Have you actually researched Feminism?
Don't even go there with me. You disagree with me and you just say I have no idea what the hell I'm talking about. Well, here is some news for you: my AP US History teacher last year put a heavy emphasis on feminism. We were assigned many (by many, 100+) texts by prominent feminists. They all characterized society in some form or another as a struggle of oppressive males against females. While such a message might have validity a century ago, it was disturbing to see some of these attitudes present in material that was only five years old! That's just the formal instruction I've received.
Fair play. In politics we study the many strands of feminist thought which are not so radical in basis and only advocate equality- if you haven't studied them then thats not your fault. I think that the concept of a 'struggle' is just characteristic bound to emerge from any remotely oppressed section of society in their fight for more rights.
Since when has the mainstream media paid much attention at all to the feminism movement? When it is commented on at all, the newspapers and such present mostly quotes.
Furthermore, what the hell do you know about the mainstream American media?
The general impression given by the mainstream media (which i think i probably define more broadly than you) is of bra burners and women with pick axes going after men. While it is not commented on in the newspapers or on the news in specific stories the general concept of feminism is portrayed as very radical.
And LOL at your point about mainstream American media- we have your media thrust down our throats at every possible opportunity in this country. YOUR reporters report on OUR networks. I have access to every mainstream American news network on my tv. On the BBC i constantly hear american reporters. So i think i have a vague idea.
'Affirmative Action' is not necessarily linked to feminism- most feminists do not advocate giving women jobs for the sake of their gender.
Far too many advocate quotas, which is a polite way of doing the same thing.
The glass ceiling still exists- i see these quotas as simply rectifying a problem in society which is still rampant. In fact, i heard a programme just the other day which reported that women in high powered business jobs today was nearly exactly the same as it was in the 80s. Clearly women are
not worse at such jobs than men- they just have not been given the chance to rise above a certain position in the company due to a) prejudice, b) a paternalistic atmosphere and c) child rearing duties and pregnancy.
Andrew, i wholey agree with your point that women should live up to exactly the same standards as men in positions that they take- the fact is, if they don't have a
chance to take those positions in the first place, how will they prove it?