1. Absolutely. [If this blog didn't make it obvious enough.] I think understanding the power relationships between men and women (and other genders) all over the world is key to approaching any sort of equilibrium. Patriarchy can be a despotic mold and empowering all people to shatter said mold, break gender stereotypes, and kick oppressive ass is, frankly, a message I think I'm born to share. No one should have to change their body, change their personality, feel or think a certain way, or live in fear because of a contrived political force.
2. Again, absolutely. It is a word that has no set definition. This can be liberalizing for those who want to make of the movement what they wish. For others, it's a golden opportunity to besmirch its followers and the cause itself.
3. Word of mouth and self-publication can be very powerful. I think if the pool of feminist thinkers is to grow, the truth about the movement needs to circulate in as many ways as possible. It needs to be understood that feminists are not vindictive lesbian man-haters, that feminism is not just for women, that feminism benefits all genders, etc. However, the premise that this movement and school of thought balances on - gender - is something that's been deliberately restricted. The idea of two genders is a ludicrous one. The standards that society tries to impose regarding this ideology are there to diffuse fear/infuse homophobia.
4. As has been articulated by a previous faculty response, feminist blogs may not do much on their own to increase the conversion of non-feminist thinkers, but they may be a sufficient outlet for feminists to easily get the word out to their non-feminist friends.
5. One of my top concerns, barring dragging the term itself through the mud, is disempowerment of women. I grew up with wicked body issues that still sometimes find ways to sneak in thanks to the media. But now, I'm an advocate of not wearing makeup, and I rejoice in the fact that I'm free to choose my wardrobe and wear what makes me feel good. Here, if I may via shameless plug, I'd like to promote Eve Ensler's efforts with V-Day. Acting in and producing the Vagina Monologues has been a wonderful experience for me in terms of my own self-image and buffering others'.
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