Of the definitions of feminism presented in the readings/videos, the one that occurred most often was “Feminist: someone who believes in social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.” This definition came up in the TED talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She states that this is the first definition of feminism she encountered, when she was told by her childhood friend that she was a feminist. This definition is also brought up in Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg. She presents statists regarding this definition. She says that when women are asked if they are feminists, 24% say that they are, but when they are presented with the definition, the percent jumps to 65%. She says that our success lies in understanding what we are for and against, and not applying labels to ourselves. This same concept is presented in the article by Andi Zeisler, “The VMAs Cemented Feminism as Beyoncé 's Brand. What Comes Next?” The article talks about Bjork, another musician, who states that she does not consider herself a feminist because, she said, “I think it would isolate me.” Actress Melissa Leo stated “as soon as we start labeling and categorizing ourselves and others, that’s going to shut down the world.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in her TED talk, gives a second definition of feminism, one that she created and identifies with. This definition is “Feminist: a man or woman who says ‘yes there’s a problem with gender as it is today, and we must fix it, we
The textbook definition of feminism is “a doctrine that advocates equal rights for women” (WordNet, 2010). While this is correct, there is much more to it than that.
Feminism -” is the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.” It's a belief that man and woman have the same equal rights. I believe some people in a religious group againt feminist because they don't believe that a woman is over to a man. Like in a church don't allow woman to preach in a service. But in some degree, both man and woman are one when it comes to marriage relationship in raising kids or getting a job. Both have the equality to provide the needs of the family. This generation a woman almost can do the work of a man. For example: Truck driver, Nurses, Doctors, Business person,
I found the article “Feminism-A Movement to End Sexist Oppression” by Bell Hooks to be very interesting. The article discussed how there is not a concrete definition of feminism, so many women feel uncomfortable associating with the term. I believe that there should be a concrete definition for feminism, so that more people will support the movement because they have a clear understanding of what they are actually supporting. I have always thought of myself to be a feminist, however, I believe strongly in equal pay and equal opportunities. Many other feminists may disagree with my view and definition of feminism. Hooks states that “defining feminism as a movement to end sexist oppression is crucial for the development of theory because it is
Feminism has become an ugly word. Some say it does not even live up to its definition anymore. However, the definition remains unchanged in the pages of history. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary’s definition of Feminism reads, “The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” If one digs deep into this definition, beyond the surface of society’s view on feminism today, one can see that feminism would benefit both sexes. The true ideals of feminism break down gender roles, thus benefitting men, women and future generations.
To quote Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, an influential modern feminist, in her song ‘Flawless’ she defines a feminist as “a person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes”
Feminism, according to Merriam-Webster (2016) is defined as "the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men." Though this is the definition of the term,
What is feminism? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary the standard definition defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” I believe the word feminism means a woman who is capable of doing the exact things a man can do. Both men and women are equal regardless the gender. There are many misconceptions when it comes to the word feminism such as, women having hatred towards men, women thinking they're above men, or only women can be feminist, and the gender stereotype. On the other hand, feminism is gender equality, acknowledging that any kind of violence is unacceptable regardless the gender, and realizing that women and men are not the same and recognizing that gender and sex are
What does it mean to be a Feminist? Does it automatically mean you hate men or does it mean you're an activist for women's rights? Contrary to popular belief, feminism is not about establishing a superior gender. It is about fighting for equality and destroying the social, cultural and historical norms set upon women throughout the world. The Twenty-first century has brought change and growth to female empowerment. Although, in many parts of the world women are given the same rights as men, they are still treated and viewed inferior to men. G.I. Jane perfectly illustrates the struggle women have gone through, even when given “identical” opportunities as men.
Feminism has been defined as the advocacy of social equality for men and women, in opposition to patriarchy and sexism.
For the record, feminism by definition is: ‘the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.’ It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes. (Watson 1)
The definition of feminism is very elusive. Maybe because of its ever-changing historical meaning, it’s not for certain whether there is any coherence to the term feminism or if there is a definition that will live up to the movement’s variety of adherents and ideas. In the book “No Turning Back,” author Estelle Freedman gives an accurate four-part definition of the very active movement: “Feminism is a belief that women and men are inherently part of equal worth. Because most societies privilege men as a group, social movements are necessary to achieve equality between women and men, with the understanding that gender always intersects with other social hierarchies” (Freedman 7).
Feminists were once thought to be “hairy, ugly, man-hating, angry women” (Costello, 2014), but as times changed, the idea of who these feminists really are have changed. The connotation of feminism has changed because it was originally considered a dirty word, and something you did not want to be. Today with the help of celebrities, including Beyoncé, feminism is no longer dirty, and a lot of both females and males around the world identify as a feminist.
To admit or to label oneself as a feminist is to accept a whirlwind of judgment from those around you. It is without a doubt that the word “Feminism” or “Feminist” turns heads, and not necessarily for the right reasons. Many have resorted to mocking, disagreeing, and/or hating Feminism without even having a good grasp of what it is. The stigmas that feminists face are that they are radical, extremist, liberal, lesbians who hate men, refuse to shave and enjoy burning bras (Lee).Conversely, feminists are principally advocates for social justice and equality as well as aim for the establishment of equally divided power between the sexes. It is obvious that many are unaware of and uneducated on the misogynistic injustices plaguing our world and the toxic environment we all live in- both women and men. Feminism is a positive concept that works to eliminate injustices between both sexes and to establish the value of women, thus should be treated as such a concept instead of being a forbidden idea.
Adichie, stated, “We Should All Be Feminists.” What does feminist even mean? It means to advocate social, political legal, and economic rights for women. To be equal as men. By reading the book “why should we all be feminist,” Adichie had her own definition of a feminist, such as, “… there’s a problem with gender as it is today and we must fix it…” (Adichie 48) Women should know that women are not being treated fairly, as a human being. We should all be feminist to develop equal opportunities and stop
October 27, 2008 was the start of the best day of her life as she would soon to find out. Her younger sister named Shawneequa, 14 months, her younger brother named Vern, three years old, and of course Marion, she was only 5 years old. T’was the night when her mom and dad were consuming lots of alcohol with friends who she didn't even recognize, and she knows her mom and dad have a lot of friends. They were in a disagreement and murmuring about each other about who’s doing what and what was happening. There were lots screeching and chaos going on coming from our house. Her mom's aunt, who was a neighbor at the meantime, was getting very apprehensive and decided to call the police to come over and see what was happening. Then all of a sudden, she could hear the sirens get louder and louder as she saw them pulling up in the driveway. The blue and red lights were seeking through the curtains and reflecting off the mirror. Her brother and Marion were getting scared so we shut the curtains and my mom attempted to turn off all of the lights. After asking her mom’s aunt, my mom, and Marion a few questions and then shortly after apprehending her dad, the police told all the children to get outside and stay in this one spot on the cement by the driveway.