Why is feminism given such a bad rap?
I have read multiple articles that stated that if you ask women (and many men) how they feel about individual issues, they will generally support feminist positions. However, if you ask them point-blank “Are you a feminist?”, the usual answer is “Oh Heavens, NO!”. I believe this is because some segments of the our political class and the mainstream media have successfully implanted the idea that words “feminist” and “feminism” automatically imply agreement with the most outspoken radical fringe-element feminist advocates (“femi-Nazi” in Limbaugh-speak), such as Andrea Dworkin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Dworkin By allowing this definition of feminism (with which many people do not agree) to be the reigning public image, the advocates of more mainstream feminist positions have hurt their cause. . . .
All excellent answers here. I just think that feminism has contributed to confusing gender roles to the point that men aren’t sure how we’re “supposed” to relate to women. Actions formerly considered “gentlemanly” might be seen as sexist today. Compliment a woman on her attire and you’re attending sexual sensitivity classes. Even more disturbing to me (though feminism may have nothing to do with it) is the gradual disappearance of women being referred to as WOMEN or ladies. More often than not I hear “fe-males”, which sounds to my ears like someone referring to a dog. It just seems so awkward at times…
