In the reading Feminism is for Everybody, bell hooks declares feminism as “a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression” (hooks, vii). Although this is a very simple and direct answer to the question of “what is feminism?” there is more to the question than the simple and laid out answer. By starting with what feminism is not, coming to an answer of what is feminism becomes much clearer. In today’s society feminism has become a very negative idea with the masses, with young people believing in the principles of feminist theory but refusing to use the word feminist for fear of repercussions from others. As Moi pointed out in her essay “I’m not a feminist, but…” How Feminism became the F-word, the conservative media has done
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Moi and hooks point out that the need for easy to understand literature needs to be developed, hooks has even attempted this by writing Feminism is for Everybody. However, the issue that arises is that people simply don’t want to read or talk about feminism outside of academia, even if it’s easy to understand. The demonization of feminism is a huge hurtle to o overcome. With that in mind, putting forward a new idea of feminist theory is the only action that can be taken. Moi states that feminism must be updated for modern culture and ideas, however she doesn’t provide an answer. Should feminist change their name as some have suggested? Should the focus change to something more acceptable and uncontroversial like focusing only on building female identity and eliminate reproductive rights and the concept of the patriarchy? The only answer is no. removing the fundamental theories of feminism would be giving into the patriarchy and lessening the value of the feminist movement. Yes, changes need to happen in the feminist movement but not at the cost of the most important values and ideas for the sake of getting more people on board. Education about true feminism is the only answer. Quit being afraid of the F-word, talk to friends, colleagues, and family, male and female alike, about what feminism really stands for:
Moi and hooks point out that the need for easy to understand literature needs to be developed, hooks has even attempted this by writing Feminism is for Everybody. However, the issue that arises is that people simply don’t want to read or talk about feminism outside of academia, even if it’s easy to understand. The demonization of feminism is a huge hurtle to o overcome. With that in mind, putting forward a new idea of feminist theory is the only action that can be taken. Moi states that feminism must be updated for modern culture and ideas, however she doesn’t provide an answer. Should feminist change their name as some have suggested? Should the focus change to something more acceptable and uncontroversial like focusing only on building female identity and eliminate reproductive rights and the concept of the patriarchy? The only answer is no. removing the fundamental theories of feminism would be giving into the patriarchy and lessening the value of the feminist movement. Yes, changes need to happen in the feminist movement but not at the cost of the most important values and ideas for the sake of getting more people on board. Education about true feminism is the only answer. Quit being afraid of the F-word, talk to friends, colleagues, and family, male and female alike, about what feminism really stands for: