Aaron Ashba
WS 200
"Postmodern Feminism"
The term postmodern feminism is believed to have begun and widely used in the 1980's. Postmodern feminism is used to refer to the many different theories within the feminism movement. Generally, people that use this term are individuals that may be against feminism overall, as they feel it doesn't relate to today's society. These individuals agree that feminism was positive, as it was first established to help women receive the rights they deserved. In today's society, it is viewed by some that women's rights are as they should be and feminism is no longer needed, hence we are now in the postmodern feminism age. The overall view by these individuals basically generalize that problems in society today effects everyone as a whole, not just women. The term is viewed as a new era for women and the thought that they are completely equal in today's society, moving on from the "old" views of traditional feminism. The radicalised view of postmodern feminism truly feel it's time to move on from traditional feminism. This generally consists of white males, as they feel most effected by feminism as a whole as a direct impact to their individual rights in our society. This differs from anti-feminist views, as feminism is still viewed positively toward women and it's historic value for shaping the structure of gender equality today. This view doesn't necessarily condone the slide back to a patriarchal dominated society again, but that the staunch feminist may actually contribute to the negative views of women by over-stepping their bounds from their stances with general societal "issues".
My personal assessment of this view toward feminism does make sense to me now that women have cemented themselves as leaders in our society. As we move further into the 21st century, we now have a woman who has a legitimate chance to be a presidential candidate. This is a movement of grand proportions for all women and should be considered as proof of equality within our country. I don't believe I would label myself as a "postmodern feminist"; it would be too easy as a white male to fall into that trap. The theory of feminism shouldn't necessarily go away, but the ideas that existed 50 years ago need to be re-evaluated by the even the most beloved feminist.
From much of the information listed concerning this topic, Judith Butler's seems to be a name brought up the most from her 1990 book, "Gender Trouble" and other publications over the last three decades. As people have claimed that postmodern feminism for offering no clear path to action, Butler does claim "the term postmodernism as too vague to be meaningful" as it encompasses so many facets of feminism. For more information on Judith Butler, please use the provided link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Butler
Other References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodern_feminism
http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/16/41/d8.pdf
1 comment:
One of the most appealing notions feminism and postmodern thought was that focus on difference (Simone de Beauvoir, 1952). She urged a view that saw women as the subject than the object, the view which Butler was against. in her profound critique of postmodern feminism, Parpart proposed an analysis that takes into account ethnic rights and identities. Women can not simply be lamped together, there exists differences. Can we hope for a united front, or the 'body' itself of woman is the centre of differences?
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