It's time to redefine feminism

By defining feminism in this manner, however, its potential is limited. Instead, let's throw out our preconceptions of feminism and create our own definition of it.

Modern society has so many conflicting messages of what it means to be a woman. Is it the lady, the politician, the hot tomboy, the working mom?

Girls, our generation has the potential to make feminism our own as successfully as we have with music, fashion and even language. We've always let individuality dictate our tastes before, so why not let it re-create feminism?

The traditional interpretation of a feminist is culpable for so many of the negative preconceptions of society. The choice in the past was often simplified: Have a family or pursue a career. It is that prejudice that stems beliefs such as the Rev. Pat Robertson's. In a now-infamous quote, Robertson said, "Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians."

Of course, not all agree with this extreme and negative view.

"Feminism has changed and continues to change," says Emily Rodkey, a senior at West. "When I think about it, Rosie the Riveter comes to mind. But the women of our time are filling much bigger shoes."

Kristina Carlson, a fellow senior at West, agrees. "Being a woman today means you have the opportunity to be both educated and have a family," Carlson says.

Jackie Harris, a senior at East, views a career as the ultimate feminist ideal: "I think being a woman is running for president."

While women are still a minority in politics, that statistic is slowly changing. Two years ago our state elected its first female governor, and Nancy Pelosi became the first female speaker of the House.

However, for some, the choice of returning to family values is best demonstrates feminism.

"I want to be that woman that walks by and people say, 'That's a lady,' " says Carrie Oden, a junior at Bartlett.

For Carrie, feminism is exercised by practicing the values women have practiced for ages. Being a housewife or homemaker is not as popular a primary job as it once was, but a significant number of homes in the United States are still led by one.

A woman's ability to make her own choices is an essential part of feminism, no matter what definition you're using. There is no stereotypical feminist just as there is no stereotypical woman. However you define the word, being a feminist is a choice, even if that choice is to be, as Chugiak graduate Danielle McMullan describes it, "able to do all the things the boys do while wearing tight jeans and makeup."

Denile Ault is a senior at West, as well as a self-described misogynistic feminist.