As an author of fiction for young people, i am constantly impressed by teenagers' ability to approach feminism with nuance. I believe that this sense of nuance is something that distinguishes the next wave of feminism and i predict it will become even more prevalent in 2017.
Nuanced feminists can feel weary about the way in which women’s bodies are constantly objectified and still understand the value of sex-positivist and the danger in attempting to police other women’s sexuality. They understand that there’s a difference between a music video where women are used as props and one where women of color like Beyonce, Rihanna or Nicki Minaj are reclaiming their sexual power—how the latter can be empowering due to the long history of society’s hyper-sexualization of black female body.
Nuanced feminists can be fearful that sex work contributes to a culture where it’s assumed that a woman can be,bought and also believe that sex workers deserve protection and better employment conditions. They might feel uncomfortable with the idea of abortion but vehemently defend a woman’s right to choose. They don’t think women who have plastic surgery are betraying the sisterhood—they’re more interested in discussing an ageist culture in which women feel under pressure to remain eternally youthful.
They refuse to decry women who takes selfies as vain, instead exploring the idea that a selfie might be an act of self-love in the face of crushing societal demands that seem determined to make us hate ourselves. They know that there is no right way to be a feminist or even to be a woman. Nuanced feminism is inclusive. It is for women of all races and religions, it’s for transgender people, it’s for men, it’s for straight people, gay people and everyone in between.
Nuanced feminists can feel weary about the way in which women’s bodies are constantly objectified and still understand the value of sex-positivist and the danger in attempting to police other women’s sexuality. They understand that there’s a difference between a music video where women are used as props and one where women of color like Beyonce, Rihanna or Nicki Minaj are reclaiming their sexual power—how the latter can be empowering due to the long history of society’s hyper-sexualization of black female body.
Nuanced feminists can be fearful that sex work contributes to a culture where it’s assumed that a woman can be,bought and also believe that sex workers deserve protection and better employment conditions. They might feel uncomfortable with the idea of abortion but vehemently defend a woman’s right to choose. They don’t think women who have plastic surgery are betraying the sisterhood—they’re more interested in discussing an ageist culture in which women feel under pressure to remain eternally youthful.
They refuse to decry women who takes selfies as vain, instead exploring the idea that a selfie might be an act of self-love in the face of crushing societal demands that seem determined to make us hate ourselves. They know that there is no right way to be a feminist or even to be a woman. Nuanced feminism is inclusive. It is for women of all races and religions, it’s for transgender people, it’s for men, it’s for straight people, gay people and everyone in between.
