by Carol Gioia

Created on: June 08, 2008   Last Updated: July 17, 2010

Feminists have not disappeared. They have actually grown in numbers as feminism has evolved into the larger issue of equality for both genders.

Today's feminists have no need to clamor and fight for attention to the singular agenda of injustice. Our predecessors in the '60s and '70s did that for us with loud public displays in the form of protests, marches and demonstrations. We owe a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices made and the inroads paved on our behalf.

Feminism has not gone away. It might be more difficult to recognize quietly cloaked in the more subtle, confident determination to use the voice hard won by past generations to uphold the feminist ideals of equality and justice for all the diverse members of our society. Feminism is not about women's issues; it is about society's issues and human rights.

In this new wave of technology, feminist women and men have taken the protest from the street to the internet where the opportunity to reach out and band together with the common goal of banishing inequality is limitless. Virtual activists abound and are more fervent than ever in their quest to raise the level of consciousness about the political and human rights goals set down decades ago.

Feminism has gone global as today's women recognize that unless their female counterparts in third world countries are released from their prisons of abuse, violence and oppression, there is no true "freedom for all." Today's feminists are speaking out all over the world for those unable to speak for themselves.

Granted, with the stigma attached to the word "feminism," some will distance themselves with comments like, "I am not a feminist, but...." They will then go on to expound their beliefs and reveal their true feminist nature. Names and designated labels aside, a tiger referred to as a pussycat will have the same roar.

This generation of women already has a "voice" and does not have to fight to be heard. We do, however, have to fight all types of discrimination. Smart feminists know that curing only one type of discrimination will not eliminate all injustice. Our forbearers provided the platform for us to step up and stand firm with our principles and feminist ideals to eradicate all manner of prejudice and oppression.

We must not be deluded into believing that because the masculine pantsuit of the '70s and '80s working woman has given way to a more feminine style of dress, this translates into the disappearance of feminist ideals. Feminism has always been

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