Response #7

1. I do identify as a feminist because I’m very unhappy with the gender role issue in our society. I don’t think people who are ‘for equality’ are automatically feminists. Being ‘for equality’ is a little bit trivial. I define feminism as attempts to move beyond the ridiculous gender distinctions and binaries that we have. Feminism is not about aligning women with men, but rather radically changing our current power structures. As a woman, you often have temptation to mimic the master discourse and be as ‘normal’ as possible. If you want to empower yourself, you might make yourself a copy of the ‘supermale.’ The problem for me about picking sides is I try to be compassionate about everyone’s views. I have lots of sympathy for the radical feminist approach because maybe it should be revolutionary.

2. I did not know there was a problem with the term. I do think from what I’ve gathered, maybe it is time not to use that term for strategic reasons. Although it might be difficult for those who identify not to call themselves so. As far as the greatest deterrent, I can only respond in clichés: deeply engrained prejudices. The great deterrent is that we continue thinking in male v. female.

3. One important thing is gendered color and gendered toys: stop! We should really reflect more about what exactly is going on with objectification and pornification in our time. We should become more aware of what role that plays in our lives.

4. I’m only familiar with one and if I take that one as standard, I think they can have an amazing impact. I think pop culture is a good addition because that’s where we live. I think it’s an important lens to look through. I wonder how much the feminist agenda can really progress through pop culture. Sometimes I watch shows that seem to liberate and break a stereotype, but then they regress. Also with cop shows with the strong, hot female cop (women are able to be cool cops) but there’s a lot of objectification: “Oh my God, a chick who wields a gun.”

5. What I would like to change is throwing out the terms ‘male’ and ‘female.’ I think empowerment of women will also mean the empowerment of men. From a Marxist perspective, the workers are exploited, but the leaders and people in charge are exploited as well. I don’t like gender distinction whatsoever.