The Feminist Stigma

One way to discredit your opposition is to attach a social stigma to the very word that describes them. In recent years this has been done with groups like "liberal" and "immigrant" in an attempt to further the right wing and racist isolationist agendas. There is one word, however, that has had a stigma attached for so long that hardly anyone notices anymore. That word is "feminist."

Many women today have personal beliefs that are similar to at least some feminist ideals. Most women believe they deserve equal pay to men, along with equal opportunities in work and life. These are core feminist ideals. So are reproductive freedom and choice, along with the right to decide whether or not you want to get married and have kids. In general, many women support these ideals; yet for some reason they are scared to call themselves feminists. This leads to use of the ever popular "I'm not a feminist, but..." preceding a statement of support for one of these feminist ideals.

So why are women so afraid to identify with feminism? It's all about stigma. Our culture has placed such negative connotations on the word "feminist" that even women with ideals identical to the movement are afraid to identify with it.

We've all heard the stereotype of the feminist: frumpy, overweight lesbians who don't shower and have hairy legs. This, of course, couldn't be farther from the truth. Most feminists today are everyday women who look no different than anyone else. Being a feminist does not mean disregarding fashion, hygiene, or heterosexuality. Feminism is about beliefs and actions, not appearance. It is about choice. Not just choice in the abortion/reproduction argument, but choice in everything. If a woman wants to wear make-up and high heels, she should. If she would rather not, she doesn't have to.