ASHLYEE HICKMAN
Living Editor
Angry, man-hating women who, by the way, hate men— in a game of Catch Phrase to some this obviously serves as the description of one word. Feminist.
For today’s society feminism does not have many pleasant associations. Dubbed as the new “F” word, it seems as if feminism breeds social pariahs rather than perpetuators of social justice.
“Feminism lasted for a nano-second but the backlash has lasted 40 years,” wrote Maureen Dowd in her book, “Are Men Necessary?”
Contributions to the backlash are the ideas associated with feminism. “The two stereotypes I hear from my students are that they hate men or are lesbians,” said Dr. Lee Ann Carroll, director of Pepperdine’s Women’s Studies program.
Though the philosophy can be traced back to the 1800s— when women banded together for the right to vote— the events of the 1960s and 70s are more commonly referenced. In this time of “radical” feminism one of the most recognized leaders of the movement is Gloria Steinem.
In 1970, a writer from The Washington Post described her as a “New York writer, glamour girl of the New Left.” Steinem was among the many who spoke out and fought for women’s rights and promoted feminist ideals.
Now, the term and institution have been rehashed, which some say has hurt the movement.
In the early 1990s radio personality Rush Limbaugh made the name “feminazi,” a household name, encouraging the man-hating, baby killing caricature of feminism.
“There’s stigma attached to any progressive movement,” said Dr. David Holmes, a professor of the Social Action and Justice Colloquium.
Throughout history deviants from the mainstream have been demonized. Holmes cited the fact that in the ‘20s and ‘30s the labor movements were associated with Communism.
“The same can be said for the civil rights movement in the 40s, 50s and 60s. Martin Luther King was not initially embraced, not even by some conservative blacks,” he said.
Though icons of the progressive movements such as King are lauded as heroes, many feminist leaders are rejected from the canon of U.S. history.
Feminism has become a taboo or faux paus in the United States. Many agree that the media are a large part in the reason.
“There’s a whole spectrum [of feminism], but the media has the tendency to report feminist action that is either extreme or relatively silly. It doesn’t report the ongoing day-to-day groups that are inspired by feminist ideals,” Carroll said.
Reports of bra-burnings and extreme pro-choice protesters reinforce the angry stereotype that has become a part of society’s mindset.
Junior Kalle Akers said the media have a hand in how the public views other values as well.
“It’s the same reason why some people shirk back at the name ‘Christian,’ because there’s a small group of people who are the loudest,” she said.
When presenting feminist perspectives during class debates, junior Stevie Seibert said they were often ignored.
“People don’t engage conversation on such topics as the inherent patriarchy within our societal interactions,” she wrote in an e-mail.
Some believe this occurred because of the associations with the institution. Junior Bryn Baker said people just have the definition all wrong.
“I get frustrated when people talk about feminism being masculinity,” Baker said. “Feminism is finding the strength in being a woman.”
At the same time, some do believe that groups of feminists haven’t been doing what is necessary to promote them in a more positive light.
“I think in some ways it has gone too far,” said senior Erin Bundra, who is creating a documentary on social justice.
“It has gone in the direction of women being able to do everything, but at the same time we are men and women; we have differences,” Bundra said.
Because of these differences men and women have Bundra said the situation would be better if people appreciated the differences, adding that “I think equality is different than sameness.”
Balance can be achieved in the battle of feminism versus femininity. Students say it is possible to have both. “I think women should embrace their femininity but still strive for equality,” said junior Amanda Leahy.
Sophomore Matt Klein offers that part of what is irksome of the institution is simply the name. “People who say they’re feminists rather than equal rights activists just annoy me,” he said.
The name itself opens up Pandora’s Box because the nature of the English language. Holmes pointed out that students should be careful when they evaluate institutions such as these because, “The problem with English is that most terms are loaded. There are hypersensitive extremes that are arranged under the banner of political correctness.”
Not everyone says feminism is a scary word. Senior Dougie Mann said feminism is has a positive connotation and should not be attacked.
“I feel that feminism is something that should not be judged. It is simply pride. It is like saying a female’s personal pride and satisfaction is different than a man’s. Well its not, it is the same thing.”
To remove the stigma that is so often associated with feminism no matter where the source lies is getting acquainted with its ideas. “Education is key,” said Dr. Maire Mullins, the chair of the Humanities Division. She said that when people realize that feminism is merely a branch of human rights, then they would not have the cause to be so resistant.
“The most basic premise of feminism is gender equality: equal opportunity, equal life chances, equal justice for girls and boys, men and women,” Carroll said.
Carroll emphasized gender equality; she said this is more inclusive of everyone. There can be benefits to men and women working together rather than claiming supremacy over one another, she said.
“In some ways you can say gender equality would make all of our lives better,” said Carroll, adding that when men have an equal role in the home and in raising children some have felt closer to their children.
Others scoff at the idea because they do not feel it’s their place, “Anytime you ask people to give up a privilege you are going to have a backlash,” she said.
Feminism has become a part of a larger agenda— the promotion of human rights.
Because the broader implications of the feminist mission for humanity Carroll said, “Frankly I don’t understand why young women wouldn’t want to be feminists.”
To get educated on the topic students can take interest in the Women’s Studies classes that are offered on campus. Even students who do not share the same sentiments can benefit from the marketplace of ideas.
When learning more about the topic Mullins said students may be surprised of their findings: “Most students would not know that they’re feminists but they are.”
Submitted 02-22-2007