Response to Mark Laessig’s blog

"According to this definition, I am not a feminist. Although I do support the rights of women, I also believe that men are equal as well." - Mark Laessig

As long as someone believes that women should be equal to men they are a feminist. If you believe in the cause to bring equality to the genders, this in no way means that you do not believe that men are equal. The statement,"I also believe that men are equal as well" is irrelevant to whether or not you are a feminist. Obviously in this country of the two genders, Women are the oppressed. That is the key reason why feminism exists, to make equal the two genders. The fact that you believe men are equal to women and vice-versa is exactly what makes you a feminist and saying that you are not a feminist for this exact reason is invalid. As long as you believe that there should be no difference in any socio-economical matter between the two sexes, you are a feminist!

I am a Feminist Critique

The word feminine means anything pertaining to women. The word feminist and feminine are related because they both have the same origin and they are both related to woman. In the post by Jason Boas his definition of a feminist was one that is willing to stand up the rights of both men and women. Boas states, ‘’so, a feminist would be someone who encourages the movement to make men and women equal,’’ I disagree. I think a feminist is a person that encourages the movement for equal rights of women. Women’ rights have always been challenged in the work place, school, and home. I disagree with Boas’s definition because the rights of men did not have to be fought for and the word feminist is related to women.

Blog 4

To disagree with Kevin Ly's post, men and women are different, but that is not what the definition of feminism he chose means. He found a definition stating that feminism is (1) the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes and (2), an organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests. This definition explains that feminism is the movement that fights for women’s equal rights, not the difference between men and women. Kevin describes the difference between men and women. This has nothing to do with the definition that he chose. He explains that women are better at some things than men, and men are better than women at some things. With this, he states that women have equal rights, but they may not be visible because they may not be as good at something a man does. When Kevin explains these “probabilities,” no where does he relate his case towards the definition of feminism. He believes that both women and men are equal, and is considered a non-feminist, but his explanation does not coincide with the definition.

- Cory Goulet

In response to Kevin Ly's post

Kevin Ly’s definition of feminism was “the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes” (Merriam-Webster). This definitions means that women should be treated equally in all of these categories. Nowhere in the definition of feminism does it say that men and women are the same. Kevin states that men and women are different. Men and women are not the same, but they should be treated equally if they do the same thing. Kevin then makes generalizations about the norms of men and women. He then admits that there are exceptions to the gender norms. The feminism definition is to protection those who are not doing the gender norm. They should get equal treatment and pay. That is why Kevin maybe should be a feminist.

Feminist critique

I disagree with Ian Friedman’s blog post in which he states that he is not a feminist because feminism teaches that men and women are not equal. Specifically he says “In order to be a feminist one must believe that men and women are different.” This is not true. Merriam-Webster defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes”. He goes on to say that he does support the equality of the two genders. Therefore he is a feminist because feminism is not giving one gender special privileges, but rather making men and women equal in all ways.

-Ryan Sussman

Blog 4 Assignment

"In my personal experience women are more than capable to do everything that a man can do."
-Olsian Goxhaj

I believe that this statement is somewhat false. Women may be able to do the same thing as men, but some jobs men are more qualified to do. Jobs such as lawyers, police, doctors are all equal among men and women. Jobs that I believe men can do better then women are more are jobs such as construction. Jobs that require more strength, I believe men can do better. Also, women can do things better then men. I believe there are things that women and men are both good at. They may differ but they have positive traits in individual categories.

Shane Varughese

Why I Am Not A Feminist Critique

The original quote from the post was "I am not a feminist. The reason is simple: Men and women are different, there are certain things women can never do and certain things men can never do."  I disagree with this statement because being Feminism does not necessarily mean that women and men can do exactly the same thing.  When talking about job positions and obligations and so forth, women and men can do the same thing.  This is what feminists are pushing for, the equal treatment for women to do anything that a man can do that a women can do as well.  I believe the quote is too broad.  There are definitely things that men can not do and there are things that women can not do.  For example, a genetically born male can never give birth.  This is impossible, men are not genetically able to do so.  So to say that one is not feminist do to the fact that there are things that men and women can not do while the other can is not a fair argument.  If a man must be able to give birth in order for feminists to be successful, then their fight will be a long time running.

Blog 4 Assignment

For this assignment, I chose to argue the reasoning behind Ian Friedman's choice on why he was not a feminist. Ian states that, ""I am not a feminist because I believe that men and women are both human beings therefore they are equal. In order to be a feminist one must believe that men and women are different." Feminism does not mean that a women thinks that she is different or superior to a man. Being feminist means being for the equalization of the sexes and for the progression of women. So by simply stating that you do not consider yourself a feminist due to the fact that you believe men and women are equal, you are actually reinforcing the argument of the feminists.

"Why i am a Feminist" critique

I definitely think the rights of women are challenged in today’s society.
Posted by Whitney Louisaire at 4:13 PM 0 comments

“Belief in the need to secure rights and opportunities for women equal to those of men, or a commitment to securing these.” This definition is used in a blog post by Whitney Louisaire to define whether she is a feminist or not. In her blog, she states that she is a feminist, and states, “I definitely think the rights of women are challenged in today’s society.” I do not believe this is true. As I have used as an example for my posting of my belief, if two doctors, one man and the other woman, that specialized in the same field does not mean that the man doctor would be better at performing surgery then the woman doctor.

This is a response to a poster who said they were not a feminist. In the post it reads, "I feel that both males and females are pretty much viewed as equals now in America. Even though there are some advantages to be a male there are also a lot of advantages to be a female." Being a feminist has nothing to do with who has the most advantages, it is how the seperate genders are treated and the want for women and men to be treated equally. In 2000, the average pay for women was only 75% of what it was for men. Women take up 46% of the American workforce, but only 40% of managers are women, and less then 5% of top managers are women. More women then men have a high school degree and even more earn a college degree. How is this equal? 

Blog 4 Assignment

In response to Mark Laessig’s blog post, I disagree with his reasoning as to why he is not a feminist. He states that feminist’s are people who “[stand] for just men and not women,” but in reality feminists are only trying to make women equal to men. He goes on to say that “today women have as many opportunities as men,” but this is clearly incorrect. According to CNN.com, “the average 25-year-old woman who works full-time, year-round until she retires at age 65 will earn $523,000 less than the average working man.” Also if “both sexes are seen as equal to most,” then there would not be hundreds of thousands of feminists in America and government imposed programs such as affirmative action attempting to make all people equal.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/Careers/10/22/equal.pay/index.html

Whay I am a Feminist Critique

In response to Sean Pastor's comment, "According to this definition and this article feminism is basically what is said. It is the idea that women are people. If that is the only qualification to be considered a feminist, that women are to be classified as a person, then yes I would have to consider myself a feminist, because women are alive and they are people plain and simple". I believe he got the wrong concept, because you can still believe women are people and they should have the same rights, but not be a feminist. Feminists stand for the rights of women and thats it. The difference between me and a feminist is that, I stand for both men and women. We are all equal and deserve the same rights. So you don't necessarily have to be a feminist to stick up for women's rights or to believe that they are individuals as well.

In response to Jason Boas' blog

This is in response to Jason Boas “Why I am A Feminist” blog. Boas reason for being a feminist does not coincide with his definition, which is “ the movement for social, political and economic equality of men and women.” The word movement as defined by elook.org is, “a group of people with a common ideology who try together to achieve certain general goals. Therefore if the meaning of the word feminist should be restated it would say, “ a group of people or a person who advocates for political and social fairness between men and women.” Boas states “ a feminist is, in the broadest sense of the term, someone who simply believes that men and women should be equal in all sociopolitical aspects, as well as in anyway there is unfair burden on women founded on chauvinistic ideology, then yes, I am a feminist.” Clearly from his definition a feminist does not merely believe in gender equality but he or she also campaigns for equality, whether it is done proactively or passively. Boas’s grounds for being a feminist does not concur with his definition, to me he is pro-feminist.

Critique against "Why I am a feminist"

Why I Am A feminist

Feminist-the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.

As mentioned in the definition a feminist is one who advocates for equal rights for women in all social institutions. I am not an activist, nor do i go around shouting "equal rights for women," but i do stand up for womens rights when comfornted by anyone and I aslo belive that all men and women should be treated equal. Thats why i believe that I am a feminist. For more than a century women have been treated unequally in just about every social institution: labour force, education, family,church, politics etc. Women have been treated like objects such as: "trophies," sex objects, dummies ect. And many times,their beauty has been used to validate their success rather than their interlect. Althougth times have changed and many laws have been implented to turn back the ominious hand of unequality, such gender tension still exsist. The time for complete equality among men and women is long overdue, and I believe that more work needs to be done to identify the different diparities of basis-ness and , alos new methods should be put in place to eleminate them.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=feminist

I dont agree with the definition of feminist is "the doctrine advocating social political and all other rights of women equal to men. "  I  think that it is unrealistic to claim that men and women should be equal. It is impossible for such a thing to happen. Men and Women are different. They cannot do the same things. Women use the fact they are the weeker sex all the time.For example in no culture around the world is there a practice of holding doors for men. This is just an example but women misuse the rules of society all the time. 

WHY I AM NOT A FEMINIST CRITIQUE

The original quote is "I am not a feminist because I believe that men and women are both human beings therefore they are equal. In order to be a feminist one must believe that men and women are different." I agree with you that both men and women are humans therefore they are equal, however, they are not treated or seen as equals. The world is heavily dominated by males. Females have always been oppressed by males. You don't hear about domestic violence being a woman beat up her husband. And i also disagree to your comment of "In order to be a feminist one must believe that men and women are different." Feminists just mean that you do a lot of things to help the female society.

A GIRL LIKE ME

Kiri Davis's A Girl Like Me:

TONI MORRISON IN PHILLY

Now we begin The Bluest Eye, and I've just found out that Toni Morrison will be giving a reading at the Central Library (1901 Vine Street) on Monday, December 1, 2008, 7:30PM. I've heard that all tickets have sold, but if you're interested in going, it's worth double checking the FLP website. Hearing Morrison read and discuss her writing would give an added dimension to your appreciation of her work.

feminist critique

I came across a statement in one of the feminist blogs that I disagree with. In Jason Boas’s blog he states; “However, using the basic definition I found it would be difficult to say that any rational person, including myself, could say that they were not a feminist”. His definition was; “In the most basic sense, feminism is exactly what the dictionary says it is: the movement for social, political, and economic equality of men and women”. I have to disagree with this because there are many people who are rational and don’t consider themselves a feminist. There could be a number of different reasons why people don’t consider themselves feminists. One reason could be that the person misunderstands what it means to be a feminist. Another could be that people just don’t want women equal to men. Some men might be scared that women could be better than they are in certain aspects, like in the work place. Some people might see women as inferior beings that don’t deserve to on the same level with men. There are people out there, men and women, who don’t consider themselves feminists, whatever there reason may be.

Commenting Jason Boas - "...incomplete definition leaves a hole in the logic."

“‘In the most basic sense, feminism is exactly what the dictionary says it is: the movement for social, political, and economic equality of men and Women.’
So, a feminist would be someone who encourages the movement to make men and women equal.
When I went searching for a comprehensible meaning to the term feminist, I didn't expect the definition that I found.(see above) The main reason for this is that I previously believed that among rationale individuals there were those who were feminists and those who were not. However, using the basic definition I found it would be difficult to say that any rationale person, including myself, could say that they were not a feminist. The misconception I had previously was that a feminist was someone who thought that females were superior to males or someone who is against men. That is obviously not the case and is simply a fallacy brought on via incorrect use of the term over the several centuries that it has been a part of our lexis.”

I disagree with this interpretation of what being a feminist entails given this definition. By the above description of Feminism, a feminist can’t be someone who simply “encourages” the movement; they’d have to actually participate. I say this because in this sense the term “feminist” automatically draws a tie to the term “activist” and activists ACT! The definition above clearly states “the movement…”, so how can one be a feminist by merely believing that women should have rights equal to those of men? It’s easy to point fingers and look askance at those who think differently than you (i.e. calling them ir-“rationale”) but you’ll never change the world that way - you won’t even gain support. If femin-ists were people who only discouraged the sexism in today’s world, then femin-ism wouldn’t be a movement at all but solely a belief system (which happens to be its other appropriated definition). Encouraging something isn’t necessarily fighting for it, the same way that discouraging something isn’t fighting against it. Simply put, if you don’t act on your thoughts by consciously making an effort to change what you find immoral, then you can’t really apply the label to yourself. The same way that Civil Rights activists marched for freedom, the people sitting at home, watching them on TV, and cheering them on weren’t activists…they were supporters at best. They encouraged the Civil Rights movement, but they by not taking part, played no major role in its “success”.
Now if the writer had defined feminism as a doctrine rather than, or in addition to, as a movement, then his interpretation of what it is to be a feminist would hold some ground. But given this interpretation of the term, one can’t be declared a feminist by merely supporting the doctrine. My final verdict is that he should have included the other definition of Feminism; his post gives somewhat of a broken understanding of it because the incomplete definition leaves a hole in the logic.

Actions of Equality

Original Post: “I am not a feminist. The reason is simple: Men and women are different, there are certain things women can never do and certain things men can never do. Society has to understand that, more importantly feminists have to. At the same time I don't think that it is right to disrespect women. Women should have a respectable place in society. Society should respect women in positions of power, if they are capable of it.In America, the Judicial system has a number of laws to protect women. In many parts of the world women are treated brutally, i think that is wrong. No one should ever be treated brutally.At the same time, I think feminists are very prejudicial against men. They end up men bashing most of the time. For the above reasons, I would never call myself a feminist but I would say I am a humanitarian.”

I don’t agree with this because it is obvious that there are certain things like biological things that men can’t do that women can, like giving birth, but that is not what society is separating men and women by. They separate men and women by things like occupation and social rankings. “I think feminists are very prejudicial against men.” Feminist are not prejudicial against men, but rather on what certain men do. It’s not the thought of things that make something good or bad, but is the action that is taken. They also are not only against men but rather people, groups, and organizations, that treat women unfairly.

Comment on Trotman blog. "Why I am not a feminist"

You stated in your blog that "men and women are seen as equal in today's society" that is not true at all. You also stated "It is true that we live in a male dominated world", doesn't that mean that there are still some beliefs that women are not equal. You also talk about how women has protection laws and males do not. That's because there are some men still out there that brutally beat women, rap women, and kill women. There is always something on the news talking about a man did this to a woman and her child. It would be really shocking if something on the news saying a women beat up a man etc. Even though people say that women are not treated unequal. That's a lie... Just look at how many males get faster law firm jobs then women.

Feminism... Not really Necessary

"I definitely think the rights of women are challenged in today’s society. Today women around the world, especially in third world countries are not treated in the same respect as men. I believe that women are just as capable as men but our society and our culture divert us from that fact. I am a feminist because I believe in equal rights for women."

I disagree with this argument because it implies that women continue to be in a certain status that is dramatically lower than men. I consider that today, women have gained such equality that in many ways they are considered to have the same opportunities as men. Arguing that women now are not equal to man symbolizes some kind of discrimination or feeling of superiority by men, who know work alongside women in jobs, sports, and schools. Feminist movements now are just an unnecessary extension of the women's movement in the 1900's. In my opinion, feminism has lost enough momentum and although it works as a way for women to maintain their rights, it is not really critic to promote movements like these. Specially in times were males and females accomplish the same goals and are able to achieve the same things from life.

Inequality? I Don't think so

Why I am a feminist
Feminism: belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.According to dictionary.com, feminism is the belief in social, political and economic equality of the sexes. Although I feel like I hold a stand and believe in both positions, I see myself more in a feminist view. I feel as though in today’s society, there still is inequality evident with gender. I think everyone should be treated fairly but because of societal norms, women are still treated unfairly and men are seen as the higher gender, being able to get away with things women normally wouldn’t. A double standard is also still evident in many situations because what women do is more heavily accounted for. Years have passed and people’s mentalities have changed but the underlining expectations and still prominent for women.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/feminism
Posted by pooja039 at 5:51 PM 0 comments


Inequality? There has not been inequality in the United States since August 25,1920.Then the very next day, 26 August 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified and womens sufferage officially ended. Women have the same exact rights as men have, the only problem is women want to have their cake and eat it to. Women want to be treated equal and just, and thats fine, but the instant an indifference occurs its automatically viewed as sexist and unjust. Women have gained tramendous positions of power in the United States. Take for example Meg Whitman the President and CEO of eBay, Indra Nooyi CEO of a little soft drink company called Pepsi, I'm not really sure if you have ever heard of those companies but their both fortune 500 companies. And the list goes on and on. Inequality? Seriously though? Women have the same opportunities as men, saying that there is inequality is a cop out.

VISUAL LITERACY RESOURCES

As you will see from your research, there are thousands of online resources for visual literacy. Here are just a few:

About Face:
http://www.about-face.org/

Temple Media Education Lab:
http://mediaeducationlab.com/

The Merchants of Cool (PBS media literacy documentary):
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/

Daniel Chandler, "Notes on 'The Gaze'":
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/gaze/gaze.html

Link to Additional Links:
http://www.ltcconline.net/lukas/gender/pages/links.htm

Feel free to share on this blog links to other websites.

Feminist or Feminist?

<http://stanford.library.usyd.edu.au/entries/feminism-topics/>
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines feminism as both an intellectual commitment and a political movement that seeks justice for women and the end of sexism in all forms.

By the former portion of this definition I guess that I would fall into the classification of a "feminist". I'm far from a sexist, I disagree with any beliefs of the sort, and I'm all for the fair and just treatment and rights of women as a whole. BUT the latter portion as it regards feminism as a political movement throws me out of the loop. I'm not part of any feminist movement- political or not. Sure I agree with their beliefs and purposes, but for me to call myself a feminist would be dishonest in that I'm not active in pursuing the goals in which true feminists have set out to acheive.

Most people upon hearing the term feminism automatically draw the idea of feminist activism or something to that effect; this is the idealogy of feminism as a political movement. Now knowing that and guaging by people's perceptions of the terms feminist and feminism, anyone who merely believes that women should be granted equal rights but makes no attempts to facilitate the ambition isn't even half a feminist. Actions speak much louder than words and in following this mentality, one could easily deduct that the only true feminists are the activists themselves- the picketeers and protesters, the authors, the public speakers and so on. Basically, you have to do a lot more than just think or feel to be a feminist.

Why I am a feminist

I do consider myself to be a feminist because I believe that women are equal to men. Feminism is defined as a doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men. The idea that women are not equal to men is absurd. Women and men both have a lot of the same needs. Women live under the same set of laws in which men do. They should have an equal say in politics and other social activities. We have all seen and/or heard of the injustices that women had to face and still have to face. Some can make the argument that if everything was equal women would not be happy. A case where this would be true is the matter of bathrooms. If everything were equal there would be one set of bathrooms. But the idea that something that is separate but equal is fair solves this problem. Women should be treated with respect and dignity, as do all human beings. Women were treated as if they did not have any meaning; they were seen as second to men. The improved condition for women in today’s society is a big step forward but there is still much more that can be done to make women equal to men.

Why I am a feminist

I do consider myself to be a feminist because I believe that women are equal to men. Feminism is defined as a doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men. The idea that women are not equal to men is absurd. Women and men both have a lot of the same needs. Women live under the same set of laws in which men do. They should have an equal say in politics and other social activities. We have all seen and/or heard of the injustices that women had to face and still have to face. Some can make the argument that if everything was equal women would not be happy. A case where this would be true is the matter of bathrooms. If everything were equal there would be one set of bathrooms. But the idea that something that is separate but equal is fair solves this problem. Women should be treated with respect and dignity, as do all human beings. Women were treated as if they did not have any meaning; they were seen as second to men. The improved condition for women in today’s society is a big step forward but there is still much more that can be done to make women equal to men.

Why I Am Not a Feminist

www.dictionary.reference.com/browse/feminism


1.
the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.
2.
(sometimes initial capital letter) an organized movement for the attainment of such rights for women.

By no stretch of the imagination am I trying to say that I do not believe in equal rights for both men and women. In my honest opinion, I think it is despicable that some women are still not receiving the same rights as a man, but I have to make clear that I am not a feminist. The definition for feminism leads me to believe that much of what it means to be a feminist has to do with how involved one is with the progression of women in our obviously male dominated society. I have never been in any organization, gone to any rally, or even attend any meetings that had anything to do with feminism. I believe women should have equal rights but that does not mean that I have to support only women. Myself being a man makes me want to continue having all the rights I have, but I do not want a women to push her way to having more power than me because of affirmative action. That my sound harsh but I mean no harm by it. I simply mean that I am a man that wants every person to be equal without having to push their way there, man or women.

"Why I Am Not A Feminist"

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/feminism

fem⋅i⋅nism
   /ˈfɛməˌnɪzəm/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [fem-uh-niz-uhm] Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun
1. the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.
2. (sometimes initial capital letter) an organized movement for the attainment of such rights for women.

Based on the definition of feminism, I do not see myself as a feminist. When I think of a feminist, I think of someone overwhelmed with the equal or unfair rights that women have. But when I read the definition, it is not that it is an overwhelming thought for women, it explains that feminists are a group of people, similar to religion or political group, who study and go about bringing up women’s rights to others. By not being a feminist, I go about my day taking on the events that take place, not spending a minute thinking or pondering on the rights women have. Also, I do not participate in any “organized movements for the attainment of such rights for women.” I do not take part in “advocating [the] social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.” Being a feminist requires one to have a strong feeling towards women’s rights and do something about it, whether it is taking part of an organized movement or anything else to change the minds of those in charge of our individual rights; it does not mean to just believe in them. I believe in women having equal rights as men, but I do not stress on the fact and carry out my feelings towards the issue. Maybe if I was a woman, I would have different feelings about the rights of women, but even then I do not think I would participate in group meetings and activities to change how others looked at the situation.

- Cory Goulet

Why I am a Feminist

"In the most basic sense, feminism is exactly what the dictionary says it is: the movement for social, political, and economic equality of men and

women."(http://www.feminist.com/resources/artspeech/genwom/whatisfem.htm)

So, a feminist would be someone who encourages the movement to make men and women equal.

When I went searching for a comprehensible meaning to the term feminist, I didn't expect the definition that I found.(see above) The main reason for this is that I previously believed that among rationale individuals there were those who were feminists and those who were not. However, using the basic definition I found it would be difficult to say that any rationale person, including myself, could say that they were not a feminist. The misconception I had previously was that a feminist was someone who thought that females were superior to males or someone who is against men. That is obviously not the case and is simply a fallacy brought on via incorrect use of the term over the several centuries that it has been a part of our lexis. If the definition I discovered through my research is correct, and that a feminist is, in the broadest sense of the term, someone who simply believes that men and women should be equal in all sociopolitical aspects, as well as in any way that there is an unfair burden on women founded on any chauvinistic ideology, than yes, I am a feminist.

Why I am not a Feminist

A feminist is the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.


http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/feminist


According to this definition, I am not a feminist. Although I do support the rights of women, I also believe that men are equal as well. If I only stood for the rights of women and not men, I would be a feminist. If I stood for just men and not women, that would make me a male chauvanist. Feminists don't support both the rights of women and men, thats what makes me different from them. In the past, women and men were not seen as equal, but today women have as many opportunities as men. Feminists groups will never die even though both sexes are seen as equal to most, they aren't to others.

Why I Am Not a Feminist

Feminism is defined as the advocacy of womens rights. This implies that women and men have been placed in different social perspectives from ages. Women have not been given equal status in areas that have been conventionally considered as a part of the domain of men.

http://www.encyclocentral.com/21479-Definition_Of_Feminism_Political_Social_Economical_Equality_Of_Women.html

According to the above definition I would not consider myself a feminist. The main reason I say this is because the definition says that feminism is "the advocacy of womens rights" and although I can support womens rights I do not advocate it. I do not advocate womens rights because I am not trying to influence or speak out for the cause. I agree with the fact that women and men have been seperated in society for many years and have the right to fight for their equal rights. I support people standing up for their rights and am against treating women as less than men just based on their sex. I disagree on the part of the definition that says women have not been given equal status in areas that have been conventionally considered as a part of the domain of men because women have gained the same rights as men and now can do most of the same jobs as them and are not limited anymore by gender. I guess in some ways I do agree with feminism and maybe by another definition I could say I am a feminist but by this one I am not because of the advocacy part of it.

Why I am Not a Feminist

Feminism Definition

1. feminine qualities
2.
a. the principle that women should have political, economic, and social rights equal to those of men
b. the movement to win such rights for women

http://www.yourdictionary.com/feminism

I am not a feminist because I believe that men and women are both human beings therefore they are equal. In order to be a feminist one must believe that men and women are different. I believe that women do have "political, economic, and social rights equal to those of men" no matter what society says. In today's world women have the exact same opportunities as men have they just need to stop protesting and just take the opportunities that are right in front of them. If feminists want to be seen as equals to men they need to stop emphasizing on how different they are and instead emphasize on how similar they are to men. I am not a feminist because I do not take part in "the movement to win such rights for women". According to the above definition I am not a feminist because i do believe that men and woman do have equal rights and I do not take part in their movement. I do support the fact that feminists stand up for what they believe, but I do not believe that I am one.

Why I'm not a Feminist

I am not a feminist. The reason is simple: Men and women are different, there are certain things women can never do and certain things men can never do. Society has to understand that, more importantly feminists have to. 

At the same time I don't think that it is right to disrespect women. Women should have a respectable place in society. Society should respect women in positions of power, if they are capable of it.

In America, the  Judicial system has a number of laws to protect women. In many parts of the world women are treated brutally, i think that is wrong. No one should ever be treated brutally.

At the same time, I think feminists are very prejudicial against men. They end up men bashing most of the time. 

For the above reasons, I would never call myself a feminist but I would say I am a humanitarian.

http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/feminist

Why I Am Not A Feminist

1. The belief that women and men are, and have been, treated differently by our society, and that women have frequently and systematically been unable to participate fully in all social arenas and institutions.
2. A desire to change that situation.
3. That this gives a "new" point-of-view on society, when eliminating old assumptions about why things are the way they are, and looking at it from the perspective that women are not inferior and men are not "the norm."

http://folk.uio.no/thomas/po/whatisfeminism.html

Men and women are seen as equal in todays society. This is why I am not a feminist. Feminist go on about how they are not equal to men but in reality, they are. It is true that we live in a male dominated world but women have made great strides throughout the years and have become equal to men. I do think women are treated differently in society but only for little things such as men holding doors open for women. Feminist seem to think that they are treated unfairly in many facets of life but if thats true then men are also treated unfairly. There are laws that are made specifically to protect women but I don't recall any laws that are made to protect men. Women are given the same opportunities as men these days to succeed, maybe even more opportunities, but instead of complaining about what they don't have, feminist should just go out and get it instead of complaining. If I was a feminist then i would be admitting that women are inferior to men, but I think I made it obvious that women are not so that is why I am not a feminist.

Why I'm NOT a feminist.

http://www.feminist.com/resources/artspeech/genwom/whatisfem.htm

Feminism is the feeling that women are treated poorly compared to men. I’m not a feminist because I don’t believe that all women are treated poorly. Of course there are people who have been treated badly but it isn’t only among women. People are treated differently by race and class also. Everyone will experience a time when they were not heard and was not treated as an equal. I don’t think that women are as ’suppressed’ as they make it seem. Along with the idea of equal rights, there are movements that try to get political and social change for women. In today’s society, women have been given more rights in the government and political world. It is the social world that is hard to change. Everyone has different opinion and experiences, so people who are might have had a bad experience with something will be more bias towards it. I believe that most people today are more excepting of women, people of color, etc. I don’t think there is a need for women to still have a movement to try and make a point. The change has already been heard of and seen. All there is to do now is wait for people to realize and accept the change themselves. I think the more women seem unsatisfied and ungrateful, the less the progress of being equal will work.

Why I Am Not A Feminist

According to Merriam-Webster on http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/feminism the definition of feminism is:

1 : the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2 : organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests.

The reason why I am not a feminist is that I believe men and women are different. I do not think there is anyway to avoid that. People that do feel like men and women should be equal are right but the reality is that they will always be different. Men and women have different interests and skills. For example, I know more females that are good at one thing that most men can't do and I know males that can do something that most females are not too good at. Though, there are few that are exceptions to this, the whole point is that they are exceptions. I think that anybody can do anything as long as they are determined to do so. There are just different probabilities that a person of a certain gender will do something that their gender is not known for doing. I do believe that men and women should have equal opportunities and I think that they do. In the past I think that women were discriminated against and they did need to work harder to get the same things that men got but in the present day things are different. I could be wrong because I am a male and do not see things as a female would but this is just my opinion.

Why I am not a feminist

www.visionsinfeminism.org

This is a website used by the organization “Visions in Feminism”. It is a conference held at the American University and their goal is “to provide a forum for diverse perspectives on feminist praxis”. While there is no actual definition of feminism on their pages it is very clear to the reader that feminism, to these people, is just a club. They see it as an output for all their opinions.

Under the conference tab it says, “All ages, races, genders, and experiences welcome” however some of the events at that conference are obviously geared toward people with certain beliefs. One such event is the WACDTF Training. The WACDTF Training is a workshop that teaches these women how to handle protesters at free women’s’ clinics, also known as abortion clinics.

The women behind the conference are brought up to be such amazing people in their biographies, being cited as “thrift store aficionado[s]” or as participating “in anarchist conferences”. Only two of them were said to have gone to college, Sonya Mendoza biography says “Oh yeah and she went to college too” however Lindsey Hobb’s biography states “After completing grad school with an MA in 20th century”.

It is not that I believe every feminist is like this, nor is it right to assume that every organization is like this. However, it is fine by me to assume that many feminists feel strongly about their beliefs. But that is not me. I cannot feel strongly about anything. To answer the question “Are you a Feminist?” I say no, because I have no opinion on the subject.

Ben Lauze