http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/nov/23/why-is-feminism-a-dirty-word
This article talks about the use of the term 'feminist.'
I have realised lately that I have become quite weary when discussing my work with other people and often found myself saying "I'm not a feminist, But..." because quite often the response tends to be something along the lines of the hugely stereotypical "Uh, I hate feminists, they all just hate men."
Admittedly (and embarrassingly) before reading further into the subject I think my own views were relatively similar in assuming that feminism is just an old worn out notion, irrelevant in todays society where us women have the vote and are free to work.
In 2013, one in three women believe that 'feminism' is too aggressive and old fashioned.
I think this is largely to do with the fact that we seem to believe that to become a feminist one has to be a man hating, angry, non shaving lesbian.. which is obviously completely absurd.
We still live in a patriarchal, rape culture society where a female can barely walk down the street without being accosted and the victim of unwanted male attention, so surely real feminism is just as necessary as ever.
The fundamental idea that a woman is primarily a good looking commodity that exists to be the object of male desire is so inherent in our culture, rearing its ugly head on the internet, in our advertising and in our minds.
Feminism isn't about hating men, (lots of feminists have healthy heterosexual relationships) but it is about expecting and demanding equal respect and treatment in every walk of life.
So yes, I am a feminist.
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