There was a lot of discussion about the word “Feminism” in 2014.  Beyonce seems to have laid claim to one version of the word (which I’ve heard many people describe as an actually misindentified “pussy power”).  Time Magazine suggested we strike the word from our vocabularies, which they later re-canted, though I don’t know why– aren’t we all working toward a world where the word “Feminist” doesn’t need to exist because there isn’t a human rights issue around parity anymore?  Shailene Woodley, Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson have stated clearly they are NOT feminists, leading to a huge media uproar and basically opening the dialogue for what the word even means and why we do (or don’t) need it.  And then there’re the issues of basic equality needed globally in parts of the world where young women and girls are treated as goods to be bought and sold– do THEY need feminism, or something else?

I’m moderating an event for Equality Now next week and I’m interested to hear your perspective before I do.  I want to know how you identify the word “Feminism”, what you think is the difference between “Feminism” and “pussy power”, and how can we clear up the confusion around this heated word?

Please leave your comments below!