I posted an article on my personal blog recently that received feedback in the comments section. It questioned my definition of feminism as “simplistic.” I had cribbed mine from Merriam-Webster and Google:
Feminism (n): advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.
“Of course I used a simple definition,” I wanted to argue. “No one will understand me if it’s complicated. You have to crawl before you can walk.”
I thought for awhile about how best to respond. I thought for awhile about why I believe in the power of simple definitions. I thought for awhile about how the word “feminism” has a really bad reputation, and about how a major source of negative stereotypes seems to stem from a lack of understanding about the meaning of the word.
And then, I drew some pictures.
… OK, I drew some admittedly terrible pictures. Using that old standby of artists’ mediums, the paintbrush tool on Microsoft Paint. (Hey, I only said I was a blogger. I never claimed to be an artist).
I don’t know that much. Frankly, I’m not sure if I even got it right. I’m not a feminist scholar. I’m just a blogger who cares.
But it is a start. A definition is a very good place to start.
I hope it will help.
This article was originally published on Huffington Post and has been republished with full permission.
Top Comments
Feminism means that as I woman I can do/ be anything that I want without society saying that I can or can't. For example I can be a stay at home mum and be a feminist, because I chose to do that, society didn't force me into that role.
I'm one of those annoying sour puss peeps that don't state that their a feminist. WHY? I'm still yet to be convinced as to why I require this label. I believe in equality, isn't that enough? Equality doesn't equal feminism I just don't feel the two terms are interchangeable. I strive for equality in regards to all spectrums, ageism in the workplace, religious equality and respect, female representation in government, paternal leave, disabilty representation in popular mediums etc I find feminism covers one aspect whereas simply siding on the side of equality allows me the flexibility to stretch my outreach of compassion.