Feminism: Vital Movement-- Bad Name
I’m grateful for the focus this class had on the media: images, messages, effects, and structural hierarchy of the majority of the mass media system. I’ve been disgusted with the majority of media (especially magazine and television) viewing options for years. It’s invigorating to now have used intellect, analysis, and theory to study the negative images bombarding society. Instead of just attempting to avoid these mediums, I feel empowered to challenge them.
This course has also provided me with interesting, provocative, and diverse resources. The textbooks were effective in giving me an over-all understanding of the diversity and all-encompassing base of feminism. I’m looking forward to continuing my education on matters regarding oppression in a patriarchal society. Finishing the remaining articles of Feminist Frontiers and Grassroots will assist me in this endeavor. It’s not too often that I’m willing to read textbooks outside of class in my summer free time, so that is quite the compliment.
Now, for my rant, I purpose a question that feminism may or may not be addressing: Is the term “feminism” the most representative title for what it stands for? Part of me deeply appreciates a title focused on women, or what society relates to women. It’s something to be proud of and raise a fist in the air for. On the other hand, could the title be partly or greatly at fault for some of the stereotypes that are associated with the movement. I’ve posed this question for some very open-minded individuals who would be completely uncomfortable calling themselves “feminists” even after understanding that it stands for individuals against any type of oppression. Many men will not feel comfortable using such a feminine title. I would be resentful of a similar movement that was referred to as “masculinism”. It is just not inclusive; in fact, one of the friends I discussed this with asked me what I would call it, and upon no answer he suggested “inclussionism”. Considering the power language has on peoples, which we’ve learned about throughout class, I pose this title as an unfortunate problem, one that I find important to consider when talking to those people who share the same stance as feminists who could add knowledge and support, but will not refer to themselves as such.