Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but that’s just a cop-out. Not only is this new word and its accompanying explanation letting the backlash against feminism win and reinforcing infuriating and false assumptions about feminism, it’s also implying that being feminine is some sort of “answer” to feminism, as if the two are always mutually exclusive. Since when can you not be feminine and a feminist? If you think of “feminism” as believing in the equality and freedom of women, whether someone wears lipstick or pink tights wouldn’t even appear to matter.

Granted, I don’t hold up Oprah.com as a beacon of feminist analysis, but it pisses me off that the only way mainstream sites like these give feminism air time is when they’re trying to refute its importance. I agree that the meaning of feminism needs to be shaped to fit the cultural consciousness of each generation and the issues they grapple with--Emma and I went on our road trip to discover just that. Modern feminism is intersectional and inclusive, more a feeling than a movement. But when I see the word “feminism” cast to the wind in favor of a word that means—well, not much—I start to feel indignant. Feminism is a powerful, amorphous word that means different things to different people. No matter whether you agree with or identify with it, it sparks conversations, acts as a code word to bring to light gender issues, and keeps us on a continuum of history. If a word can do all that, then it’s sure as hell worth fighting for.

Cross-posted on Girldrive 

Nona Willis Aronowitz is a 25-year-old writer and author living in Chicago whose first book, Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism, was released November 1. She blogs at www.girl-drive.com.

In 2007, my friend Emma and I drove across the country asking young women what they think about feminism, and whether it relates to their lives. We were self-proclaimed feminists—having a gender consciousness was essential to us—but we wanted to know what our peers thought about the history and concept of feminism.

We got this question over and over again—since the word “feminism” is too exclusive, too loaded, can’t we just think of another word? Something that means the same thing, but one that doesn’t drag around this exclusive history and these disparaging stereotypes? Emma’s and my gut response to these questions was always, “Hell no.” It was partly because, as Andi Zeisler, founder of Bitch Magazine and one of our Portland interviewees, said to us, a word that means “women’s rights” is always going to garner a negative connotation, so we might as well save our energy and stick with what we've got.

But it was also something else—something I couldn’t quite articulate until today.

This morning, Oprah.com’s Karen Salmansohn echoed some of the women we talked to, saying that “feminism” conjures up images of “controlling, bitchy women” and women who are “basically unattractive both in looks and spirit.” Feminism doesn’t make women’s lives better; according to Karen, it apparently “den[ies] the existence and the benefits of either our male or female sides.”

So instead of attempting to rail against these sexist, harmful stereotypes, she has invented a new word—“feminine-ism.” This new word brings back the old phrase “getting in touch with your feminine side.”

Wow. I’m sorry, but t