Feminist is not a dirty word - WEL Victoria Homepage
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Feminism is For Everybodyfrom Chapter 1, Feminist Politics: Where We StandSimply put feminism is a movement to end sexism. This was a definition of feminism I offered in Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center more than ten years ago. It was my hope at the time that it would become a common definition everyone would use. I liked this definition because it did not imply that men were the enemy. By naming sexism as the problem it went directly to the heart of the matter. Practically, it is a definition which implies that all sexist thinking and action is the problem, whether those who perpetuate it are female or male, child or adult. It is also broad enough to include an understanding of systemic institutionalized sexism. As a definition it is open-ended. To understand feminism it implies one has to necessarily understand sexism.As all advocates of feminist politics know most people do not understand sexism or if they do they think it is not a problem. Masses of people think that feminism is always and only about women seeking to be equal to men. And a huge majority of these folks think feminism is anti-male. Their misunderstanding of feminist politics reflects the reality that most folks learn about feminism from patriarchal mass media. The feminism they hear about the most is portrayed by women who are primarily committed to gender equality — equal pay for equal work and sometimes women and men sharing household chores and parenting; they see that these women are usually white and materially privileged. They know from mass media that women’s liberation focuses on the freedom to have abortions, to be lesbians, to challenge rape and domestic violence. Among these issues masses of people agree with the idea of gender equity in the work place — equal pay for equal work.Since our society continues to be primarily a "Christian" culture masses of people continue to believe that god has ordained that women be subordinate to men in the domestic household. Even though masses of women have entered the work forces, even though many families are headed by women who are the sole breadwinners, the vision of domestic life which continues to dominate the nation’s imagination is one in which the logic of male domination is intact, whether men are present in the home or not. The wrong minded vision of feminist movement which implied it was anti-male carried with it the wrong minded assumption that all female space would necessarily be an environment where patriarchy and sexist thinking would be absent. Many women, even those involved in feminist politics, chose to believe this as well.There was indeed a great deal of anti-male sentiment among early feminist activists who were responding to male domination with anger. It was that anger at injustice that was the impetus for creating a women’s liberation movement. Early on most feminist ac tivists (amajority of whom were white) had their consciousness raised about the nature of male domination when they were working in anti-classist and anti-racist settings with men who were telling the world about the importance of freedom while subordinating the women in their ranks. Whether it was white women working on behalf of socialism, black women working on behalf of civil rights and black liberation, or native American Indian women working for indigenous rights.It was clear that men wanted to lead and they wanted women to follow. Participating in these radical freedom struggles awakened the spirit of rebellion and resistance in progressive females and led them towards contemporar y women’s liberation.As contemporary feminism progressed, as women realized that males were not the only group in our society who supported sexist thinking and behavior that females could be sexist as well, anti-male sentiment no longer dominated the movements consciousness. The focus shifted to an all effort to create gender justice. But women could not band together to further feminism without confronting our sexist thinking. Sisterhood could not be powerful as long as women were competitively at war with one another. Utopian visions of sisterhood based solely on the awareness of the reality that all women were in some way victimized by male domination were disrupted by discussions of class and race. Discussions of class differences occurred early on in contemporary feminism, preceding discussions of race. Diana Press published revolutionary insights about class divisions between women as early as the mid-seventies in their collection of essays Class and Feminism. These discussions did not trivialize the feminist insistence that "sisterhood is powerful," they simply emphasized that we could only become sisters in struggle by confronting the ways women—through sex, class, and race—dominated and exploited other women, and creating a political platform that would address these differences.Even though individual black women were active in contemporary feminist movement from its inception they were not the individuals who became the "stars" of the movement, who attracted the attention of mass media. Often individual black women active in feminist movement were revolutionary feminists (like many white lesbians). They were already at odds with reformist feminists who resolutely wanted to project a vision of the movement as being solely about women gaining equality with men in the existing system. Even before race became a talked about issue in feminist circles it was clear to black women (and to their revolutionary allies in struggle) that they were never going to have equality within the existing white supremacist capitalist patriarchy.From its earliest inception feminist movement was polarized. Reformist thinkers chose to emphasize gender equality. Revolutionary thinkers did not want simply to alter the existing system so that women would have more rights, we wanted to transform that system, to bring an end to patriarchy and sexism. Since patriarchal mass media was not interested in the more revolutionary vision it never received attention in mainstream press. The vision of "women’s liberation" which captured and still holds the public imagination was the one representing women as wanting what men had. And this was the vision that was easier to realize. Changes in our nation’s economy, economic depression, the loss of jobs etc. made the climate ripe for our na tion’s citizens to acceptthe notion of gender equality in the work force.Given the reality of racism, it made sense that white men were more willing to consider women right’s when the granting of those rights could serve the interests of maintaining wh ite supremacy. We can never forget that white women begin to assert their need for freedom after civil rights, just at the point when racial discrimination was ending and black people, especially black males, might have attained equality in the work force with white men. Reformist feminist thinking focusing primarily on equality with men in the work force overshadowed the original radical foundations of contemporary feminism which called for reform as well as overall restructuring of society so that our nation would be fundamentally anti-sexist.Most women, especially white women, ceased to even consider revolutionary feminist visions, once they began to gain economic power within the existing social structure. Ironically revolutionary feminist thinking was most accepted and embraced in academic circles. In those circles the production of revolutionary feminist theory progressed but that theory was not made available to the public. It became and remains a privileged discourse available to those among us who are highly literate, well educated, and usually materially privileged. Works like Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center which offer a liberatory vision of feminist transformation never receive mainstream attention. Masses of people have not heard of this book. They have not rejected its message, they do not know what the message is.While it was in the interest of mainstream white supremacist capitalist patriarchy to suppress visional feminist thinking which was not anti-male or concerned with getting women the right to be like men, reformist feminists were also eager to silence these forces. Reformist feminism became their route to class mobility. They could break free of male domination in the work force and be more self-determining in their lifestyles. While sexism did not end, they could maximize their freedom within the existing system. And they could count on there being a lower class of exploited subordinated women to do the dirty work they were refusing to do. By accepting and indeed colluding with the subordination of working class and poor women, they not only ally themselves with the existing patriarchy and its commitant sexism, they give themselves the right to lead a double life one where they are the equals of men in the workforce and at home when they want to be. If they chose lesbianism they have the privilege of being equals with men in the work force while using class power to create domestic lifestyles where they could choose to have little or no contact with men.Lifestyle feminism ushered in the notion that there could be as many versions of feminism as there were women. Suddenly the politics was slowly removed from feminism. And the assumption prevailed that no matter a woman’s politics be she conservative or liberal she too fit femi nism into her existing lifestyle. Obviously this way of thinking has made feminism more acceptable because its underlying assumption is that women can be feminists without fundamentally challenging andchanging themselves or the culture. For example lets take the issue of abortion. If feminism is a movement to end sexist oppressionn and depriving females of reproductive rights is a form of sexist oppression, then one cannot be anti-choice and be feminist. A woman can insist she would never choose to have an abortion while affirming her support of the right of women to choose and still be an advocate of feminist politics. She cannot be anti-abortion and an advocate of feminism. Concurrently there can be no such thing as "power feminism" if the vision of power evoked is power gained through the exploitation and oppression of others.Feminist politics is losing momentum because feminist movement has lost clear definitions. We have those definitions. Let's reclaim them. Let’s share them. Let’s start over. Let’s have T-shirts and bumper stickers and postcards and hip-hop music, television and radio commercials, ads everywhere and billboards, and all manner of printed material that tells the world about feminism. We can share the simple yet powerful message that feminism is a movement to end sexist oppression. Let’s start there. Let the movement begin again.。
女权与女性的关系英文作文The Relationship Between Feminism and WomenFeminism has bee a prominent topic in today's society, and understanding its relationship with women is crucial.Feminism is not about promoting female superiority but rather striving for equality and justice for women. It ms to break down the barriers and biases that have historically limited women's opportunities and rights.Women, on the other hand, are the direct beneficiaries and active participants in the feminist movement. Feminism gives women the voice and confidence to challenge societal norms and expectations that have oppressed them. It empowers women to pursue their dreams, make choices freely, and have equal access to education, employment, and political representation.For instance, in the past, women were often excluded from certn occupations or faced discrimination in the workplace. Through the efforts of feminism, more and more women are now able to enter various fields and achieve success on their own terms.However, there are still misunderstandings and resistance to feminism. Some people mistakenly believe that feminism leads to the breakdown of traditional family values or causes conflict between men and women. But in reality, feminism is about creating a society where both men and women can thrive and have equal chances to fulfill their potential.In conclusion, feminism is closely intertwined with the lives and progress of women. It is a force that works towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all women, enabling them to live with dignity, autonomy, and equality.。
女权的经典名言英语英文回答:1. "We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back." Malala Yousafzai.2. "The future of our country depends upon our ability to empower and educate the women of our nation." Michelle Obama.3. "A woman's place is wherever she damn well pleases." Ruth Bader Ginsburg.4. "I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but sothat those without a voice can be heard... We cannot succeed when half of us are held back." Malala Yousafzai.5. "We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women's voices are heard and heeded... not overrepresentedbut fairly represented." Melinda Gates.6. "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." Michelle Obama.7. "Feminism is not about making women strong. Women are already strong. It's about changing the way the world perceives that strength." G.D. Anderson.8. "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." Alice Walker.9. "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made... It shouldn't be that women are the exception." Ruth Bader Ginsburg.10. "We are not makers of history. We are made by history." Martin Luther King Jr.中文回答:1. “我们无法所有人获得成功,当我们当中有一半人被束缚时。
What is Zionism?Many honest people of good conscience have been taught to believe nowadays that Zionism = racism. The first word that comes to their mind when they hear Zionist, is racist. But this connection stems either from malicious intent, or ignorance.For those who are malicious, we leave them to their thoughts.But for those who are ignorant, we would like to educate what Zionism really means.All quotes in this presentation are taken from Martin Luther King Jr., “Letter to an Anti-Zionist Friend,”Saturday Review XLVII(Aug. 1967), p. 76. Reprinted in M.L. King Jr., “This I Believe: Selections from the Writings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”(NY: 1971), pp. 234-235.“. . . You declare, my friend, that you do not hate the Jews, you are merely 'anti-Zionist.' And I say, let the truth ring forth from the high mountain tops, let it echo through the valleys of God's green earth: When people criticize Zionism, they mean Jews--this is God's own truth.“Anti-Semitism, the hatred of the Jewish people, has been and remains a blot on the soul of mankind. In this we are in full agreement. So know also this: anti-Zionist is inherently anti-Semitic, and ever will be so.“Why is this? You know that Zionism is nothing less than the dream and ideal of the Jewish people returning to live in their own land.“The Jewish people, the Scriptures tell us, once enjoyed a flourishing Commonwealth in the Holy Land. From this they were expelled by the Roman tyrant, the same Romans who cruelly murdered Our Lord. Driven from their homeland, their nation in ashes, forced to wander the globe, the Jewish people time and again suffered the lash of whichever tyrant happened to rule over them.“The Negro people, my friend, know what it is to suffer the torment of tyranny under rulers not of our choosing. Our brothers in Africa have begged, pleaded, requested--DEMANDED the recognition and realization of our inborn right to live in peace under our own sovereignty in our own country.“How easy it should be, for anyone who holds dear this inalienable right of all mankind, to understand and support the right of the Jewish People to live in their ancient Land of Israel.All men of good will exult in the fulfillment ofGod's promise, that his People should return in joy to rebuild their plundered land.“This is Zionism, nothing more, nothing less.”Gentle readers: whether you are Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, atheist, agnostic, or of another faith,If you believe the Jewish people deserve to have an independent state, then you are a Zionist. It’s that easy.Zionism is not a dirty word. It is a credo which reinforces the legitimate right of the Jewish people to self-determination.You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist, the same way you don’t have to be a woman to be a feminist, or a black person to believe in equal rights for blacks.Being a Zionist does not mean that you believe Israel is perfect or makes no mistakes.You can support Palestinian national aspiration, and still be a Zionist.As a Zionist, you can disagree with Israel’s policies, you can criticize her government. You can speak out against policies, and demonstrate against them.But you cannot take away her right to exist as a state for the Jewish people.Famous ZionistsIf, on the other hand, you believe the Jewish people do not deserve to have an independent state, which means you believe that the Jewish people is the only people in the world that don’t deserve a state, then…“And what is anti-Zionist?It is the denial to the Jewish people of a fundamental right that we justly claim for the people of Africa and freely accord all other nations of the Globe.It is discrimination against Jews, my friend, because they are Jews. In short, it is anti-Semitism.“The anti-Semite rejoices at any opportunity to vent his malice. The times have made it unpopular, in the West, to proclaim openly a hatred of the Jews. This being the case, the anti-Semite must constantly seek new forms and forums for his poison. How he must revel in the new masquerade!He does not hate the Jews, he is just 'anti-Zionist'!“My friend, I do not accuse you of deliberate anti-Semitism.I know you feel, as I do, a deep love of truth and justice and a revulsion for racism, prejudice, and discrimination.But I know you have been misled--as others have been--into thinking you can be'anti-Zionist' and yet remain true to these heartfelt principles that you and I share.“Let my words echo in the depths of your soul: When people criticize Zionism, they mean Jews --make no mistake about it.”Famous Anti-ZionistsThe Jewish people is one of the most ancient peoples in the history of humanity still surviving today.For over 3000 years, since Biblical times, the Jewish people have kept all the elements which define them as a people: culture, tradition, religion, language, and connection to their land.On 1948, the Jewish people became, once again, a sovereign nation in their home, the land that they were promised thousands of years ago, and in which they had a continuous presence since then.The French people have an independent state The Japanese people have an independent state The Arab people have 22independent statesThe Jewish people, who had sovereignty before any of these people, certainly deserve to have an independent state of their own.This is Zionism!This presentation was created byAll quotes in this presentation are From Martin Luther King Jr., “Letter to an Anti-Zionist Friend,”Saturday Review XLVII(Aug. 1967), p. 76.Reprinted in M.L. King Jr., “This I Believe: Selections from the Writings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”。
英文毕业论文--从女性主义的角度分析《简爱》本科生毕业论文从女性主义的角度分析《简爱》An Analysis on Jane Eyre from the Perspective ofFeministI摘要十九世纪英国女作家夏洛蒂.勃朗特的作品《简爱》因其独特的思想内容和表现手法,一直被看作是英国文学的经典之作。
自从作品问世以来,一直受到文学评论界的关注。
尤其是作品中对女性独立与平等的追求,使得小说中女主人公简爱的形象负载了西方妇女在19世纪开始觉醒的女性意识。
英国文学不乏叛逆女性的形象,但像简爱那样卑微、平凡、孤苦无依而又相貌平平的“弱势”女性,如此自觉地对抗强大的父权社会,算是空前的。
此篇论文从女性主义的角度出发,通过对作品中女主人公简爱的分析,揭示小说中所反映的维多利亚时期女性性别意识的觉醒和当时女性的社会地位。
在维多利亚时期女性地位得到了提高,女性意识得到了发展,但是仍然受到社会等级和社会地位的限制。
但总体来说,随着时代的发展,女性地位和女性意识都得到了不同程度的提高。
关键词:简爱;夏洛蒂.勃朗特;女性主义;平等和自由IIAbstractCharlotte Bronte is an outstanding woman writer in the 19th century English literature, her work Jane Eyre has been regarded as the classics of the English literature due to its unique content and way of expression. Since the work has been published, it has attracted the attention of the literary critics. Especially the pursuit of female independence and equality, making the heroines of Jane’s image loads the Western women’s awakening of feminist consciousness in the 19th century. There is no lack of the image of rebellious women in English literature, but like Jane Eyre, as humble, ordinary, plain but who have no “minority”women, so consciously against the strong patriarchal society, be regarded as unprecedented.This paper reveals the wake of theIIIgender conscious and the social position of women in Victorian period through the analysis of the heroine from the feminist perspective. The status of women in the Victorian period has improved by the development of female consciousness, but still affected by social class and social status.Key words: Jane Eyre;Charlotte Bronte; female; equality; freedomTable of Contents Acknowledgements............... 错误!未定义书签。
女权的英语作文200字Title: The Essence of Feminism。
Feminism, as a social and political movement, advocates for the equality of genders in all spheres of life. It's not just a movement; it's a philosophy, a worldview, and a call for action. Here, we delve into the essence of feminism, its significance, and its impact on society.Firstly, feminism seeks to dismantle patriarchal structures that have historically favored men over women.It challenges the notion that certain roles, rights, and opportunities should be exclusive to one gender. Instead,it promotes the idea that all individuals, regardless of gender, should have equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power.Furthermore, feminism advocates for the recognition and validation of women's experiences and voices. It acknowledges the systemic oppression and discriminationthat women face, including but not limited to gender-based violence, unequal pay, and limited representation in leadership positions. By amplifying women's voices and experiences, feminism aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.Moreover, feminism is not just about women; it's about challenging harmful gender norms and stereotypes thataffect people of all genders. It recognizes that rigid gender roles can be detrimental to both men and women, limiting their freedom of expression and personal development. By breaking down these stereotypes, feminism creates space for individuals to express themselves authentically and pursue their passions without fear of judgment or discrimination.Additionally, feminism intersects with other social justice movements, such as racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and disability rights. It recognizes that systems of oppression are interconnected and that addressing one form of oppression requires addressing them all. Intersectional feminism acknowledges the unique experiences and challengesfaced by individuals with intersecting identities and strives to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.In conclusion, feminism is a multifaceted movement that seeks to challenge and transform the existing power structures, norms, and stereotypes that perpetuate gender inequality. It's not about women dominating men or seeking special privileges; it's about creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and fulfilltheir potential. As we continue to strive for gender equality, let us remember the words of Audre Lorde, "I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own."。
DISCIPLINE (is not a dirty word)Discipline is a necessary part of parenting, yet it is often misunderstood. Discipline is usually associated with punishment. Effective discipline teaches children about appropriate behaviour. Good discipline teaches students to take responsibility for their own actions. It does not involve physical harm. However, it does require firmness.BRIGHT IDEAS∙Try the ESCAPE formula when dealing with children’s misbehaviour.∙Establish clear limits and boundaries for children. Rules need to be clear and specific.∙Stop, think and go against your first impulse when children misbehave. If you feel you are losing your cool with your children, take a walk, phone afriend or even count to ten before interacting with them.∙Cue children once when giving instructions or directions. Repeated requests or threats only encourage ‘parent deafness’ in children.∙Act when children don’t stick to the limits or refuse to co-operate. Rather than nag or coax children into doing the right thing, implement aconsequence that is related to their misbehaviour. For example, children who won’t pack up their toys should lose them for a while….. hide them.∙Pinpoint the reason for children’s misbehaviour. Much misbehaviour is to get parental attention. If you constantly nag children, coax attentionseekers to co-operate or nag …… try changing your ways.∙Encourage children at every opportunity.REMEMBER, CONSISTENCY RATHER THAN SEVERITY IS THE KEY TOEFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE.。
What does feminism really mean?女权主义究竟是什么?Imagine a world where skirts, makeup, and high heels are prohibited, where men are forbidden from giving gifts to women, where mothers ignore their children, and where marriage and dating are obscene. It sounds nightmarish, but this is the dogma many people have in mind when they hear the word "feminism". Feminists, we're told, hate men and want them dead. Or feminists want to switch places with men, so women can work all day and men can all stay home and keep house. Or maybe feminists want to be like men: dress identically, use the same toilets, compete in the same sports leagues. If this definition is true, it seems feminists would be the provocation for insurgencies across the whole of society, breaking routines, eradicating traditions and ruining everyone's lives in the process! 设想这样一个世界:在这里,短裙、化妆品和高跟鞋通通遭禁,男人们被禁止给女人送礼物,母亲们对她们的孩子全然不顾,而婚姻与约会更被视为下流。
女权的英文名言1.求:三句英文的女权主义口号Feminism speaks here!这里女人说了算!Elect women for a change!改选女人当总统!Equal rights are not special rights!平等权不等于特权!If you feel attacked by feminism it's probably a counter-attack!如果你觉得被女人攻击,很可能是女人对你的反击!If patriarchy had a specific beginning in history, it can also have an end!父权的开始可以追根究底,那么也可以黯然结束!Feminism has fought no wars! It kills no componnets!女权非战争!不会伤一人!2.关于称赞女人的英语格言A good surgeon must have an eagle's eye, a lion's heart, and a lady's hand. 一个好外科医生要有鹰的眼、狮子的胆和女性的手。
A good wife and health is a man's best wealth. 男子的最大财富,在于妻子贤惠,自己健康. The wife is the key of the house. 妻子是一家的关键. The mother's breath is aye sweet. 母亲的气息,永远甜蜜。
Can man be free if woman is a slave?妇女当牛做马,男子焉能自由? Better a fortune in a wife than with a wife. 娶个富家女不如讨个巧媳妇. Women have simple tastes: they can get pleasure out of the conversation of children in arms and men in love. 女人们有最简单的爱好:她们能够从怀抱的孩子和爱她们的男人的谈话里得到快乐. ——A.J.Heschel 赫歇尔 It is a good horse that never stumbles, And a good wife that never grumbles. 不失蹄的是好马,不唠叨的是贤妻. A woman never loafs; she shops, entertains, and visits. 女人从来不闲逛;购物,待客,串门总有事可忙. ——Mencken 门肯Behind every successful man, there is a woman. 每个成功男人的背后都有一个女人 All I am , or can be, I owe to my angel mother. (Abraham lincoln, American president) 我之所有,我之所能,都归功于我天使般的母亲。
Feminist is not a dirty word∙Monica Dux∙September 15, 2008Detractors should not sway women who hold feminist values dear.AS SOMEONE who has spent the past year researching popular perceptions of feminism, the question I'm most frequently asked is: "Why are young women so reluctant to call themselves feminists?" The assumption that is often implicit in this query is that feminism is irrelevant to the younger generation and has failed to adapt to modern circumstances. Worse still, as one young woman told me, calling yourself a feminist won't get you laid.The irony is that, when asked, the same women who deny the label typically espouse solidly feminist values. Equality and justice, choice and respect; these are some of the things that almost all women recognise as the entitlements of their sex. And these broad, optimistic goals are what feminists have always championed, in diverse and sometimes conflicted ways. There's one obvious way to make sense of this apparent contradiction, or so we're told. It seems that the problem doesn't lie with what feminism stands for, but with the label.If young women don't consider the feminist label to be important, or are allergic to it, wouldn't it be simpler to do away with it? By ditching the word we could, perhaps, protect the core values of feminism while discarding the apparently unsavoury associations, the stuff that turned women off. After all, what's in a word?It's a seductive suggestion in a world obsessed with spin and image, where rebranding is seen as a way of improving sales figures on a solid but tired old product. But maybe we're focusing on the wrong question. Instead of asking "Is the feminist label still relevant?", perhaps we ought to ask "Why is it that women with thoroughly feminist values are so reluctant to embrace a word that simply describes those values?"While researching our book my co-author Zora Simic and I asked women what turned them off the feminist label. The most common answer was that it's the man-hating, hairy-legged lesbian. In a way this wasn't surprising. Since the 1980s most surveys of women on feminism have returned similar findings. What was surprising is that this hirsute cliche — now more than 30 years old — is still so prevalent in women's minds.We all know what she looks like. She's unwaxed, unattractive and unfeminine (probably with saggy boobs, given her predilection for torching bras). But while most women can describe her characteristics, they can rarely name a woman who personifies the stereotype.So, who is this woman that everyone is so eager to disassociate themselves from? "Hairy-legged lesbian" is, arguably, popular shorthand for the radical feminist. Radical feminism, which emerged from the diverse women's movement of the 1960s, focused on patriarchy as the source of women's oppression. It ranged from the extreme (lesbian separatism) to the moderate (a critique of pornography). Yet while the extreme end of radical feminism looms largest in the public imagination, its impact was marginal, more akin to that of an eccentric opposition backbencher than a minister making policy.Ultimately, the real power of the radical feminist has been in providing fuel for conservative scaremongers, as she's been morphed into a homophobic, simplistic, but enormously convenient stereotype on which to hang old-fashioned feminist bashing. What better way to scare women off feminism than to rattle them with images of an unfeminine monster,determined to force us all into boiler suits and castrate our menfolk? The image screams: demand more from your lives and this is what you could turn into!Yet, as misleading as it is, this cliche has persisted for decades, an anti-feminist success story. No wonder feminism is so often described as out of touch and irrelevant, when what people have in mind is a distorted stereotype from deep in the last century.So, should we throw out the feminist label? When you look at it in the light of history, it's an insulting question, one we wouldn't dare ask any other social group or political movement that has been so vilified and misrepresented.Labels do matter. They are statements as much as descriptors. They are powerful, especially when we need to articulate our collective concerns and voice our demands. The word "feminism" is the thread that binds together the disparate thoughts and beliefs of those who have championed a more just world for women. Without such a label to pin these sentiments on you're left with a jumble of disconnected ideas and issues floating about in the ether, each one easily picked off and forgotten.In the act of calling ourselves feminists we are expressing solidarity (not necessarily agreement) with others who share our core values. We're also showing respect to the many women who've championed those values for more than 100 years. Being mindful of their legacy helps us avoid repeating mistakes, but it is also our best defence against feminism's detractors propagating even more false assumptions, cliches and distortions.Perhaps the word feminism won't be able to shake the unwanted associations it has picked up over the decades. Next time you're asked if you are a feminist, it might be more correct to reply: I am, but not an anachronistic cliche of a narrow version of second wave radical feminism. Bit of a mouthful? Maybe a simple "yes" will do.The Great Feminist Denial, by Monica Dux and Zora Simic is published by Melbourne University Press.。