, or sexual orientation. WE are all women united by our common sisterhood.
So let’s stand up as women united together and help each other succeed in any and all endeavors that excite us!
Now I would like to introduce myself. My name is Lindsay O’Keefe and I am currently a junior here at St. Olaf. I am double majoring (as a lot of us here at St. Olaf do) in History and Sociology/Anthropology, and to top it off I also have a Women and Gender Studies concentration. I am a feminist and am really passionate about issues concerning women and gender. I hope that through this blog I can help to redefine what feminism is and shed light on gender issues both on campus and throughout the world. I chose to name this blog Sto Mystique because in 1963 a book entitled The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan was presented to the world. This book was revolutionary for many and kicked off the feminist movement. Even though I want to redefine feminism for the modern age, I still think it is important to acknowledge and understand our roots, thus the name Sto Mystique.
Feminist quote of the week: “You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” ― Brigham Young