I think your hesitation to self-identify as a feminist is why Athena wrote this article. So many people are deterred from the term feminism because they do not wish to associate themselves with the radical women of the feminist movement, but we must also remember that those radical actions are the things that made the difference. Sometimes, the only way to get people to listen and be remembered is to do something radical that ruffles a few feather. I think if we moved away from associating “feminism” with historical feminists, but rather associated it with their cause, more people would be willing to claim they, too, are feminists. Feminism is nothing more than “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities” (thank you Merriam-Webster) and if you do not share this belief, by all means, do not call yourself a feminist, but if you do share this belief, I encourage you and others who are in your place to second think your decision to not self-identify as a feminist.

First of all, I want to thank you for this comment; without different opinions, it’s easy for discussions to become agreeable, one-sided celebrations of the same ideas. Everyone’s happy because everything they say is applauded. So, while I disagree with most of what you said, I do still respect it.

Yes, your parents may force you to go to Archer. You may long for a coed environment, which is fair enough. But, in that environment, would you actively seek out an education that is inferior to that of your male peers? If so, then yes, it seems you “disagree completely with [Archer’s] ideals.” But I doubt that’s the case.

“Feminism” today does evoke images of dramatic, high-stakes protests and demonstrations, of modern crusaders with their banners held high, fighting the patriarchy for our votes to be counted and voices to be heard. Understandably, you might not want the drama. However, I would counter that feminism can be a static quality. You don’t need to break your back or burn your bra; it’s okay to just have a private belief.

When you speak of Archer “push[ing] that agenda a little too far,” I’d like to know what you’re referring to. I try to avoid radical anything in my life, including radical feminism. I find that extremes are rarely a reasonable place to be, so I seek out two sides of an issue and try to stake out a middle ground. It seems you’re similarly inclined, as you note that there are pros and cons in this debate.

My least favorite thing about feminism is when people misinterpret the concept and try to fight for female supremacy. I’ll allow that some extremity is required when you’re up against a seemingly insurmountable, abstract opponent like “the patriarchy.” However, if we stop fighting for gender equality and start arguing that women are in fact better than men, we become hypocritical, no better than the male supremacists we fight. Here is where I’m confused by your comment: I’ve noticed very little “over-feminism” (i.e., not feminism) at Archer.

I believe the biggest problem with the debate over feminism today is the disparity between the word’s connotation and denotation. For this, we have the malleability of the English language to thank. And yes, sometimes words do outgrow their meanings. For example, “idiot” used to be a clinical term for someone who was mentally ill. This word was incorporated into the cultural vernacular and reassigned a meaning. Now, it would be unthinkable for a doctor to officially declare someone an “idiot,” and new descriptors have entered medical practices and patients’ charts.

What I’m trying to say is that I believe we may be fixating too much on making the word “feminism” accepted, when we should be focusing on the ideas the word represents.

I don’t have a problem calling myself a feminist, but if others do, why are we letting that get in the way of progress? It seems most people are amenable to the ideals of feminism, just not their label. The anonymous commenter certainly felt this way. So, would it be the worst thing to rebrand feminism? Maybe with a label like “equality?” While it may be an unfortunate loss of history, it could be that the label of “feminism” is just the most recent sacrifice needing to be made in a long line of feminist measures.

P.s. great article Athena, you’re really cool.