misunderstood! or, why the fuck is feminism still a dirty word

I have about a billion other posts that I'm working on, but this one kinda slapped me on the face.

It still, constantly, boggles my mind how people completely stereotype and blatantly misinterpret feminism. It's fine if it's not a term you want to take on yourself (though, to me, that does mean that you do not believe in gender equality). But to totally dismiss the message of a group without even giving the slightest consideration to its possible (gasp) validity confuses me, especially if you are part of the oppressed group that it seeks to help.

A facebook comment stating that "it is very sad the way feminist women treat men" was what sparked this entry. I don't know the person who wrote that at all, but I have to wonder: WHAT feminist women? WHAT treatment exactly are they referring to?

It seems to me that this kind of purposeful ignorance of what feminism is actually about (that little ideal America loves to hype so much called equality, crazy idea that) stems from thinking that it's about dominating men or overthrowing them entirely and keeping them underground and using them only for reproduction or some other ridiculous bullshit. It's about finally reaching equal status.

That doesn't mean I'm crazy or hairy or want a penis. It means I want to be able to walk the streets without fearing for my safety or being harassed no matter what I'm wearing or doing or who I'm with. It means that I expect to have control over my reproductive system and to take control of my life in concert with that as to how many babies I do or do not want. It means that I'd love to never have to have another friend tell me she's been sexually assaulted or raped. It means I expect equal pay for equal work, no excuses. It means I'd love to not see images of women in sexually compromised positions used to advertise clothing.

It means I hold my own and take responsibility for my life instead of depending on a man to provide, and if that means I'm "treating" him badly, fine. Guilty as charged. I personally have found that it makes for better relationships: I don't keep them around because I think I need them but because I actively make the choice to enjoy their companionship. That's more authentic to me than being dependent. But hey, I'm a crazy feminist, right?

Much love,
The Albright Sheriff