There are a lot of stereotypes about feminists even in 1999.
I've called myself a feminist since the 70s. Most, if not all, of my friends are
feminists, both men and women. My children are feminists. My husband is a feminist.
I do not hate men. I do not think women are superior to men (well, admittedly there are
days ...). I do not wish to do without men. I do not want to run away from my home and
family (well, admittedly there are days ...)
Seriously. Feminism is defined by my American Heritage Dictionary, 3rd edition, as "belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the
sexes." Not a word about hating men, having fantasies of castrating them,
wearing combat boots, going braless, or turning one's back on children and family. Not a
word about wishing to have a penis or behave "like men" (whatever that means).
Feminism is simply the belief that women and men must be afforded the same political,
social, and economic rights.
Here are a couple of other thoughts on feminists and feminism.
Dame Rebecca West: People call me a feminist whenever I express
sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat..
Elizabeth Janeway: Power is the
ability not to have to please.
May Sarton: Women are at last
becoming persons first and wives second, and that is as it should be.
Not sure who said this, but: Men, their rights and nothing more;
women, their rights and nothing less.