Well, you can put us down in the "Hell yeah" category. In fact, feminism was what prompted us to found our magazine -- we discovered that boutique journals (where women and minorities were often published for the first time) were shutting down, possible casualties of the corporate bookstore. Without these journals, we thought it would be harder for non-mainstream folks to make it in publishing, so we founded Fringe and did a Feminism Issue. Now we blog about feminism too.

In a certain way, it would seem more appropriate to say that feminism is really humanism -- that it is simply striving to secure human rights for women, but the word "humanism" has the disadvantage of being rather non-specific. Also, we wonder if the singularity of the noun, "feminism," can turn people off, make it seem like there is one party line to tow, when in fact there are as many different feminisms as there are different women.

I was raised by a feminist, and absolutely consider myself to be a feminist, too. My husband is also a feminist, and he is proud to advocate for his daughters.

I've never understood why people would shy away from that label. It completely befuddles me. Maybe because I went to a formerly-all-women college (60/40 when I attended), and grew up in Liberal New England?

Rachel - a Gaggle of girls and sites
blog, recipes, and book reviews

What a great topic! I find it disheartening that you consider the "women's movement to be a mess and stuck in the past". I think it's progressing as a new generation of leaders, like Valenti and others, move into the forefront and restructure (modernize) the message. The lack of embracing technology is the biggest "mess" I see with the women's movement - as it presents many unforeseen challenges and opportunities.

I'm a feminist and proud. The inclusion of women of color especially by the Feminist Majority Foundation and NOW has broken down a large part of the racial barrier. I love being labeled a feminist but hate the negative connotation often associated with it. I self identify as a feminist and am very vocal about it, as it helps to redefine public opinion when people see I'm not angry, not a lesbian, and my bra is not ablaze.

As with most progressive concepts - it's easier to make people think negative thoughts to avoid an overwhelming demand for change. To believe feminists are angry, the poor are lazy, homosexuals are corrupting society...the list goes on and on...is much easier than addressing the issues. To truly self identify as a feminist requires learning more than what mainstream media tells you.

Rochelle Robinson
http://www.rochellerobinson.com
Well-behaved women rarely make history

I would say that I'm liberal (but that's a bad word now too), and I am also a Feminist. However, I more than likely wouldn't use either of those words to describe myself if asked. When asked I describe my beliefs and my views...but I try not to "label" myself...too many people already do that for me...and usually not in a nice way.

Interesting post. Thanks for the question...it's really something to think about.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
also at Women 4 Hope and CatherineBlogs.com

If you're talking about bright online sparks in feminism, don't forget about bloggers like brownfemipower of Women of Color Blog, Donna of The Silence of our Friends, Sylvia at the Anti-Essentialist Conundrum, Fabulosa Mujer, and The Primary Contradiction. I don't know for certain that they would all label themselves as feminist, so I don't want to label them. However, they are all dynamic, engaged women working for social justice online and offline.
__

Flooded Lizard Kingdom
All Access Blogging
Heroine Content

Hey Morra,

I have a book coming out on this exact topic:

"Chickonomics®: An Overview of How Powerful We Chicks Have Become in Society, Business and the Economy…But Are We Backsliding?"

The debate about how forward OR backwards we're going has really heated-up with all the latest news of certain legislation being threatened (Title IX, Roe v Wade, etc.). And, as you mentioned, a majority of women don't like the term "feminist" so that has older GenXer's and Boomers paranoid that the "fight" has stalled. Plus, Mommy Wars have ignited, less than 15 Fortune 500 companies have female Presidents, etc.

Regarding feminism: My personal opinion is that if you believe in equal rights for women, you're a feminist. Period. That's why even Rachel's husband (mentioned in an earlier post) can be considered a feminist.

I don't care what you (not you personally) call yourself as long as you do something to improve the lives of women, in small ways or big ways. Burn your bra, don't burn your bra, I don't care. But if you do, just remember to take it off first.

Chicks of all ages just need to do something to empower other women. That can range from running for Congress, mentoring young girls in your city/town, or supporting a co-worker to leave an abusive husband. That's the foundation (of what I call) Chickonomics.

Each generation of chicks since the women's rights movement was founded (in 1848!) has contributed to the power and growth of Chickonomics. They have all just done it differently. I even have an entire chapter dedicated to the Millennial Chicks who are the next generation of women that will be responsible for women's rights (they are now starting to hit their mid-20's). Will they help or hinder the progress?

It's all very interesting...women are becoming very divided on this topic (some think we're kicking ass and others think we're backsliding). I'll send you (Morra) my book when it's published (no charge to you) and you can see what you think after you read it.

I don't mean for this post to be an infomercial for my book. It's not even available to buy yet. It's just that your topic is totally in line with what I have been writing about on nights and weekends for the past 6 months.

Keep up the good work!

Cheers to Chicks!
Lisa

Lisa Orrell
Chief Chick of Chickonomics
Chickonomics Blog & Podcast at:
www.Chickonomics.com

Thanks Lisa- I'd love to read the book. I'm curious: why chicks? Isn't that a diminutive term (Speaking of "f-words" and the like...)

I totally respect reclaiming the word "chick".

I do consider myself a feminist, although I didn't used to. I have been accused of not being a good enough feminist. I think that has everything to do with the fact that my views are practical, and try to focus on issues we can actually do something about.

I think part of the problem with feminism as seen by many somewhat feminist-leaning people of both genders is that some of us are, alas, feminazis. I'm not a man hater; I'm not a bra burner (I have too much to hold up thank you); I think there is such a thing as a sexy but comfortable shoe; I don't see any reason why I should not dress attractively; I don't think porn is evil, as long as the participants are freely consenting adults; I don't see everything as a scheme of the patriarchy to Keep Me Down; I think at least half of modern, Western society sexism is just plain not thinking things through.

However, there are people -- maybe even people who are reading this comment -- who disagree with me on every point. Fine! Let's disagree, but don't you dare say I'm not a feminist because I don't conform to your ideas of what a feminist should be, b****. If I don't have to think a certain way just because a man told me to, then I sure as heck don't have to think a certain way because a woman said to. The kind of person who says "You aren't a feminist unless..." is the root cause of others saying "I'm not a feminist but...."

how excited was I when my babysitter showed up sporting a t-shirt
that said "this is what a feminist looks like"
I felt at peace leaving my children with her!

http://notthatidontlovemykids.blogspot.com
tales of a two-time, tubes-tied mom
(when the novelty of parenting starts to wear thin.......)

No equivocation here. I am always proud to say I am a feminist. And in case there's any question, I even took the "test" (check out my post today at my site!).

Regardless of our beliefs, I think women should ultimately support each other and not tear each other down. Unfortunately, I've seen that very behavior from one of the aforementioned "sparks." It contributes to the root of the negative connotations. If wanting equal treatment and a level playing field for all makes me a feminist, then so be it. As far as evangelicals, I personally dislike the term as it conjures up self-serving, regurgitated doctrine in my mind. I don't identify with it.

Dana
Mamalogues.com
In the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Pop Mama
Since Eve

I have my own company, I have my own property, I vote, I have my university degree, I have my own mind; of course I'm a feminist.

I remember at university having discussions about books like "The Beauty Myth" and many of the men felt threaten by it so we had an assignment of looking at the media, what stories were coming out with what views and who they were written by. Disappointingly it was the male journalists who were coming out with tripe about the harm of the feminist backlash and that feminism was about setting women against women and blaming all men as bad.

What we found from studying the articles from the leading national magazines and newspapers over a series of months was there was an attempt to set the message that feminism was a dirty word, equality is fine but having equal representation in government and business wouldn't happen because women didn't want it.

And this all at a time when more than 50% of university students were women studying for their careers, not attending university to find a hubby at the tender age of 20.

For me in my naivety I couldn't understand why what feminism stood for could be perceived as dirty, until it was explained to me that equality threaten the status quo. It would challenge sexual harressment, it would mean women are a powerful political body by taking control of their voting rights, that there would be more competition for business and government roles, that it would bring change and that change is threatening to many people.

I was studying journalism so taking care to explore who was writing what and why was part of my coming of age and getting of wisedom. I learned that I have control over the language in my life and that if I let others make a mockery of my natural rights and the collective noun for them then I was being played a fool and I didn't want that.

I wouldn't be able to live the honest and happy life I lead if it wasn't for the 4 - 5 waves of feminism and the efforts of the women and men over the last 130 years. Without their efforts I wouldn't have my education, I wouldn't have my business, I wouldn't have my emotionally healthy family, I wouldn't have the home I have.

Yes, I'm a feminist. I am a woman. Of course I'm a feminist. I own the meaning of the term, I have not surrendered it to fearful controllers. I celebrate the joy in feminism and the womanly traits it brings out in me.

I love it that babysitters are wearing t-shirts saying they are feminists. This gives me hope.

Well done for getting this thread going.

Cheers
Belinda

Come check out my beautiful business: Creatively Belle Jewelry

and to bring joy we have a Change of Season Sale On Now

This post, Feminism used to be a dirty word to me by Vicious Rumours, still chokes me up, months after she wrote it. Quick excerpt:

"Feminism" used to be a dirty word to me. Something to be snorted at and used as a vulgar epithet. Now I'm beginning to see that being a "feminist" isn't really all that different from being a "humanist". Interacting with these women has helped erase some long held and preconceived notions I've been carrying around.

Thanks Morra!

Suzanne, BlogHer Contributing Editor - Feminism & Gender
Campaign for Unshaved Snatch (CUSS)& Other Rants

I would identify myself as a feminist before I would claim to be a democrat! Although I might be more accurate defined as a humanist since I believe that gender is irrelevant in matters of fairness and equality.

However I think I would use that term before humanist just to fly in the face of close minded conservatives who refuse to engage in meaningful debate and compromise (and thus progress).

Jim Heivilin

I think of myself as feminist sometimes, but it seems the definition is different for every woman.

I had a woman tell me I couldn't be a feminist because of my political views and so I don't know anymore. I asked this woman if there was a feminist mold I had to fit into and even she couldn't answer that question.

I believe that women deserve equal rights.

I also wonder how many interpretations of feminism there are? And how did the word become negative?

Dana from The Dana Files.

Creatively Belle, you have re-cast feminism for me into something (ahem) Fair and Balance. You write:

I have my own company, I have my own property, I vote, I have my university degree, I have my own mind; of course I'm a feminist.

Rock on!

Thanks Morra.

But 100 years ago I would have had an uphill fight to have a company, have property, vote, get a degree, and speak my own mind. These are all rights that it is a privelege to have.

I think there are probably as many definitions of feminism as there are women and men.

For me it is choice and freedom.

I've only heard people that I thought were prats say that feminism is a bad thing - usually someone who is scared by the thought of change towards equality, choice and freedom because it would challenge their mediocracy.

For me equality is part of the process of freedom and choice, so it is only part of the deal.

We might be moving towards equality in the workforce but feminism is also about the freedom to choose lifestyle? The lifestyle I choose is different to what you choose but I have the right and privelege to make that choice.

Lifestyle is education, property, voting, thinking, participating, children.

If you want feminism to be a dirty word it will be. If you want it to be a joyous word it will be. You choose whatever it means to you.

Smiles
Belinda

Creatively Belle - Great Gift Ideas with our Jewelry Display Stands

Check out the Creatively Belle Blog

I don't think that saying you believe in equal rights is the only qualification of feminist thought. I think 'feminist' works as an adjective, but not as a noun.

I don't think feminism is whatever any particular liberal-minded person decides for themselves it is.

I don't think women amassing material wealth = feminism.

I think that feminism is the struggle against sexist oppression. I think that an advocate of feminism is most effective when they recognize that sexism is intimately tied to other forms of oppression, including racism and classism. I think that if you support capitalist oppression, or any other forms of oppression (intentionally or otherwise), then you're not supporting feminism responsibly or effectively.

I don't think feminism is the same as being a woman and doing whatever you want.

Some liberal-minded people are advocates of feminism, some not. I think much of the problem surrounding the word 'feminist' is that people have gotten into the habit of defining it for themselves without being accountable to any central ideas at all. If it means anything to anyone, then essentially, it means very little. If that's how people see it, then why should they take feminism seriously?

I try to infuse feminism (i.e. the struggle against sexist oppression) into my life everyday.

Atena

Assumptions, Biases & Irrational Fantasies

My Life As a Radical Whore/Madonna

Feminism to me, has an all or nothing connotation and perhaps that's where the "but" is coming in. It's our nature to be inclusive and to label ourselves as feminists perhaps makes women feel uninclusive. (it makes me feel that way) When men say it, they are extending their reach. When women say it, it takes on a one sided feeling.

The great difference between 1970 and now is that now every consumer product is doing it's best to market to women. That means that women's values are being honored and included in their messages, i.e. DOVE's success. We don't have to be as political anymore to affect change, we can do it by letting the markets know what pleases us and then letting the markets pay to change the image of women. The Super Bowl went from a wardrobe malfunction to practically Disney in less than three years because of this.

I have dealt with the sneers and the jeers when claiming my belief in feminism. I have even evoked shock in some, "gee, you don't seem like a feminist." I think that its important to own our feminism so everyone knows that there are many different faces of feminism. And although I think its important to have some core values associated with being feminist, as long as individuals can claim their power under your view of feminism, then so-be-it.

I think as feminists we sometimes need to spend more time listening to other women. It seems to me that sometimes the "movement" of feminism drowns out the voices of women...and that to me is NOT what feminism is about. Even if (perhaps especially if) I don't like what another woman is saying, its important to be open, to listen and to respond with respect. Otherwise, we are not really upholding the foundation of our beliefs - that all women should have access to equality. I'm certainly not saying we have to like or endorse what other women say. I think repectfully disagreeing, open discussion and engagement of controversy is an important skill that many lack in today's society of dog-eat-dog, right v. left, conservative v. liberal, no middle ground politics.

So, I don't agree with everyone who posted on here, but I certainly can see their points, I can engage their arguments and in the end, I may have to respectfully disagree. But, I think they should be empowered to say and believe what they want to say and believe.
I think we are all smart enough to figure out what it is we believe and why - the question I have is are we aware enough, open enough and respectful enough to have all the information we need to make that decision? That to me is a big source of the problem. Someone mentioned it above - there are too many who are not engaged, who don't have any information other than the 8 second soundbites they get from network news (if that), but they can not escape having to make life decisions. So, if using the term "chick" is more likely to engage people and educate them on something they would not otherwise know, than I say go for it!

Sue Peterson
"Make sure you have finished speaking before your audience has finished listening."
--Dorothy Sarnoff

http://www.meliorist.wordpress.com
http://www.bk2nocal.wordpress.com