2nd Wave Feminism

Prior to the 2nd wave of feminism, beginning after 1920, declaring oneself a feminist was daunting. The stereotype of the man-hating, lesbian, and unfeminine feminist was rampant, stopping many people from declaring oneself one, even if they wanted to or aligned with what it actually meant to be a feminist. Art and propaganda, shown in Ms.O'Connell's lecture on Monday night, depicted feminists in an extremely unattractive and undesirable way.  They were often portrayed as ugly, extremely angry, with details suggesting a hatred for men and the inability to get a husband. This image was used to take support away from feminists, by both men and women, who either believed this or did not want to be identified with this image. This kept the feminist movement on a lower level for a bit. 1960’s sitcoms continued to depict women in the way in which many thought a woman was meant to be, doting and in the home, happy with staying there. Legislation such as Title VII, Title IX, and Roe v Wade, began to stir conversation about women’s rights whether people wanted to talk about it or not. Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique also brought out this once taboo idea of a women desiring more than staying in the home. All of these important things made people talk about it who did not want to, and it also allowed more people who wanted to identify as feminist feel like they could do that, as more and more women felt it was acceptable and right to fight for these rights. With legislation being passed, and women’s sexuality, happiness, and life outside of the home being discussed like never before, the push against the image of the ugly and angry feminist increased. Additionally, more and more women who did not fit this stereotype were speaking out. As this image faded, so did the depiction of women as nothing but doting housewives. 1970’s sitcoms differed greatly in the diversity of the roles which women played and they qualities for the characters. Women were being shown single, outside of the home, and even working. This new depiction was important in further minimizing the idea that women had just one role. As more conversations were being had, people became more comfortable. Stereotypes faded and roles diversified. Today, calling oneself a feminist, whether that individual is male or female, typically goes without great upset. However, men and even some women still recoil at the idea of being called such a thing. I’ve certainly observed this at Govs, students stating that they do not identify as feminists, but do believe in the equality of the sexes. But, that is what feminism is. So, why the hesitation? This is different for many and impossible to pinpoint, but I think the idea of female feminists being man-hating and angry, and male feminists being less manly, still pervades. It does not come so overtly through television or propaganda, but exists nothingless. Perhaps these stereotypes are strong and need more time to fade, or this stereotype is perpetuated by individuals, or in new ways. I’ve certainly seen social media posts which depict feminists as angry and ugly. Progress has been made, and I am proud to call myself a feminist and not get extreme backlash like women used to, yet the stereotype has not been completely lost.