Letter of the Week: When did “feminist” become such a hypocratic word?

Janet Pole's article about Feminism was amateur to say the least. In my opinion, the piece would have been more appropriately titled "Hoochy bitches are anti-feminist, pro-life sluts who care nothing for women's rights." Let me clarify:

She begins by stating her credibility as a feminist by assuring us that she is friends with a few lesbians. Even her sister is "one". People usually use this argument when their non-racist cred is at stake (read: post-racist joke). "No really, I'm not racist, I've got some friends who are black. I swear…" C'mon, that argument's a little stale.

She then goes on to say that she's "damn sure" her college classmates thought she was a lesbian, because she was a feminist (?) who chose not to wear, "…jeans so low you could see my anatomy or thong undies or shirts that show my boobs." She emphasizes that this "is called stereotyping.” She goes on to say that she had a reputation for telling girls to, "Wear some clothing," because they "looked indecent."

The hypocrisy here is overwhelming. You'll find that this narrow-minded and self-absorbed style of thinking exists in all levels of contemporary social commentary. More people need to see both sides of arguments affecting life at Fanshawe, and in general. None of us have the right to make judgments about the clothes other people wear. (Note: as a male, I also find female clothing that leaves something to the imagination to be much sexier.)The important thing is that you both got to choose something that you felt comfortable wearing.

I know what people can be like and what it's like to be ostracized for being different. In my case it was a funny accent that got me started on the wrong foot in this country. However, to generalize and be ignorant at a college age brings you down to that same level. Let's grow up here. Try and put a positive spin on problems that affect society at the College and University level.

If you have a public voice like Interrobang, use it to promote positive changes. For instance, dig up statistics that prove that people are more acceptant of differences in 2005, to encourage diversity, and choice. If I was girl like the ones you describe, I probably wouldn't have made it to the portion of your article that spoke about abortion and the possible laws affecting a woman's right to choose. And if I had, would I have been inclined to listen to you seriously? Unfortunately, I think not; keep this in mind. I thank you for your time.

Leigh Cooney

Read the original article here.

Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.