by Euryclea

Created on: January 23, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

I have added to my original article.

In my opinion western feminism has completely lost it's way. Especially in the last 10-20 years. Whether for not this is as a result of the backlash mentality in the western world remains to be seen. One theory as I can see is that women should be viewed as helpless victims, unable or unwilling to make up their own minds. We are coerced into doing things by the traditional patriarchy, and do not possess any will or opinion of our own. One campaign concerning western feminism is the rise of laddish culture. Especially, lads magazines or bars such as Hooters. The Editors and the magazine themselves get criticised. But nothing is said concerning the female models choice to have themselves photographed for such magazines. Surely, they must be aware that they are helping to sell a sexual ideal of women. No in fact this seems to be encouraged. The 'its her choice' attitude which an oxymoron. So you can criticise the employer and magazine, but do not criticise the model who chooses to have her photograph taken, or the female employee who chooses to work for that particular employer.

In many countries women are not politically or legally equal. For example, in Iran you need two women to equal the witness statement of one man in a court of law. Women can be sent to prison if they committed adultery or where raped. In Guatamala you have had hundreds of women raped and murdered yet there is no or very little investigation by the police into these crimes, in places such as Darfur you have women being raped by enemy soldiers. Also the majority of employees in sweatshops are women. On a worldwide scale feminism still has a great many things to achieve for all women. Yet it seems to me that feminism in the west. Is not giving as much publicity to these areas, as it could. Whilst their are feminists who regard these areas as important. You see much more feminists on their forums who are more concerned about should I shave my legs, should I wear this or that. I admit that I have posted matters on websites which I deem trivial in nature. I do think that matters such as the vote for women in all countries, rape as a weapon of war, and uninvestigative murders are much more important than the portrayal of women in the media, and shall I shave my legs. Yet not giving what some would say should be more serious campaigns more publicity and more space. Makes me think from time to time that feminism is only about dealing with the problems faced by

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