Women Against Feminism is social media movement where women have been expressing why they do not need Feminism via a selfie and written statement. In exploring the movement's Tumblr pages I could not help but feel disappointed and upset. Many of the statements speak of not wanting to feel like a victim, wanting to reach equality, that women need and or need men. What was difficult is reading these statements and trying to understand what experience had lead these women to believe such radical ideas about Feminism. What these statements confirm is that the idea that Feminism is this radical, militant, in your face, hating men and demands supremacy of women. What is difficult, is I understand where those ideas can come from. Journalist, Cathy Young has been following the movement. Recently Young visits the topic again for the Boston Globe she asks "DO AMERICAN women still need feminism?" Young writes, "some commentators suggest that pro-equality women who reject feminism are misguided. After all, the dictionary defines feminism as belief in the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes. But these women usually know that (and often sarcastically stress that they do). They simply think that real-life feminism has come to mean something else: vilification of men, support for female privilege, and a demeaning view of women as victims rather than free agents." The term equal rights is used heavily. But I think there is confusion as to what that means. I wish these women making these statements would elaborate. I think that yes, women have far greater opportunities then our predecessors. Whether I can say men and women are equal, what I can say confidently is that I am treated differently because of my sex and gender which directly affects whether I am welcomed.
Another step further back, overall detrimental to the progression of Feminism is the back and forth between the "Feminist" and "Anti- Feminist." Attacking each other does not make it better for any of us. That is another direction I wish Feminism overall would turn. This girl for girl sake. The girl for girl power. Girl for Girl!
Loved that when I viewed this video a Viagra ad preceded this video.
Sheryl Sandberg talks about what she feels have held women back in the workforce from advancing to higher up position. From self esteem, family choices, negotiating raises, to husbands that do house work are more sexy, to women owning the power they have as well as addressing criticism of living a charmed life detached from majority of women. In brief she discusses her book Lean In and the movement she hopes will arise. Definitely put this book in my shopping cart and waiting to get my hands on it and dive in.
60 Minutes over time.
Sheryl Sandberg shares about the word "bossy" and how its not to far from the other B word. And what Sandberg found that was lacking with women is mentorship. Sandberg would like to see more women reaching out to junior women providing them mentorship.
Lastly the Sandberg's introduction video to LEAN IN, an online community where people can keep informed, provide support, have discussion and create change in the workforce.
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