As a woman, should I be a feminist? And what exactly does it mean to be a feminist?

I am a feminist. To me, that means I support equal opportunities for women, and women not being treated as second class people. That work women do is valued as much as work that men do, even if it is not exactly the same kind of work. For example, it is not always valued in American society when a woman (or man) chooses to raise her (his) kids at home, but perhaps it should be. Or people admire woodworking more than sewing, even though both skills are about the same difficulty.

There are some differences between men & women, and women will need some accomodations regarding having kids - that is a feminist issue, but also new male parents need some accomodations too, so men benefit too.

Most of the issues aren't so blatant now - I am 44 and did face some discrimination. My husband is 69 & he is well aware of how things used to be.

I think all women and all men should be feminists. We are all humans and all want to be treated with respect & have equal opportunity to live our lives to the fullest & not be pre-judged because of our sex (or race, or ethnicity etc).

Feminism by definition is supporting equal rights for women. If you are a woman, you are probably a feminist whether you realized it or not, because you likely want and assume you should be treated equally like everyone else.

Some women-haters try to vilify the term, but you have to consider the source. Those are the same people who wouldn't want you to be able to get a job to earn your own money simply because you are a woman.

You shouldn't have to be anything because your a woman..and that is, in essense what feminism is. In the past women were made to 'be like' some thing or someone. In the U.K up until recently, women were under the category of property during domestic disputes. What you should do is be aware that the fight is no-where near over, women still are at a distict disadvantage in the employment arena and wages are still lower, on average, and considerably so compared to men. In many countries and religions, women are ranked below property and animals in the welfare stakes so it is by no means a resolved issue or even close. As a woman you can be aware of this, if you are not an active participant in women's rights you can at least support those who are and never except the easy explination as to why women are continuosly under represented in polictics, industry and high finance. This has been changing in the years prior to this one, but once again, by no-means in direct relation to the many women who are over looked and pushed out of many men only circles. Not all women are feminists, many are happy to be the little woman at home and have everything dictated to them. But that doesn't mean, should she ever change her mind and want her life back, she has the doesnt have the RIGHT to choose and the protection in law. Indeed, many women are brought up to feel they are not worthy and unable to survive without a male influence and with no eductation to stimulate them into reality, how would they ever know?

You can become a feminist by reading about the movement, it's history and it's goals and aims in the 21st century which are many fold. Google "womens rights" and see the amazing and continued struggle against repression. Remember, slavery was ended 250 years ago, and yet women were still struggling for a voice as recently and the 1960's. You don't have to be a feminist, anymore than you have to be a republican.. but it is in your interests as a woman to at least be aware and supportive of those around you who are actively working for your rights. It would mean, to be a feminist, that you are willing to fight for your rights to live your life in a procative, freedom to choose way. You have the right to choose your job, your religion, your politics your sexual orientation as you feel fit.. and not have the status quo tell you how to live it.

Women have the right to choose to be feminists, just like some men choose to be against it.

Women should call themselves whatever they want to. I personally don't think many people "become" a feminist; they only adopt the label if and when they decide that the definition matches their beliefs.

You don't have to call yourself a feminist. You can be all for equality and fair treatment, you can care about women, without being a feminist. That's called "being a decent human" and feminists do not have a monopoly on that.

Don't listen to anyone who tells you that if you aren't a feminist then you support rape and abuse and female genital mutilation. That's a load. Also don't listen to anyone who says "you're a feminist and just don't know it yet" - that kind of condescension is not worth your time.

Most feminists to me are hard, cold and hypocritical. They told us that we could have a family and a career and that we should decide if, once pregnant, whether to have the child or kill it. (Sorry if this is too political for some but it's my opinion)

Then along comes Sarah Palin. Married and mother of five and she is the Governor of Alaska. I did not hear one feminist applaud her for becoming the first female Gop VP candidate of the US. Not one.

Then some told her to stay home that her family needed her. Hah!

The fems won't admit it but they were also miffed about the fact that even though her fifth unborn child had Down Syndrome, she gave birth to him rather than abort him. It was HER CHOICE and that was what pro-choice was supposed to be about.

Like I said. Hypocrites! Be yourself and be a good person. You don't have to be a feminist to do that.

In the modern era, Feminism is a doctrine predicated on hatred of men and achieving supremacy with the eventual desire to eradicate men.

One who subscribes to this doctrine is a modern Feminist.

Feminists are a subset of women who believe that men are the cause of all problems. If you believe this then you should be a feminist. If you feel otherwise you should remain a free-thinking human being, i.e. a normal woman.

I beleive in treating all people with respect. i do not neccessarily beleive that we are the same, though. I beleive that I as a woman deserve the same respect as a man.If that makes me a feminist, then okay.

You can label yourself anything you want, but being a kind, considerate person is all that matters. Yes, women should be equal, but I do not want us stripped of our femininity either. I like having doors opened for me! Sometimes, in their efforts to attain equality, women shun their natural ability to influence people in exchange for being "just like a man".

We have within us the power to move mountains, but unlike men, we do it with softness. The combination of strong, smart, and soft is irresistable not only to men, but to humans in general, and as nurtuers, people tend to trust us more than men.

We need to use all of these things in our favor, instead of seeing them as weaknesses. Let men be men and take care of the manly stuff, let us be woman and take care of the womanly stuff. Not that we shouldn't be able to change a tire or take out the trash... but isn't is nice to have your guy do that for you?

It's all about balance sweetheart :-)