I think my ultimate grievance with any sort of label is that it’s subjective. There’s always a way to misinterpret it or use it against someone. I believe I’ve worn out my welcome talking about it in this forum, so I think my next post on the topic will be at The Imperfect Parent. And it won’t be about feminism, but about atheism/agnosticism/humanism, and how the struggle to find an appropriate label has gotten fairly ridiculous.

How’s that?

Ha. No really. Labels to help in terms of showing a sense of belonging. and I think in some instances – particularly in grass roots movements, as well as for folks that don’ t have a lot of support, it’s helpful. When parents don’t want to classify their kids with disabilities because they don’t want the labels, it doesn’t help them – they don’t get the attention they need often times because folks don’t know what their label is.

And then it can turn bad when the label is used against them.

Hm? Has that crossed your mind? I mean, do you not like the negative associations with the label? (And know this, I by NO MEANS thing you should be anything but yourself and what you believe – I’m just continuing the banter here).

Maybe the feminists don’t need another woman. Maybe we’re doing well…
Again, post coming. Damn this no wireless thing. It’s cramping my style.

You are not weak for resisting compartmentalization. But, clearly, you don’t require my validation. You seem self-assured and confident already. I wish I had a few drops of the gumption you seem to embody. Thanks for lifting up my day with your strength and resolve. A Southern California SAHM who is blowing off her chores yet again to play on the momblogosphere.

And Terri, right on sista!!!

THe quote you mention above…I actually agree with that. But I don’t think that you’re included in that assessment. I think you’ve been very articulate about your reasons here.

“I have never understood people who agree with feminist goals but who are afraid to call themselves as such (that includes the matching post to this one whose arguments didn’t convince me at all). Why do I get the feeling that some women don’t self-identify as feminists because they’re afraid people might not like them or think they’re something they’re not??? Why do women care so much about whether strangers like them or agree with them???”

I found this comment pretty laughable – who is this person to say that I’m afraid people won’t like me? Frankly, I’ve prejudiced MORE people against me by refusing to self-identify – for example, that commenter herself – than I would have by toeing the party/sisterhood line.

I was also referring to a post written by Mad Hatter Mommy – http://madhattermommy.blogspot.com/2006/10/ranty-ranty-rant.html – which expressed similar frustration with women like me, but in a much more respectful way.

And TMRP – damn straight.

BTW, Travis gets mad about the label thing when it comes to religion. I have referred to him as leaning on the deist side of agnostic. He doesn’t like that, and therefore has told me nobody has a right to put a label on him. That is probably the best way to define his views, but I won’t taunt him with a label that he doesn’t want to wear. I only use it if someone specifically asks for insight into his belief system. I can either say “he leans to the deist side of agnostic while I lean to the atheist side of agnostic”, or I could sit down for 2 hours and give them the low down of where we stand on every aspect of religion. When people have gotten mad at my personal label and said “you are an atheist”, then I just say “fine”. It doesn’t offend me in the slightest, and if they prefer their own definition over mine, then there is nothing more I can say to convince them otherwise. In the end, it all boils down to semantics.

Stacey

Now exchange the word “female” with the word “hispanic” or “minority” and that’s the exact reason why I don’t like affirmative action.