My ideal definition: A movement started by women in order to fight for equal rights.
My opinion of what contemporary feminism has degenerated to: (Usually political) bashing for principles without looking at reality's details.
2. Was you mother a feminist?
Yes, in some ways. In others, she is a traditionalist.
3. Are you a feminist?
Yes, in its original intent. Probably not in the contemporary political sense. I would rather be called an equalist. I am definitely not a traditionalist.
4. When did you come to that conclusion (#3) and what factors entered into your decision?
Probably some time in my teens. Maybe earlier. It's hard to tell when because it was such a gradual thing--a lot of contradicting factors contributed. In my childhood, I was expected to be a high achiever. Oh sure, my parents didn't punish me or got angry if I didn't do well, but it was something unstated. Other people expected things of me too and in some ways, I was just considered one of the guys.
It was only until college that I solidified into an equalist and not a feminist. My undergraduate experience was both wonderful and stressful and that stress was only compounded by the very strange social atmosphere on campus (exacerbated by the 3:1 male to female ratio). There were some extremists on campus who demonstrated quite clearly that you have to be careful not to go all the way out or you'd risk becoming the thing you hated in the first place.
5. What are the top five women's issues that require immediate attention?
In no particular order: choice, equal pay, equal treatment, political representation, societal mindset.
