Generationskonflikt

Generation Gap

First of all, great article. Is it SUCH a surprise that there are generational conflicts within feminism? (Well, no, and I guess the article agreed.) Feminism and its preceding and subsequent theories and movements have done such a great job identifying  diversity and criticizing all kinds of dichotomies and the structures that support them........They've done such a great job that they expect their institution to be perfect! They have internalized this feminist-phobia, if you ask me! It's only ok to be a feminist (or to call yourself one), if you fit the ideal you've envisioned. Feminisms have turned against each other, gladly supported by an ever male-dominated society and commercialism. There are many lines (generational, here) which are no longer being hailed as Anzaldua's glorious borderlands. Instead, they are creases in the sheet of paper that is feminism, the entire movement possibly folding in on itself.

The mother-daughter conflict is particularly interesting for me. I have a very mixed opinion of my mother. On one hand, I have always been proud of her for being a successful, brave teen mother. On the other hand, I'm sickened by her dependence on men and standard of beauty. I do not accept her emotional irresponsibility, but I am in love with emotional, and even recklessly so, women. The things I despise about my own mother are the traits I find easiest to accept in other women.

I am guilty of matricide in my own family. And in a quest for relating to my older feminist cohorts and reducing the inferiority I feel, I deny their motherly position. Instead, these women are older sisters or mentors. My step-mom, a very successful business woman, recently insulted my political convictions by slandering my feminism by reminding me that Sarah Palin calls herself a feminist. I see my step-mom wear her suits to work, coming home everyday frustrated that somehow her two male bosses aren't making her a partner yet... I understand that she thinks I am too idealistic and naive. An only sister to seven brothers, her entire life has been contextualized by gender. I understand her much more than she thinks. I try not to take her remarks personally. Instead, I hope to work forward so that the next generation of women won't have to feel such bitterness about these never ending gender injustices, such as her under-valued workplace status. I am not interested in pleasing my mother figure or fighting the battles she couldn't win. I, and the new generation of feminists, I think, will have to decide what is relevant now and how our goals can be reached. Undoubtedly, we will also leave the next generation of women with feelings of both approval and disappointment.

I get completely frustrated with 3rd-wave feminism, and yet--some of Baumgardner's work was the most inspiring when I first became interested in feminist politics. It does have its place. Friedan's complaints seem to be a privileged white woman joke, but she spoke to a whole generation of women with a legitimate argument. Contextually, all these feminisms have had and will continue to have their place.

In my opinion, feminism will continue to split into several specialized groups. The whole field of study is increasingly focused on intersectionality. The new goal is to make feminism usable. The new generation's activism is infusing feminism into everything--we are flash-mobbing across all the new frontiers. Feminist bloggers are infiltrating the internet frontier, accessible to almost anyone! Lady Gaga and her sort continue to raise questions to the public--not just about personal stuff, but about commercialism and success and art. Our generation is out of the private sphere. We are in the streets, but we no longer only need large demonstrations to be noticed. We are sneaking into every corner, infecting every social circle with feminist thought. It is important to remain organized at a basic level, such as organizations like NOW, but feminists should stop looking for the next posterchild or bumper-sticker injustice to fight against. Feminism is too good of a thing to be limited. Feminist theory and history is very important. Everyone should be educated about history. We can only help the next generation of women if we recognize what has been done for us by the last generations. Appreciation for the complexity and power of feminism can bridge the gaps between generations of feminists and allow for new means of exercising it. Ego needs to go out the door! At this point, we're all responsible.