My favorite definition of feminist is one offered by Su, an Australian woman who, when interviewed for Kathy Bail's 1996 anthology DIY Feminism, said feminists are just women who don't want to be treated like shit. This definition is pointed and succinct, but I run into trouble when I try to expand that definition.
In her book "Bad Feminist: Essays," Roxane Gay reflects on a straightforward definition of feminism by Su, an Australian woman. Su defines feminists as women who seek to avoid mistreatment, which captures the essence of feminist advocacy in a direct manner. However, Gay finds that expanding this definition leads to complications, as the broader concepts and challenges within feminism are more complex than a single statement can encapsulate.
Gay's exploration highlights the nuances of feminism, emphasizing that while the desire for fair treatment is fundamental, the movement also encompasses diverse perspectives and societal critiques. The simplicity of Su's definition serves as a starting point, but it reveals the disparities and varied experiences women encounter in their fight for equality, suggesting that feminism requires a more intricate understanding beyond the initial definition.
