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Let me get this straight; a feminist is, “A person whose beliefs and behavior are based on feminism,” and feminism is, “Advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.”
So basically if you are a woman that stands up for what you believe in and write about it from a “naked” standpoint you cannot or should not be a feminist?
It doesn’t surprise me that a male reader commented on this, since he probably doesn’t have a firm grasp of the meaning of feminism. So maybe I am not one of those women that removes their bra, flies it up a flag pole and burns it. No, instead I am the one that takes off ALL of her clothes, flies them up a flag pole, and...well I don’t want to burn them 'cause I really like that pair of pants that I just took off.
The controversy of men versus feminists proves the point within itself. Men having a problem with women speaking up for specific rights is why feminism must exist. It's a constant circle of events. A woman speaks up about being equal, a man says she is a feminist, a woman retaliates, while his words are proof that women aren’t held equal. If they were, his comments wouldn’t exist.
Now, I understand that there are certain things women just cannot do, like play football for the Denver Broncos, because those men would tear them apart. Or would they? We really don’t know because the option has not become available yet.
Has the NFL ever thought of allowing women into their training camps? Some women can kick the hell out of a ball. I sure would have gone with a female over Lawrence Tynes this year in my fantasy football picks.
COMMENTS (24)
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Re: The Naked Feminist
By grandmaandmom, March 17, 2008 at 12:00I'm totally confused!!! I am of the older generation, but I don't understand, being a feminist is believing in feminism??? What am I??? I believe in being feminine always have always will. So where does that put me. I am also a regular voter, so does that make me a feminist?? Even though I agree that our voting system has a lot of room for improvement. I also believe that a woman should at all times flaunt her best assets. ( My MOTTO: If You Got It, Flaunt It!!) All the men in my life have never complained about my feminine parts or actions, so I really don't understand all the controversy. P.S. Michelle, keep up the good work,I'm still behind you 100%
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Leah Watkins, March 3, 2008 at 03:06I have to say first of all that I know Michelle and I was floored, but not at all surprised that she claims to be a feminist, yet does not participate in the voting process when it is a STAPLE of feminism. I am curious: the editor of this site mentions the "isms” but if she were to ask Michelle if she knew what the reference was I am willing to bet that she could not explain it.
Michelle, as I read your comments about the dictionary, I have to tell you that I wondered if you bothered to investigate your source prior to assuming then asserting that you were really dealing with a man's definition of feminism. After all, as feminists we cannot perpetuate the assumption of the masculine reign and forget that women are accomplished enough to do something as sophisticated as work on a dictionary. You may also want to look up the definition of "supermodel" to which you referred to yourself, because you miss used that term as well. I have to agree with Brandy, who comments that your lack of research merely results in rants about things that you write so authoritatively about but of which have limited knowledge. You made the assertion about women going to Iraq, but I remember you having been sent home for questionable behavior while you were there. In my years of military experience, I have never heard of someone getting sent home from a deployment early. Isn't it unfair to make definitive comments about what will really make a feminist out of a woman when you did not make it in the military? I have an educational background in women's studies and find it repulsive that you claim to be a feminist and refuse your right to vote! Not only that, but you have a degree in political science?! Please refrain from calling yourself a feminist until you become better versed on the historical background of feminism. Feminism is much more than being outspoken or being able to write uninformed opinions and post them on-line. Feminism is not a term you can reduce and define in the limited number of words you dedicated to your rather brief statement on such a broad topic that is riddled with more history than what you have familiarized yourself with. Were you in a hurry? By the way, refusing to vote is the most anti-feminist thing you can possibly do. It is the equivalent to claiming you support PETA and wear fur. Hopefully, that is an analogy you can understand...
One more thing, feminism is not posing half nude in uniform after thousands have fought for equality in the armed forces and the right to wear it. This in itself has been a long, uphill battle. A countless number of women have put forth an undaughnting effort to overcome the objective stereotypes have always made it dificult to serve. A true feminist does not go out of her way to stomp on a history of that kind of relentless strife just to seek attention for individual gain.
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Michelle Manhart, March 3, 2008 at 12:17I think it's important I make a quick statement about some of the comments that have been made recently. I think there's a misunderstanding because I never actually claimed to be a feminist. I did, however, want people to talk more about feminism, and this article obviously worked.
Certain people have made assumptions of what I am. Someone who claims I need more knowledge of specific topics, should themselves do more research before airing family's dirty laundry.
Leah - If you want to discuss the personal reasons I was sent home early from one of my deployments, maybe pick up the phone and call me personally, since you claim to know me. To reiterate my stance as The Naked Reporter, it is an opinion-based column and never once have I asked someone to take my side or claimed to know everything the way you claim that I have.
My choice to not vote is not based on my feminism or anti-feminism. It's me taking a political stance on a broken system...again, my opinion.
Once again, I always invite positive or negative feedback about my articles, but making personal accusations puts you in the same category as people that choose to judge other people's lives and criticize as opposed to making positive changes.
Michelle Manhart
Re: The Naked Feminist
By ashley, March 3, 2008 at 16:15Michelle,
I just wanted to say to you that I was very happy to read your retort about your point of view.
This topic is clearly a hot button issue for everyone involved, and I count myself one of those.
For someone to call you out on an opinion that YOU have isn't necessary, and by the way, isn't that why women have been fighting so hard, so that we could be given the privilege of freedom of speech and thought.
I was told once that part of being an adult is learning how to fight fair. In MY opinion bringing up your past as to why you are no longer in the Armed Forces is none of anyone's business, unless you want to divulge. For someone to throw that in your face isn't in the spirit of debate and open dialog.
Of course you didn't say, claim or suggest that you were the expert in anything, that is what makes your piece good, because you aren't.
Good for you for standing up for yourself, and have no fear that if you aren't up for it, I will...
Ashley
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Heather Wallace, February 29, 2008 at 09:54Thanks to everyone who contributed to this discussion. The commentary here is proof that it's a very contentious and emotional topic.
Some of the critiques, not just of Michelle, but of some commenters, got a little personal.
All views are welcome and encouraged. Let's bear in mind that there is flesh and blood in front of the computer screen and to try not to judge people prematurely. The Internet is global, but it only provides a slice of a glimpse into people's histories and lives.
All the women who have been brave enough to air their opinions here are what make Orato.com a success. To hear from the brave men on this topic, visit Paul Sullivan's blog entitled, "Okay, Who Wants To Join The Menist Movement?"
Heather Wallace
senior editor
Orato.com
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Michelle Manhart, February 26, 2008 at 19:36I find it WONDERFUL that you are all talking...the point of my articles is to get people talking about things they otherwise won't because of the constant "it will cause a fight" attitude.
First I have to touch on Brandy Gibb saying, "What I take issue with is Michelle's misinformed declaration of what feminism is."
That there is proof of your independent feminism. Why? Because the definition you so loudly state I am misinformed about is none other than the dictionary version. However it is a man's definition so maybe he has it all wrong.
A lot of things in this world are left up to interpretation...one sees a glass half empty, others see it half full...This is a prime example. I am known as the "Naked Reporter" because I bared all to make a statement. Whether you believe in my ways or not, bottom line is I got the statement out - enough so that people are talking...talking about the definitions of things we are "too afraid to talk about".
I find it odd that any person would read articles and state they "avoid" reading them because of her views. We are not asking anyone to agree or take our sides; we are just giving OUR views on things. In turn you "the readers" think about them and talk about them. So in reality, my articles are doing what they're intended to do.
Some of you agree with me (thank you) others don’t (again thank you - because disagreement is creating discussion, and with that comes knowledge). Knowledge is not just school book intelligence, but real world knowledge, through the eyes of the people that live within it!
It overwhelms me to hear from a teenager on here. I am ecstatic that she agrees with me, but more excited that she took the time to write her own views about my article and the way she sees this topic.
You see feminism is not what the dictionary "tells" us it is; it is what we make of it! I thank all of you for reading my articles and commenting on them, but remember, you may feel a person's point of view is coming from the wrong direction, but people feel the same way about your views from other directions!
It is okay to stand up for what you believe in...That is how things change. It doesn't matter if you are a professor or a Playboy Supermodel...it doesn't matter if you are the CEO of a company or a teenager...what matters is your ability to listen and learn from others passing on life through yourself! Thank you for reading (both positive and negative)...see you next week!
Re: The Naked Feminist
By luyen, March 2, 2008 at 19:51Hi Michelle,
First of all I am a guy, i thought i'd get that out of the way ;-) But i like what you said about 'real world knowledge' - and i took it that you're not only referring to the physical dictionary with paper pages, but the kind of absolute ideas we *ALL* get into our heads about this or that, which can lead to very untenable positions, but worst of all, a lot of fighting and argumentation (of the harmful kind).
For me, whether it's women's rights or saving the rain forest, it's 100% important to keep a good heart in the matter, because the means are as important as the ends, and that way, and that way, I think everyone wins!
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Brandy Gibb, February 26, 2008 at 22:56Hi Michelle,
The emphatic qualities of my writing are something that many of my own fans quite enjoy - yes, believe it or not, I too have a wee fan club. So, when you say that I state my claims "loudly," I thank you for the compliment.
A few points:
First, the current editor of the Canadian Oxford English dictionary is a woman; her name is Katherine Barber. Second, Dr. Samuel Johnson, the man who wrote the first English dictionary, suffered through great poverty during his long and tortuous writing of it and, although a man, I do not think that we should discredit him for the great task he chose to embark upon. Given that the term feminism and egalitarianism were no doubt added to the ranks long after his death, we should not necessarily assume that those definitions were created by men. It is assumptions like these that I find problematic in your arguments and where I find your perspective on things becomes narrow. There is a grand and eloquent history here that if we all work together, if we read more and guide each other to informed sources, we too will become informed and will gain a much broader understadning of the multifaceted qualities of feminism.
Third, if you are referring to Adrienne's comment in terms of a teen who agrees with you, perhaps you shoudl re-read it. From what I read, although she couches her comment in eloquent and diplomatic phrasing, I did not get the sense that she was in agreement with your article or your take on feminism.
On a final note, I think this whole discussion stands as a womderful example that if we were all the same, the world would be a very boring place. I am glad that the emphatic and potentially acerbic qualities of my comments gave rise to some lively debate!
Re: The Naked Feminist
By ashley, February 26, 2008 at 09:51I have always struggled to coin a definition of feminism that sat well with me, and I have been searching for some time, and I am still empty handed.
I liked Michelle's take on it quite a lot. I think that she wasn't serious, nor was she quoting Naomi Wolf, and that may have thrown people off. In MY experience, the topic of feminism isn't a topic that lends well to jokes, or even levity. Feminists that I know are hard core about their beliefs and so they should be. Although, to be honest, I have always felt a little like I am being recruted to an army, based solely on my gender, and that I don't appreciate. Of course I believe in equal rights and equal pay for women, but what I don't believe in is the methods and intensity that some feminists must always bring to the table. It makes me uncomfortable and makes me want to go play with the boys in the sandbox.
If you look at feminism as an idea then the interpretation is wide open. My thought of what makes a good little feminist may not sync to other people's view and opinions of what feminism is, or more importantly what it should be. The same way that my view of what it is to be liberal, is totally different than other people.
A funny thing happened to me recently when it comes to talking about feminists. I have a very good friend, she is a strong feminist and knows that we have differing thoughts of that concept, because of that we don't talk about it anymore, we realized that it simply is not worth it. My birthday is on the 7th of March which lands on a Friday this year, and when discussing my birthday plans with her I said that we would all be going out on the 8th little did I know that March 8th is International Womens Day (DUH!), which apparently trumps my birthday. She said that she would try and make it.
Perhaps, I need to learn how to be more broad minded, or perhaps I need to start believing that it is alright for me to stand up and say that I am not a 'feminist' and be as convicted as the Feminists are. Just because I don't want to join the army, doesn't mean I don't support the troops.
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Heather Wallace, February 26, 2008 at 21:09I bet you know a lot more feminists than you think you do, because a lot of feminists are not outspoken or bent on recruiting. A lot of women just are.
Personally I feel the time for trying to pinpoint a definition is long past. All this energy put toward creating something palatable to ALL women is a waste of time in my opinion. It makes me sad to hear some women still struggle with whether or not they belong or even want to.
One shouldn't ever have to defend her interpretation of feminism. I think every woman should be a feminist, but I have no idea what that means to each individual woman.
Some may have energy for the fight, and some won't, but we have to have a common goal.
My two cents, once again ;) (That was not meant as a disagreement with what Ashley said - just building on the discussion)
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this rather heated debate. (or in Brandy's words: "lively discussion" ;) If we can't talk about things, they'll never change, so thanks for everyone for being brave and speaking their minds!
Heather Wallace
senior editor
Orato.com
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Brandy Gibb, February 26, 2008 at 22:58Well said, Heather!
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Brandy Gibb, February 26, 2008 at 12:22Ashley,
Beautiful comment that reflects feelings I once had towards the word feminism. In my youth when people called me a feminist I rejected it and would often retort with, "I'm an egalitarian, not a feminist." Recently at a party while in a lively discussion with a man in his mid-sixties, he declared to me, "By God! You're a feminist!" (hear this with a thick British accent). I replied with, "Yes, you're right. I am." His reply to me was, "So am I." At which point we continued our discussion on the roles of men and women and how they are changing and evolving all the time. He had some great stories to share about marching with his wife and fighting for other social injustices. What I realized after was this was the first time I had publicly acknowledged to someone else that I was a feminist. It was quite a refreshing and empowering realization. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that you and your feminist friend are able at some time near or far in the future to engage again in lively debate about the topic.
You may also find the following article interesting.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/02/04/betty-friedan-060204.html
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Brandy Gibb, February 25, 2008 at 17:09Michelle,
I actually avoid reading your articles, because I find your perspective of feminism base and highly inarticulate. As one who works diligently to empower dialogue in young people, you stand as an example of what not to do in order to encourage progressive understanding of the histories and current issues that surround women’s rights. In support of your claim that we still need to fight for equal rights, you are correct. Lest we not forget that it has been less than 100 years since women were given the vote and considered citizens, but we must also acknowledge that both men and women fought hand in hand for these rights.
Keep in mind, as an educator and a performer I meet and know a lot of people, and I too have been troubled, and at times insulted, both by your take on feminism and your clear lack of understanding of educational systems. I could write a thesis on this, but for now I will stick to the point. I say again, your arguments are base and not very well formed. Now, as an educator who uses orato.com as a forum to encourage my students to engage in free speech and to discern their opinions based on the plethora of articles that are available here, if you want me, an educator, to take you seriously, I suggest you do a good deal more research and crafting of your arguments. So far, they stand as nothing more than unintelligible, misinformed rants.
Clearly you are the one who is misinformed about feminism. In a recent interview on CBC radio one of the founders of the seventies ‘bra-burning’ escapade conceded that no bras were actually burned as the fire Marshall in NYC would not let them burn anything in downtown Manhattan. So they didn’t. I can find the pod-cast for you if you wish.
And, by the way, feminism is rooted in egalitarianism whereby all people of all colours and genders are treated equally under the law. That means that men and women can be feminists. The word does not denote participation by women only. Happily I know many men, straight and gay, who live by the beliefs of the original feminists. Please do not bastardize this wonderful and empowering term to nothing more than a divisive foil that you use to rag on men who choose to challenge you. Most men that I know, intelligent and well educated, fully support the egalitarian principles of feminism and they support me whether I am wearing a suit for work, fleece for hiking, or a beautiful cocktail dress when I perform my music.
Here is another case in point for you. I have the luxury of existing in many different worlds. When I perform my music I cannot deny that I am, for some, an object of desire; no one can resist ‘the girl with the guitar.’ But not once when I am approached after a show has a man ever insulted me by treating me as nothing but an object of desire. Most times they want to discuss the lyrics, which they are often impressed by, and my chord progressions, which they find equally creative.
Perhaps you need find a new circle of men who actually know what feminism is.
On a final note, you wrote an earlier article about voting, of which, I confess, I did not make it past the first page, but where you claimed not to vote. In my youth when I declared to an older, wiser women that I was not ever going to vote, she calmly, yet vehemently, reminded me that it is my responsibility as a women to vote, to be and stay informed, and not to forget what the women, and men, before me fought for. Voting, she told me, was an inherent part of being a true feminist.
Just as a side note, I personally don’t know a single woman who buys Playboy. That in itself says a lot to me.
Kudos to the Dude who took you to task!
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Robyn Williams, February 25, 2008 at 19:34I find it disturbing that an "educator" has such a closed mind. A true feminist does not chastise other women who don't happen to share her narrow flavor of feminism. Some of your students just may disagree with you Brandy, and you are not creating an atmosphere for free discussion. I think you're entitled to your opinion, but when you play the educator card, I think it would be wise to maintain some semblance of neutrality. You are killing the discussion before it starts, teaching your students to be judgmental. You praise the students who agree with you and I'm sure scold the ones that don't. I would wag my finger at you, but I don't believe in public shaming.
Go Michelle. Thank you for being yourself. I'm a feminist and no one can tell me I'm not just because I support Michelle Manhart.
P.S. I buy Playboy...great articles.
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Brandy Gibb, February 26, 2008 at 11:54Robyn,
By putting my thoughts on issues in the public domain I show and encourage my students to do the same, and through this they learn to be articulate in their arguments and to take responsibility for their words. My students do not have to agree with me and sometimes they don't, which aids in lively and informed discussions in my classes. This is the role of the educator. I suggest you re-read my comment and recognize that my critique is Michelle's misinformed premise of what 'feminism' is by definition and her call to rally against men who accuse her of being one is troubling and from my perspective "close minded" on her part. I do "create an atmosphere for free discussion" in my classes and it is often very fun and very informative for all involved. The beauty of being an educator is that we learn as much from our students as they do from us.
In an effort to keep things moving forward, I offer you an article that I found intriguing which charts the evolution of thoughts on feminism through a look at the life of Betty Friedman. A particular quote I enjoyed in the article is this:
"Don't get into the bra-burning, anti-man, politics-of-orgasm school," she warned a college audience in 1970.
I hope you enjoy.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/02/04/betty-friedan-060204.html
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Robyn Williams, February 26, 2008 at 21:27Brandy, I don't need you to refer me to articles. I have a library full of the stuff, and I still disagree with your take on things. you know how hard it is to change oneself. don't bother trying to change other people. (and don't assume i'm uneducated about feminism or Betty either.)
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Brandy Gibb, February 26, 2008 at 22:34Robyn,
Disagreeing with me is fine, but I now encourage you to take a stance and provide us with readings or materials that will enlighten us to your point of view. Currently, I question whether you read my comment in its entirety or became distracted by my dissenting points. My offering of an article is in an effort to move the discussion forward. If you follow online discussions (and please don't take this as an insult, as it is meant only as a referencing point), you will see that people often, if not always, reference viable sources and articles in an effort to support their claims. This is informed discourse and I believe that it is highly important when engaing in online discussions which can at times be rather cryptic.
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Robyn Williams, February 27, 2008 at 07:17I HAVE taken a stance, but I'm not in the habit of going around "educating" people, presuming my way of seeing the world is "correct" because I read articles that only confirm my way of seeing things. I found it unbelievable you called Michelle "narrow." She is the one with an open mind. You are the one who is wagging your finger at people telling them their interpretations are "misinformed." I find that you are the one not listening to people. Yes I have read your comments in their entirety and followed the online discussions. (Don't presume I can't read or follow along)
Maybe the problem isn't Michelle's sexual openness, but your refusal to accept any sexualization of the female body. If the greater power didn't want us to enjoy looking at naked women in seductive poses, it wouldn't have designed the female body to be so frickin beautiful, nor would the body experience involuntary arousal over it if it weren't meant to.
Before you start trying to change people's minds, why don't you do something that makes you uncomfortable. BUY a Playboy, look at the images, and THEN draw your conclusions. Think of it as an experiment in informing yourself. Instead of "avoiding" articles you disagree with, as you stated you did, you should be constantly reading other points of view that challenge your own. If you experience arousal, will you chastise yourself? Or accept that the body is responding naturally to something innocent?
I am NOT in favor of demeaning images of women that involve violence or humiliation. However, I have no issues with beauty posed in come-hither fashion, and Playboy is fine. In fact, while women may not buy it, I'm sure many enjoy the images as much as men. If they have been taught that the only good feminist is one that wears a turtleneck to bed, they may feel guilty about liking it, but that's another story.
I think you are the one who is misinformed about feminism, because feminism includes millions of people who disagree with you. Don't think you have a monopoly on the F-word.
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Heather Wallace, February 26, 2008 at 07:34I majored in Women's Studies in university and because I wore lipstick, heels and skirts, I was labeled a "bad feminist" by a lot of the women in my class. When she thought I couldn't hear, one woman even said, "The only reason she's in this class is because she can write." I really resented them policing the boundaries. To this day I refuse to tell another woman what's wrong with her feminism. I'm not saying we all need to agree, but we should all be on the same team.
Nudity is not a problem in my opinion. Like all "isms," it's the way things are institutionalized that matters, and the more women can control, or at least equally occupy, the institutions, the more we can manifest our empowerment.
The CEO of Playboy is a woman. We can't say the magazine only represents a male view of women's sexuality because I do know many women who find it appealing...
People sometimes want to crucify her because of what she represents/symbolizes. Let's remember Michelle is a real person.
Heather Wallace
senior editor
Orato.com
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Brandy Gibb, February 26, 2008 at 12:20Hi Heather,
You are correct, there is nothing wrong with nudity. What I take issue with is Michelle's misinformed declaration of what feminism is. I am also aware that the CEO of Playboy is a woman. To add to this, the wife of a man I used to work with, an educator, was the past CEO of Playboy Europe. They are both very cool people, by the way.
Michelle's posing in Playboy is not the issue here. It is her constant claim that she is the be-all-end-all authority on issues that she is clearly not very well versed in. As I have told you before, I question your promotion of her articles. But, to clarify, the nudity is not the issue, it is her lack of credible content. As such, she opens herself up to criticism. I would encourage her that if she is going to be writing about such touchy topics to first become better versed in the finer points prior to writer her articles, or she will be critiqued. As someone who majored in women's Studies, I would expect that you could add some interesting and engaging sources for us all to read and share in order to both inform and enlighten us to the finer points of the evolution and current issues that surround feminism. Feel free to email me some, as I am always voraciously interested in reading about this topic.
As for the women who criticized you for wearing make-up and heels, they were clearly being ridiculous. As you well know, it is not what you wear that makes you a feminist, it is how you live your life and form your beliefs and opinions. I do hope you told them to get stuffed.
I leave you with the Friedman article as well.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/02/04/betty-friedan-060204.html
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Heather Wallace, February 27, 2008 at 10:28Brandy - Orato.com promotes Michelle's articles as fervently as we promote ALL the articles and voices on the site. Robyn and our new staff member Mike Small spend hours each day making sure the all story links travel throughout the Internet. We do not present anyone as a final authority on any matter, but aim to provide a platform where all can assert their voices and be heard.
Michelle has her own series window at the moment, but she is not the first, nor the last, to get the spotlight. We choose people who make bold statements and who people respond to, as a way of generating engagement on the site.
That said, Michelle has not stated she is the be-all-and-end-all final authority on the matter. She has acknowledged it is "the naked truth," as SHE sees it. I have read all her pieces and a constant theme is that she invites people to disagree with her.
In any event, I am so happy that people are participating in this discussion.
Heather Wallace
senior editor
Orato.com
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Adrienne, February 25, 2008 at 16:51Hey Michelle,
I'd like to thank you for that article. As a teen, I really find it beneficial to see positive feminist role models; however, I'm a little confused as to something you wrote. You said that this article was spurred due to a man not understanding why you write under the nickname "Naked", and I've got to agree that I was wondering the same thing myself. You spend the duration of your article declaring that women are just as tough as, and equal to, men-- and discuss the characteristics of strong females. But you simultainiously base your article around being naked, and an object of sexual attraction. Why is it that you add that sexual aspect to your writing? I initally thought that is was because being naked is an attention grabber, but I really believe that one can catch people's minds by using words and thoughts, instead of one's body.So what I'm wondering is: Is it nessecary for young women to be overtly sexual in order to attract attention to their views and opinions?
thank you,
Adrienne
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Michelle Kenneth, February 28, 2008 at 09:24I think you need to see a production of the "Vagina Monologues" and "The Good Body." Both are by Eve Ensler (you can also pick up a copy of the books if the plays are not readily accessible to you). Sexuality is very much a part of who/what women are. Both men and women are very sexual beings. There is a bit of empowerment in owning our own sexuality. There is this sense that by oppressing our own sexuality, we are being oppressed as women. Ergo, we are not equal.
I've been reading about how fertility and women were seen as evil throughout history. This is a stigma that men placed on women centuries ago. Actually, the correct wording would be that "the principle of EVIL is infrequently perceived as female" (The Devil, Jeffrey Burton Russell). In Western belief, the Devil is determined as being associated with fertility and sexuality, "a trait evident in witches' orgy" (ibid).
Remember, that women were normally accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. It was very rare that men were burned at the stake for witchcraft.
In this day and age, owning our own sexuality does away with the misconceived notions and lies that women and sexuality are wrong and should be hidden away. There is a lot of power in sexuality. If we could get rid of the stigmas associated with the sexuality of women, then we could be more equal.
I think if you read Ensler's works, you'll understand the importance of sexuality and being equal in a man's world.
Re: The Naked Feminist
By Robyn Williams, February 25, 2008 at 19:33Why not add sexuality to one's empowerment? We are sexual beings, and the days of being ashamed of one's sexual power are over. the female form is beautiful, and if you look at Michelle's pictorial, I am sure you will agree the images are not offensive, but very beautiful. Casting it in a negative life is your choice, but casting it in a positive light is Michelle's.