Ms. Magazine: THIS IS WHAT A FEMINIST LOOKS LIKE”

[question everything]

(apologies if already posted)

Is this what a feminist looks like?
Posted by: Jill in Barack Obama, Feminism, Media, Politics

I say yes, and I think Ms. Magazine’s cover is great. Obama has reportedly self-identified as a feminist, and has the legislative record to back it up. Is he a perfect feminist, or a perfect progressive? Not by any stretch of the imagination. Is he going to disappoint us over and over? Yeah, he’s already started. But he’s still pretty damned good, especially for a mainstream, center-left politician elected to the highest office, and I don’t really see the point in kicking him out of the club just yet.

http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2009/01/14/is-this-what-a-feminist-looks-like/

and

Feminist Knickers In Collective Twist Over Ms. Magazine Obama Cover

See this photoshopped image of Barack Obama ripping his clothes off like Superman to reveal a T-shirt that reads: “THIS IS WHAT A FEMINIST LOOKS LIKE”? That’s the cover of a special inaugural issue of Ms. Magazine, and it’s got some feminists upset. Ms. states the concept was born out of a meeting Feminist Majority Foundation chairwoman Peg Yorkin and Ms. had with Obama, in which the President-Elect purportedly told them: “I am a feminist.” According to Ms., Obama “ran on the strongest platform for women’s rights of any major party in American history.” Writing in the Daily Beast, Amy Siskind asserts the image is anti-feminist: “Who is looking out for the women of this country? Well, I will tell you who is not: Ms. magazine.” Feminist Law Professors say the image is a mockery: “ symbolically looking to a male superhero to ‘rescue’ feminism? Very problematic imagery, in my view.” So, what do you think? Is Superobama the first feminist President, or is the idea of a guy feminist a joke?

http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-ms-magazine-obama/

[crimsonblue]

1. Of course it takes a man to show what a real feminist is. Duh..

Let the flaming begin. :P

[anonymous171]

2. Love that picture! nt

[AspenRose]

3. He's more of a feminist than Sarah Palin will ever be

Biological plumbing is not what makes someone a feminist.

Obama has daughters; he was raised by a single mom; he's not stupid....

[EraOfResponsibility]

10. THANK.YOU!!!!!!!!!

so true!

[EFerrari]

4. A pic of Obama would have been a better choice than that of a rescuer.

Poor Ms. Magazine.

[AspenRose]

5. That's true...poor judgment on their part

but people will probably be jumping all over Obama for the cover anyway, something he had no control over.

[EFerrari]

7. Sure. Did you catch Colbert last night? He had a great bit about all the merchandise

with some kind of image of Obama on it. It was HILARIOUS. Iirc, the show reruns once later today before the new show is on later tonight. :)

[AspenRose]

8. I'll check it out

:hi:

[xchrom]

6. why not? nt

[aaaaaa5a]

9. I can feel the hate! I guess I'm a man so I'm not going to care about womens issues!

Why does a feminist have to be a woman? Who do you want writing legislation that affects women, Sarah Palin or Barack Obama?

Why does a supporter of civil rights have to be black? Who do you want writing legislation that affects minorities, Clarence Thomas or Ted Kennedy?


People who don't like the cover are the same crazy individuals that lead people to believe in the term "man-haters" and "feminazis"


When the woman who heads the Los Angeles chapter of NOW broke rank with the National chapter to introduce Sarah Palin at one of her rallys, I knew she wasn't into the cause for equality. She was into the cause because of hate and resentment. And that's dangerous!

The cover is great! There are men who support women. Just like there are women who support men. Feminism is a political identity and not a gender classification.

[FrenchieCat]

11. More power to him!

and as long as it translates via policies, the more called "Feminists", the merrier!

[blueladybird]

12. What an insult.

No man should be on this cover. They are just looking for attention. Confident men will not be offended by my comments. This magazine is forever dismissed. Sweeties.

[ErinBerin84]

14. .

:rofl:

[countingbluecars]

15. You're funny. n/t

[geek tragedy]

25. Bitterly clinging to old primary grudges, I see. n/t

[Lucky 13]

41. In the last week, you have lectured DUers about cursing too much, defended Bush, and attacked Obama

You have under 100 posts and you have the stench of a troll. Either you are a Republicon or a bitter PUMA. Doesn't matter which... either are vile creatures.

Genitals do not determine whether one is a feminist or not. There are plenty of females that are not feminists (i.e. Palin) and there are plenty of males that are feminists (i.e. Obama and Biden).

[blueladybird]

47. Wow, according to Lucky 13 there are three catagories...

1)Everything Obama
2)Republican
3)PUMA

I apologize for my stench. I happen to be an Independent Democrat (add to your list?) that is hoping that soon to be president Obama with a reasonable amount of time will lead our country out of this mess. A man can not be the SYMBOL of feminism. But can be a feminist. I'm done with my lecture for today and hope you've learned something valuable.

[otohara]

43. Considering He Was Raised By Strong Women

and he credits his mom and granny for much of who he is, I'm guessing he sees woman's issues from a feminist view than most men.

[Sebastian Doyle]

13. Oooo... I'll bet there's no joy in PUMAville over this one.

http://riverdaughter.wordpress.com/2009/01/10/i-cant-help-it/

Nope.... there ain't. :evilgrin:

(and Crappy Troll hill's thread on the subject must be even better. They buried it in a "hidden" forum)

[cali]

16. I actually have mixed feelings about this cover

I like him being on the cover. I just wish he wasn't portrayed as some sort of superhero.

[ErinBerin84]

17. true

Though I doubt it's the first goofy cover that the magazine has had.

[question everything]

23. Like the "terrorist" cover of the New Yorker -

something to catch attention, and comments on TV and, of course, increase sale.

[Radical Activist]

18. It's interesting reading the comments and commentary.

Once in a while you can see those who use feminism as a cover for sexism.

Having a President who's willing to call himself a feminist is a big step.

[blueladybird]

19. Why wouldn't Barack be willing to call himself a feminist?

Feminism
1. Belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.
2. The movement organized around this belief.

Feminist
1. feminist - of or relating to or advocating equal rights for women

Is Barack going to say he's against equal rights for women? A man can be a feminist, but a man should not be the symbol of feminism. Not yet at least. This world has a long way to go.

[ErinBerin84]

20. I take the cover to mean

that feminism is changing,the face/definitions of feminism, etc. Not that Obama or any man is THE face of it. But I guess we all can take it differently. When I read magazines like Bust , etc, I'm still astounded how many really strong female celebrities are afraid to use the F word when asked about it. I like the idea of an inclusive movement, and the wording is more of a take of the "this is what democracy looks like" than proclaiming that Obama is THE face of the movement.

[blueladybird]

21. Well... I personally think the definition can't really change much...

Barack doesn't have to represent every single cause. I think MS magazine is using him a little here to sell their product. I just wish they didn't go overboard with such a serious issue.

[ErinBerin84]

22. is the article on the web site?

Sure, I'm certain that Obama helps sell the "product", but maybe they just felt uncomfortable putting anyone else on the cover for their inauguration issue. Is this the first time a man has been on the magazine? I can cede that perhaps he isn't the best man to be the first "picture of a male feminist" on the cover, but the cover in itself I just cannot find offensive. Of course, I haven't read the article. When I meant feminism was "changing", I guess I refer more to the chasm between second wave, third wave, etc.

[Radical Activist]

24. There are many men who

believe those things yet would not call themselves a feminist. So the cover's message is one that could have a very positive impact on the national debate and popular perceptions of feminism.

[ErinBerin84]

26. Amy Siskind

had said in the past that she would "NEVER vote for Barack Obama", and screamed "Howard Dean, I am NOT YOUR SWEETIE", so she doesn't really sound like my type of feminist anyway. Anyone know if she eventually voted for Obama? I have not read her Daily Beast article.
edit: No, it looks like she was a Hillary turned Palin supporter. "Interesting".

[geek tragedy]

28. She's just another whiny-ass PUMAsshole. n/t

[blueladybird]

30. Yawn.

[geek tragedy]

36. You PUMAs are easily bored when bashing Obama isn't the

preferred topic. Now run along to one of their crap blogs.

[dionysus]

40. is that you tellurian? maddy?

quick! to the PUMA Mobile!!!
:rofl:

[aaaaaa5a]

27. I have to disagree.

I think a man CAN BE the symbol of feminism.

Just like I think a white person CAN BE the symbol of civil rights.

Just like I think a woman CAN BE the symbol of the Army and/or Military defense.

Just like I think an African American CAN BE the symbol of our Country. Oops! it looks like a black guy "kinda" is!


Women's rights is an important issue. But the hatred and stereotyping that goes on with some feminists easily rivals exactly what they are suppose to be fighting to prevent.

[blueladybird]

29. OMG. No. No. No!

You are mixing things all together.Oh Gawd!No. You do not know how you are sounding. This is how ridiculous your good intentioned reasoning is. In order to fully understand what women go through in this world, let's ask Barack. He can tell us women what it truelly means to be treated as OMG. I have to go but I will finish this tomorrow. Feminism and being in the military or the president are totally diffrent things. Yes, let a white person speak for black people on the issue of slavery??? Later. No disrespect.

[ErinBerin84]

32. that's not what the poster you are responding to

sounded like they meant at all to me, but I guess it is in the eye of the beholder. I guess you are referring to the "army/military" part, but I suspect that I agree with the poster's intentions.
Sometimes it's hard to communicate on a message board such complicated matters as gender, so I'm probably not wording my posts the right way either. Oh well. I actually have read some of Amy Siskind's articles before, I didnt' remember in my earlier posts that they were written by her. She makes some valid points, but definitely not my cup of tea.

[aaaaaa5a]

34. Thank you! I think we are on the same page. N/T

[aaaaaa5a]

33. I think you are taking my comments out of context....

but I look forward to what you have to say when you finish your thoughts tomorrow!

[blueladybird]

37. I don't think I am...

You wrote:"I think a man CAN BE the symbol of feminism.
Just like I think a white person CAN BE the symbol of civil rights.
Just like I think a woman CAN BE the symbol of the Army and/or Military defense.
Just like I think an African American CAN BE the symbol of our Country. Oops! it looks like a black guy "kinda" is!"


Women's rights is an important issue. But the hatred and stereotyping that goes on with some feminists easily rivals exactly what they are suppose to be fighting to prevent."

But,sorry, I thought you were responding to me. Anyway, I still disagree with your comparisons. Being a women is genetic. The appreciation of the need to be treated as equal beings can only be felt and understood by women when it comes to feminism. Just like the only people who can explain the pain of giving birth are the women who have given birth.(Men can't have babies but they can support us). Being a military person is a job/career. Being a president is a job. Yes a man or a woman can represent/be a symbol of these positions. But for a man to be the symbol of womens struggles is just outrageous. All men can do is support the cause to their fullest ability(Obama). That's it. Hence they can be feminists. My brother is definitely a feminist. But, he can never be the symbol of feminism. Don't know Amy sis??? But If I still don't make sense Sorry.

Obama is the first person of color to be elected president. Other than that first, I don't think it's a big deal. The most qualified was chosen for the job. Is it that surprising that an African American can be the most qualified?

[ErinBerin84]

39. I guess it just comes down to

whether MS meant to ask a question with the cover or assert that he is THE symbol. I tend to agree with the below poster that it was ill advised and kind of lame (if they are going to be "provacative" on the cover by putting Obama on it, it was definitely not the best way they could have done it. As I said, might have been better to put Obama on the cover with a "question", something to explore. I'll hope that the article itself was a bit more complex), but it's not the first lame cover I have spotted on MS, and if MS is something that the reader otherwise enjoys, I think it's more "stupid but harmless...silly" than a huge affront to the cause....a letter to the editor could be in order, but I can't see how it would cause someone to cancel a subscription. I can understand why people might think the cover could trivialize feminism, but I wish CNN could have found a better spokesperson than Amy Siskind to make this argument, because I find that she trivializes feminism in a different way. Different strokes for Different folks.

[blueladybird]

45. Well put. n/t

[rucky]

31. No bra? check. Hairy armpits? check...

:hide:

Sorry, there are some jokes that can't be passed-up.

[BlooInBloo]

48. Stupid thread ends with this one. You win.

[SidneyCarton]

35. The cover is lame and likely ill-advised.

That Pres. Obama is a feminist, I have no doubt. That he cares deeply about women's issues and will fight to defend these rights, I believe. That this cover is silly beyond all belief (though likely harmless too) is self-evident to me.

[Cash_thatswhatiwant]

38. I think feminism is a topic that many people find boring and don't want to talk about

as much. Sexism against women and our daughters and sisters is still very real.

PUMAs don't know the meaning of the word "feminist." These women think all it takes to be a "feminist" is to possess a vagina. No, we need male feminists, and a man who says he is a feminist as our President is probably MORE powerful than a woman, because it shatters stereotypes. PUMAs were ready and willing to put someone who is wishywashy on the word "feminist" and thinks women's right to choose should be taken away is a "feminist." PUMAs seem to be male-bashers, but people like Gloria Steinem have always talked about feminism and the need for men to come forward as feminists.

[blueladybird]

44. What does Part Unity My Ass have to do with this discussion?

The right to choose means the right to choose. I, as a pro-choice woman, respect the rights of the women who CHOOSE not to have abortions. Is that why you think Obama is more of a feminist than Palin??? Does that really make sense. Men can ONLY be pro-choice as far as I'm concerned.

I love male feminists. LOVE THEM. All men are not bad. Obama clearly is a good man. I can't stand men who beat women, verbally and sexually abuse women,treat women as inferior(intellectually etc) humans. "Honor and Obey" GRRRRR. Trust me because of the way the world is right now, Obama, and all men, are exposed/subject to consciously and subconsciously,sexist thoughts and behaviors to a certain degree.

When women are finally treated equally, we can eliminate the boring subject forever and good riddance!

[Cash_thatswhatiwant]

46. I referred to PUMAS b/c someone mentioned they had a problem with him being on the cover

and one even said that there's no use for women at all, in reference to the cover. These people seem to hate men.

I too detest men who do all those things. Sadly our culture still perpetuates the ideas of what it means to be a "real man" and hopefully Obama can help change that!

[Metric System]

42. Fine to have him on the cover and call him a feminist. Like others, I'm not sure about the imagery.