Response #8

1. I don’t like to categorize myself; like, in elections, I don’t vote based on party lines. This particular topic, this term, has always uprooted common perceptions: people hear “feminism” and they think of people like Gloria Steinem and the issues that come with it: birth control, wage equity, abortion. But you have Sarah Palin who is on the other end of the political spectrum who has publicly identified herself as a feminist. She might see a completely different perspective on the same issues as another person who identifies as a feminist. I would try to define it as depending on what perspective you’re coming from, you’re doing what you think provides women with their best chances for being able to contribute to society with their talents, in the best way possible and the most productive way possible, in an equal way to men.

2. I think the term in some circles has been developed a stigma. Particularly when you have people from an extreme conservative side using the term in derogatory ways, and stereotyping people who identify with that term based on their beliefs. That term is identified with issues that are very polarizing in this country. People have strong beliefs on both sides. I think it will be very difficult to find common ground. Sexual issues seem to be the most volatile (orientation, reproductive rights). The term “feminist” has come to be identified with the left/more liberal perspective on those issues. Arguments against feminists are sometimes generalized: “All feminists believe this so all feminists are bad.”

3. Finding common ground on some of the polarizing issues. There’s been some lipservice trying to move in that direction. For example, common ground with the abortion issue would mean promoting things that reduce the need for abortion, providing more access to contraceptives and health care. The issues overlap with one another. Sometimes the same person who tends to be against abortion is against sex ed in schools/ birth control. The biggest challenges come in finding common ground with polarizing issues that give feminism a bad name. There needs to be some meeting of the minds from both sides. Understanding and respect of why people believe certain things, whether or not it’s your side, is important.

4. I’m not familiar with them. But I think there’s a place for those national and internationally. A blog could be a place for getting the word out about both current events and issues from a feminist perspective. The key would be letting people know about the blog. It’d be a shame for no one to see it. I think that’s the greatest challenge.

5. I think the best way to put feminism in a more positive light is by people of both sides of “feminist” issues to find common ground. I think that would be the key to keep the movement going and strong and relevant.