I must point out that the author of this article has blatantly skimmed over the core issue of why women refuse to admit to being feminists.

The reasons why the stereotypes still exists and has such a hold is that the individuals that were the impetus for the creation the stereotypes still exist, that the non-'radical' feminist individuals continuously refuse to tell those that are radical to 'pull their head in' in popular media and that those that are radical by nature are media darlings often looking for the spot light. When news and popular media are awash with idiosyncratic personalities that identify themselves as feminists but in fact just have an axe to grind against society or part thereof with very little or no perceived back lash from moderate feminists it is very easy to view feminism as just being radical in nature.

It is not good enough any more to just sit back and whinge that feminism has a bad name, this will do nothing. Moderate feminists need to stand up and launch an active campaign to distance themselves from the view of the radical feminist being the only feminist. The problem of why more are not identifying themselves as moderate feminists is that no one knows what a moderate feminist is.

Stand up and be counted or run back to the shadows and complain, these are the only options open. If as the author wishes us to believe there is such a thing as moderate feminism people must know it exists, it must be in the public consciousness before young women will identify with it. It must also be defended to prevent what happened in the 1960’s from happening again resulting in another 3 decades of mistrust and stereotyping.

I found your post extremely interesting and to be honest, until now I have never really put much thought into it.

Is feminism a dirty word, I dont think its a dirty word...I think it is a label for our predecessors, part of our history. The modern day feminist is me, you, my daughter....we are living the life that the 'feminists' fought so hard for. The modern woman has dreams and goals that are not limited by their sex...if you were to tell my daughter that she couldnt become a solicitor because she is female she would look at you in utter confusion...that concept has never been part of her world, thanks to our 'feminist' ancestors.

Its hard to believe that only 20 years ago this wasnt at all possible. I know there are still many aspects in our society where women are limited because of their sex however in comparison, the equal and fair treatment of women as a whole has become the norm.

I think the name 'feminist' should be regarded with respect, however its no longer relevant. We are all 'feminists' because we dont allow ourselves to be treated any less than our male counterparts - we expect fairness and equality in the same way we expect to pay taxes!!......

Excellent post, Arthur N.

Feminism is one of the best things ever to happen to Western society, but somewhere along the way the term itself got appropriated by a minority of women who are more interested in revenge against men than in equality and harmony.

Did I miss part of this article?

What is a Feminist? Your comment "In the act of calling ourselves feminists we are expressing solidarity (not necessarily agreement) with others who share our core values."

What are those core values .. I can see something has irritated you, but why?

Is Feminism a little like the Eureka Flag, being used by Trade Unions it's lost its original meaning and intent?

Help me out here, or am I just easily confused?

Feminism made the Woman become a kind of Man ("climb that corporate ladder, knock heads together"). It was propounded (or interpreted) as a force for Destruction, rather than Creation. I think todays women want to find and connect with their feminine essence - which involves creation, nurturing and caring, but which was dismissed by the feminists as "weakness", and exorcised from the collective psyche. Its led to a generation that doesnt have any meaningful relationships - either with themselves or with others. No surprises then - Gen X and Y women are shunning the 'Feminist' ideals with a vengeance.

Feminism is not a dirty word - it put the discussion of Womens rights on the Agenda, but by no means is it a Silver bullet, and is now way past its "use by" date. We need a new philosophy - one that recognises Women for who they are (i.e. that they are not Men).

Just look at how the feminazi's attack any woman who supports their husbands and looks after the kids and you will see why feminist is a dirty word. Greer's views are even revolting from many lefties (a few exceptions)to that point of view.

Females have taken over the State education systems and look at what we are left with. I would hate to be a young boy know surrounding by all those chalk wielding feminist. In Victoria they have made the police force the laughing stock of the nation. M Despite propaganda some work is certainly better done by men.

I take heart that many of our girls today can see that the path of the feminist leads to dis satisfaction. It must irk the feminist to see many young woman content to be wives, mothers, career woman, politicians without having to act like men. Why not be proud to be what you were created to be? Stick to the dresses girls and leave the suits to the men. You will gain a lot more respect that way