“I’m Not a (F)eminist, but…”

There’s a popular narrative in mainstream, “professional” feminism – think Jezebel, Jessica Valenti, Amanda Marcotte – about people (i.e. white, able-bodied, cisgendered, heterosexual women) who don’t want to identify as “feminist.” Generally, it goes something like this: “People who don’t want to identify as feminists are just misinformed about what feminism is! We’re not all hairy/man-hating/fun-hating! Don’t worry about scaring off potential partners, feminists love sex!” You can probably supply some more. But this reaction erases legitimate critiques of mainstream feminism (referred to from now on as (F)eminism). I spend literally 100% of my life on tumblr so I thought I’d round up some problems with (F)eminism addressed by members of that community.

Gender Essentialism/Cissexism – This is what’s being addressed when a blog like KYBOOMU reposts stories from Feministing or Pandagon and adds “NB: More than just ciswomen can become pregnant/need reproductive health services.” Check out Carly’s recent post on menstruation obsession.

Ableism – many AFAB (assigned female at birth) ciswomen are not able to menstruate or become pregnant – does this mean they aren’t women, either?

Nostalgia – Generally taking the form of hero-worship of certain feminist personalities despite problematic writings or statements (i.e. the current revival of 1990’s riot grrrl culture and Hanna-worship – and I should know).

Racism – closely related to nostalgia, (F)eminists spend a lot of time staring around and wondering where all the women of color are while erasing those women’s experiences and ignoring (F)eminism’s historic and continuing exclusion of those women through the decades.

General Lack of Intersectionality – Emblematized by the statement “My feminism will be intersectional  or it will be bullshit.” This has led to folks explicitly labeling themselves as “intersectional feminists” if they still wish to identify as part of (F)eminism.

Of course, if someone actually does really and truly tell you they don’t want to be a feminist because they like wearing makeup and shaving their legs, feel free to uglylaugh in their face. But if you’re like me – basically the exact human that (F)eminism is aimed at – and someone comes with critical analysis of the movement? Drop the Steinem shield (it’s a NOW sign reinforced with Diva Cups) and LISTEN.

Pearl is blogging for Oklahomans for Reproductive Justice FROM OKLAHOMA. #feelings