How Should Feminism Be Defined?

The Oxford English Dictionary definition of the word "feminism" represents the basic idea behind the movement: "belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes". The pop culture definition of the word conjures up the images of several stereotypes including the man hating, overzealous "femi-nazi" and the nitpicky, nagging pseudo feminist whose action in support of the women's movement is limited to making sure others use gender neutral pronouns. In this case, the dictionary definition provides a concise explanation of what a feminist believes but does not expand upon the meaning of the word.

Several classifications of feminists exist (Foss 152). For example, lesbian feminists see heterosexuality as the primary foundation of male dominance over women and encourage women to create identifications with one another instead. On the opposite end of the feminist spectrum are revalorist feminists, who are committed to preserving traditionally feminine skills and perspectives. They value a woman's traditional contribution to society and old-fashioned gender roles, calling themselves feminists although they do not usually support equality between the sexes (Foss 152). Another section within the group are the post-feminists, who suggest that society has grown and changed to the point that feminism is no longer needed at all (Foss 153). These small factions among feminists are present but are by no means universal. These takes on feminism are not common among feminists as a whole, but supporters may still consider themselves feminists.

Feminists may have varying opinions on certain subjects but as long as they stand up for what they believe is right, they are part of the movement. Recent media coverage of the issue of abortion depicts feminists as avid pro-choice campaigners. However, not all feminists share this outlook. Feminism is rooted in the belief that individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices in their lives, according to Foss. The National Organization for Women (NOW), the largest organization of feminine activists in the United States, represents common interests of feminists. According to NOW's web site, women deserve the right to make independent decisions about their reproductive health without restrictions through "legislation, regulation, or Constitutional amendment". NOW also supports the right of women to bear children and have access to proper prenatal care and childcare while limiting government attempts to limit childbearing like family caps and involuntary sterilization.

Both sides of the issue are represented in a positive way respectful of the opposite view. Joyce Meyer, a retired teacher and former president of Heartbeat of Toledo (an organization that educates women with unplanned pregnancies about alternatives to abortion) sees "a new feminism" today, in which "women feel they can choose their path in life but that they aren't put in a certain mold" (Weber). Her pro-life approach clashes with the media's stereotype of a radical pro-abortion feminist but Meyer is still considered to be a feminist because she stands up for her own personal values and makes an effort to improve the lives of women.

NOW was founded in 1966 during the peak of the women's movement and fights for women's rights in a positive way. Their methods include lobbying, mass marches, rallies, pickets, and non-violent civil disobedience. NOW is a major force in the propagation of women's rights due to their approach that is aggressive without being obnoxious.

Even before the creation of NOW, the peaceable efforts of feminist groups achieved numerous victories for women. The nonviolent means of women's rights activists have achieved numerous victories from the very beginning of the modern feminist movement. Their peaceful endeavors, such as lobbying and protesting, influenced the passage of two important and enduring pieces of legislation in the 1960s.

The Equal Pay Act, passed in 1963, established equal pay for men and women performing the same duties on the job and was an important advancement in the movement. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act passed the next year, banning discrimination by employers based on race, sex, and other unjust reasons. The activities of women's rights activists impacted the passage of both laws. Assertive and positive efforts to achieve equality are distinguishing characteristics of true feminism.

Still, the women's movement has endured a backlash from those who feel that feminists have gone too far. Extreme conservatives have been demeaning the entire movement since it began in the 1960's and continue to do so presently. For example, conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh has degraded the movement as being managed by "femi-Nazis" who are "femi-nutsy" (Gabrels). People who disrespect the women's movement and feminism simply feel threatened by the change to normal gender roles and resort to name-calling to make women appear subordinate to men as they were before the first wave of the women's movement took place.

Women in power are repeatedly (and accurately) labeled as feminists. In a male-dominated culture, women must strive for equality and often must work harder to prove their competency. Despite detractors to the movement, women in positions of power have become more widely accepted by society. For example, high-profile women in government, like Condoleezza Rice and Hilary Clinton, have made much progress in advancing the situation of women in politics. They have made so much progress, in fact, that many news articles have been written lately about the possibility of a female president being elected in 2008 and it is more likely that a woman will be elected than ever before. In spite of this progress, some people still feel that the United States is not ready or willing to elect a female leader. Pat Schroeder, a former Colorado congresswoman who ran for president in 1984, calls the White House "the ultimate tree house with a 'No Girls Allowed' sign on it", according to a recent article printed in USA Today. However, the facts surrounding the issue make Schroeder's comment appear dated and outmoded. Younger Americans care less about the presidential candidate's gender than about their professional qualifications. Just one in four Americans 65 and older said they wouldn't vote for a female presidential candidate based on gender bias while only one in 20 Americans under the age of 30 held the same view, according to a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll. I am using women in government as one example but all powerful women should automatically be regarded as feminists because their work directly and indirectly advances the rights and independence of all women.

In this case, the dictionary definition of the word "feminism" explains the basic principles of the movement: equality for men and women. The term includes all women who assert their independence and make an effort to improve their own lives and the lives of other women.

Works Cited
Foss, Sonja K., ed. Rhetorical Criticism: Exploration and Practice. Long Grove: Waveland Press, 2004.
"Frequently Asked Questions." National Organization for Women. 05 Nov. 2005 Available http://www.now.org/ organization/faq.html.
Gabrels, Sara Terry . "The Changing Face of Feminism" Christian Science Monitor 20 Jul 1998: 7. ProQuest. http://www.proquest.com.
Page, Susan. "Call her Madame President." USA Today 10 October 2005.Available
http://www.usatoday.com/life/2005-10-10-woman-president_x.htm.
"The Path of the Women's Rights Movement." The Prism. 6 November 2005. Available
http://www.ibiblio.org/prism/mar98/path.html
Weber, Ann. "Feminism's next wave." Knight Ridder Tribune Business News6 November 2005 1. ProQuest. http://www.proquest.com.