Why I like to use the F word
No not THAT “F” word! I’m talking about the word “feminist.”
There has been such a backlash on that word. Who took it away from us? I could site many examples, but I’ll stick with one. In a recent issue of Bust magazine, Susan Sarandon (who will now be forever excluded from the Celebrity Crush column) said she doesn’t like the word “feminist” and prefers “humanist”. For pity’s sake.
Let’s remember that we have feminists to thank for the right to vote, the abolition of child labor, birth control, accessible abortion services (not just for the super rich), women’s studies being actual course offerings in universities and countless other accomplishments. As Howard Zinn, the rad historian has said, if you don’t know your history it was like you were born yesterday and people can bullshit you. (I’m paraphrasing here)
I think that people are afraid of seeming “exclusionary”, “bra-burners” or “angry”. If they can make us shy away from the F word, they are cutting us off from our history (or “herstory” for the hard core) Feminists (both the first wave and second wave) were way too busy fighting for
things like birth control to be sitting around some campfire burning bras. Give me a freaking break.
I say “Fly the flag of Feminism! Wear the colors with pride.” Because my mother dragged herself thru medical school in the early 60’s maybe it’s a bit
easier for the women who have come behind her. Maybe as I slog it out in the world of technology and endure a certain amount of GOBN (good ol’ boy network)
bullshit, maybe I am making room for other women (and dykes for that matter) to come after me.
Support other women, encourage men to have their full humanity, stand for justice and use the F word. Liberally.
There has been such a backlash on that word. Who took it away from us? I could site many examples, but I’ll stick with one. In a recent issue of Bust magazine, Susan Sarandon (who will now be forever excluded from the Celebrity Crush column) said she doesn’t like the word “feminist” and prefers “humanist”. For pity’s sake.
Let’s remember that we have feminists to thank for the right to vote, the abolition of child labor, birth control, accessible abortion services (not just for the super rich), women’s studies being actual course offerings in universities and countless other accomplishments. As Howard Zinn, the rad historian has said, if you don’t know your history it was like you were born yesterday and people can bullshit you. (I’m paraphrasing here)
I think that people are afraid of seeming “exclusionary”, “bra-burners” or “angry”. If they can make us shy away from the F word, they are cutting us off from our history (or “herstory” for the hard core) Feminists (both the first wave and second wave) were way too busy fighting for
things like birth control to be sitting around some campfire burning bras. Give me a freaking break.
I say “Fly the flag of Feminism! Wear the colors with pride.” Because my mother dragged herself thru medical school in the early 60’s maybe it’s a bit
easier for the women who have come behind her. Maybe as I slog it out in the world of technology and endure a certain amount of GOBN (good ol’ boy network)
bullshit, maybe I am making room for other women (and dykes for that matter) to come after me.
Support other women, encourage men to have their full humanity, stand for justice and use the F word. Liberally.
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