Yeah- I think some very exaggerated stereotypes are being applied in this thread.

Damyanti- I do feel your passion, and agree with many of your beliefs on feminism, but I think to label so many people with such ugly attributes is being highly stereotypical. Remember, not everyone that's Muslim is a terrorist.

Regardless of whether or not we all call ourselves feminists, which to be honest this is the first time in years I've been asked, I think it's evident that every woman in this thread actually stands for much of the same even if there's some differences.

What if my response was:
I am a woman who believes in equal opportunities, autonomy over my body, and the ability to make my own choices as a woman and human being.
If there's a need to label that as a feminist, so be it- but if someone else minds... then they need not be labeled.

The term 'feminist' lends itself to actively pursuing freedoms of women. As far as I'm concerned, I do that daily by presenting myself as a qualified, equal, feminine, and strong woman who loves the fact that men are a different pillar of strength that I absolutely could not live without. But no, I don't 'fight' for liberation and equality as many before me and in front of me do. Perhaps that's why some people don't want to be labeled a feminist? Sometimes vocabulary gets so churned and stereotyped along the way.

Kitten, Seri, or any of the 'non-feminists' in this thread, do not seem like weak, ignorant, rude, butch(which, btw, is one benefit of 'feminism'- a woman can be butch if she wants), conceited, or ungrateful women to me. I'm not in any way saying you're calling them that personally, but you are grouping them in your beliefs of non-feminists. Again, I do understand your passion... but words can be so accusatory.

DowntownAmber- good thread, it's sparked some interesting conversation... but where the heck did you go?! (besides far far away) haha