Defining Feminism, Femininity, Female

A working definition for feminism is the concern for gender equality. A feminist works towards equality, protection of women's rights and fair treatment throughout society. The Stanford Encyclopedia explains the word feminism was used to mean the historical movement in which women's rights have changed and with the list of injustices brought against women. The terms "feminist" and "feminism" have been used interchangeably with the term "women's movement." The word feminist has a history of negative and positive connotations. Tho the negative has outweighed the positive with the creation of stereotypes that are demeaning and belittling.

Conducting a search for appropriate articles to reference in this article resulted in very interesting topics from myth to supposition, dissent, religious prophecy about end of times, images of women burning their bras, news reports that sparked the legends tied to feminism. The varied views, ideas, beliefs, rumors, gossip, stereotypes in regards to women who believe in the right to decide for self, to live in harmony, equality, peace, fair trade, thoughts, beliefs, interests and most important decide about the right and privilege of bearing children.

Have you asked what does it mean to be feminine? To be a feminist? To be a woman? Is this a question at all in your mind? Or do you move through your day daring not to question your existence, to take the norm and stop thinking? Living life in a woman's body, repeating the same behaviors as other women have before you and shared through history. Making up self, putting on a mask every day, never making eye contact with self in the mirror, only seeing the finished product. Is this what it means to be a woman, to be feminine? How can it?

The motions of life, awakening, completing the same routine, creating an appearance for the public, for the family, each act creating a facade. Not feminine, not woman, not anything more than an actor playing a role. A life time spent repeating the same actions, saying the same sentences, never daring to make a change, secretly desiring more, resenting the routine? Resolve to make changes, create resolutions every year, determined this time to stick with it. Only to fail, punishing self for being a failure. Indulging in the suffering and sorrow. Is this feminine or woman? It cannot be.

A life searching for meaning to this body, to the shape, look, sensations, oddities, functions. Seeking to make sense of what it means, why others behave in such fashions toward it. Some display envy, others desire. A confusing mystery. Well meaning intent to explain proper attire for public, work, privacy, the definitions of sexy and sensual convoluted and demeaning. Life spent curious and confused, living as others have dictated, struggling to stay within the norm, within the confines of the rules and expectations. Rebelling every opportunity, acting out in ways to shock, confound, to be different, dressing as a boy, acting as one, then dressing as a girl, woman, old woman attire.

The question remains, of all the literature, explanations, theories, society rules, and personal views spouted, "What is feminine? What does it mean to be a feminist? What does femininity really mean?" The conclusion surmised is simple yet complex. Feminine, femininity, feminism is defined as a personal belief, not based on society, news media, theorists, or parents choose to define it as. To truly be a female, a woman is to be self, to follow one's own path, do what is right, care, love, live life to the fullest. Find one's own style, dare to stand outside the circle, dare to be human, woman, feminine. Stop being something you are not. Choose to be self, to be the odd ball, the misplaced zygot, the weirdo, what ever term that has been used to demean and put you in your place, re-define it and make it yours. Be proud of being different.

Feminism is not a bad thing, a demeaning title or way of life. There is nothing negative about being female. Or about being a woman. Do not be an Eve, listen to your own voice, make your own informed decisions about who and what you are. Remember "I AM" is a powerful phrase giving ownership to what follows it. What do you want to follow the words "I AM?"

Being a feminist means to walk in your own shoes, to choose your lifestyle, way of being, thinking and believing. It means standing up for your rights and those of women around the world. Women are not second class citizens, our daughters and granddaughters need to understand that choices are a right, not a privilege.

Learn, read, become informed. Links to resources are available below. You decide, don't take my word for it.

Resources for further research:

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Articles on Feminism

Jo Freeman: Articles about Feminism

Feminism & Women's Feminist Studies

The New York Times: Articles about the Feminist Movement

Feminism Theories