Recently in Feminists & Feminism Category

Some believe that feminism isn't relevant any more in the U.S., but one woman's investigation into the current state of feminism in the U.S. demonstrates that there's still much work to be done. She browses the feminist blogosphere to find that racist, sexist, and homophobic attitudes are being expressed by progressive feminist bloggers. Her reading of blog snippets and comments left on the feminist blogs reveal that feminism isn't the great equalizer.

Not only are men and women not created equal, not all women are created equal. There's a pecking order among women depending on race, color, and class. Feminsm has come a long way, but it still has ways to go. We can all determine its direction by contributing in a positive manner, by being mindful of the impact of our written words and actions.

Feminism means different things to different people. It's about self-actualization, empowerment, and equality. Stephen Colbert features one woman, Johnna Mink, who teaches other women to feel empowered and sexy through pole dancing. Some may not feel that pole dancing is feminist, but it really depends on what it means to the women performing it.

For us to be in charge of our sexuality and our relationship to our bodies are some of the most important components of female liberation. If it takes Johnna Mink to teach us to own our sexuality and sexual power, then she's made a difference in redefining and advancing feminism and its values moving forward. Pole dancing is simply an expression of the most fundamental element of being sexually female.

If we've got it, own it!

Has feminism gone too far? Has feminism done its job too well? Has it crippled America's competitive edge? What are the dangers of having a feminized country when other countries are less concerned with feminist issues?

Bill Maher shares his viewpoint on how feminism has taken over America. He starts by clarifying that "it's not anti-woman just to talk about woman." He points out how far feminized America has become. "Sensitivity is more important than truth. Feelings are more important than facts. Commitment is more important than individuality. Children are more important than people. Safety is more important than fun." Maher is outspoken and controversial. Whether we love or hate him, it's refreshing and important to hear to the other side of the argument - the less feminized and feminist one.

For award-winning journalist, Tracy Wood, who is known for her tough investigative reporting, landing the job of editor of the 30-year-old Ms. Magazine is a dream come true. She covered the Vietnam war and was recently published in "War Torn: Stories of War from the Women Reporters Who Covered Vietnam". She was hired by Ms. to give it a newsier edge. Read more.

Jill Nelson, an Afrian American woman, discusses how women of color hesitate to call themselves feminists to avoid discovery and marginalization by men and women in their communities. Ultimately, labels don't matter in Jill's opinion. It all comes down to women's actions. Read more.

Bell Hooks writes poignantly about the prevalence of adultery in the South, the betrayal by men of their marriages. She expresses her disturbance in the silent societal acceptance of this betrayal, the shattering of hearts by lies and secrets. Bell Hooks challenges the code of silence when she becomes the other woman. She insists on being honest when other women want to live in denial. Through it all, Hooks concludes that to choose love and live honest is far more courageous and worthwhile. This is a worthwhile, insightful piece to read. Read more.