Feminism to some, represents a demanding, redolent group of ladies with strongly held views and opinions. To others, an almost exasperating, pedantic category of determined females with whom it's almost impossible for a male to please.

For me at least, the word 'Feminism' represents just another term meaning female, or femininity. All boiled down to just a few very basic words, similar to; feminineness, feminine qualities, which simply further extrapolates to delicate, soft, tender, alluring... ! I think you get the picture.

You see, my most favourite people are females, ladies ! I like the way they; look, feel, smell, walk, talk - in fact I love every feature about them ! Now, you may well be thinking, what's this bloke on ? I'm on nothing. I love women, all women. Feminine gender, OK !

So, while coming home in the car today, I caught the last bit of some forgettable show on Radio National, the ABC. It comprised a panel of three ladies, and a male presenter/moderator, and he was in the process of thanking them all for coming and in doing so, naming each of them. A name I do recall, was Eva Cox, the other two I wouldn't know, except one was described as a 'leading feminist' ? What's a 'Leading Feminist' ? But wait, aren't they all female ?

It's this appellation of 'feminist', that's got me tricked ? The common use of the word, to my dullard understanding, is a lady who's known for her forthright opinions, equality with males in everything, and can be a little autocratic and even imperious with her subordinates ?

I also understand some feminists, within the military demand access to ALL positions hitherto occupied by males. Claiming they can do anything a male can do ? And I totally agree. My only concern, there are some duties within the military, that are inappropriate for ladies, not that they're incapable of performing it ?

Am I on the wrong track folks ?

o sung wo afraid I have fixed views, not about womans Liberation, its the domination I dislike.
And for some that is the target not equality.
IF only that energy was focused on the dreadful way some women are treated in other country.s, not forgetting here two.
I am a white ribbon wearer against the worst offenses against women here
I just get in to trouble for this but increasing break ups all around me,as women betray good men, with lessor ones, asks questions I have no answers for.

You are a brave man to discuss this issue O Sung Wu!
You sound as though you have the basics of feminism at heart, and we need more men like you to support the women in your lives.

To me, Feminism means the constant struggle for equality of the sexes.
It means women standing up for themselves, but still wanting the best for the men in their lives.
It means striving for equal rights for women all over the world, and not just here in Australia.

I am not one of those women who believe women can do ANYTHING a man can do.
I just want a world where women can be treated as equals in a human rights sense.

Now just watch as other posters take on this subject and try to tell me what I really think, and that despite the fact I really love most men, I apparently am a man-hater.

Bring it on boys....

Whilst male posters haven't, as yet, told Suseonline what she really thinks - so I know with certainty too - I'll tentatively agree with her.

I'm reminded of the impasse with tactics and goals which saw a distinction with Suffragettes and Suffragists... maybe we could use a new suite of words, each with a specific meaning?

Without trying for puns (feminasty, etc.), so far I've got feminist, feminette, feminelle, feminista, feminage, feminrix, feminress, feminina, feminino and Houellebecqist.

Loved "Bring it on boys..." so tauntingly non-PC.

To me, feminism doesn't mean things female, or femininity. It means a political movement that arose in the western world in the last century aimed at achieving equality of the sexes - something literally meaningless.

If emily's list is representative feminism then it is very sick indeed. Always putting the 'rights ' of feminist woman above the unborn, fathers and anyone else getting in the road of their sick selfish agenda.