Arguing over semantics : )
Posted by Carolyn B on April 20, 1998 at 19:37:22:
In response to Defining Feminism, written by Marie Bernadette on April 20, 1998 at 18:29:44
] Marie Bernadette: It's true that the words 'feminist'and 'feminism' have many 20th connotations, but when taken down to a barebones definition they cover what women have wanted and fought for over centuries: basic rights. These terms are but 20th century labels for ideas that have long existed.
I think we are probably actually in agreement generally, but arguing over semantics ; )
I shy away from applying the term "feminist" to people in the past when it may connote that they have the exact same views that modern "feminists" (self-labelled or otherwise) have. Given that "the past is a different country"/culture, I feel we should be very cautious about inadvertently imposing modern/our views on the "natives" so to speak.
For example, Did JA want women to have the right to vote? (Someone here can probably tell us if her views on such matters survive.) Plenty of women opposed women's suffrage in the 19th C. Yet someone labelled as a "feminist" would generally be assumed to support such an issue.
- Semantic antics Marie Bernadette 13:50:34 4/22/98
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- The Vote -- not very good example (try education) The Mysterious H.C. 22:34:23 4/20/98
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- This is (in an oblique way, perhaps) my point ; -) Carolyn B 21:44:14 4/21/98
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- This is (in an oblique way, perhaps) my point ; -) Carolyn B 21:44:14 4/21/98
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