1. Yes. I identify because not only do I believe in feminist principles but I try to support things that are the foundation of feminism: that women should be treated equally, should be given equal opportunities, that our social system should acknowledge women. I enact these in concentric circles. In my personal life, I try to assert and teach my children gender equality, not use gender stereotypes, even though we all find ourselves doing so every day. Society is powerful. I view myself as capable and possible, I try not to buy in to stereotypes, and share and encourage this within my family. In my role as a teacher, I try to be a role model and break stereotypes. As for my involvement in the broader community, I try to bring about change in the social system and make a difference.
2. Yes. I think people are apprehensive to identify as feminists. Stereotypes of feminism are negative in society. People tend to associate the movement with the days of bra-burning and butch women or they think that ALL feminists are lesbians and aren’t feminine. Some people believe feminists are fighting against some of the things valued about being a woman. These are all incorrect. Since the seventies, it is perceived as a negative thing to be a feminist. Even women don’t want to be labeled that way. I think this is tied into homophobia. People will think you’re a radical lesbian if you’re a feminist. There are other inappropriate connotations like “feminism is just for women.” In response, I lead my students to the Meninist website. I think it’s remarkable for men to identify as feminists. I think a lot of men are but they don’t want to put that label on themselves. They think, “It’s a women’s issue, it has nothing to do with me” but it can make a big difference.
3. I think engaging more men in efforts so the face of this kind of activism is updated. The movement has an identity problem and we need to correct our current society. I think we should have more men and boys involved, but also more women and girls. This all starts with education. We should work to clarify the identity of feminism. This could happen quickly if visible, prominent, figures identify themselves that way. Also, when activist groups are making feminist efforts, I’d like to see institutions better financially support that.
4. I think they can have the most impact with the younger population because their primary form of information is social media. If you can get people there and have them feel like they are a part of the process, like with anonymous comments, the public can take part without taking risks. Anything that shines the light and keeps people talking about an issue is helpful. The worst thing we can do is not talk about it and go along with the way things have always been. A blog hopefully challenges that.
5. I wonder how the movement is going to evolve with contemporary society. It has rich and deep historical roots but we live in such a different world now. How is it going to evolve to stay relevant? I think young people are getting hooked into the ideas held by other young people is how that will happen: buy-in from trusted friends who say “You should be paying attention; this does matter.”
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