In the past, I always thought of myself and, when appropriate, called myself a feminist.
Which doesn’t buy me anything–gratitude, etc.–nor should it. It’s just a fact.
The last year or two, seems like there have been some who think men shouldn’t call themselves feminists because issues–essentially, that we should just shut up.
That’s their privilege. But for me to not say I’m a feminist is wrong and stupid. John Scalzi’s excellent statement reminded me of that.
So: No, it doesn’t (and shouldn’t) buy me special treatment. No, it doesn’t give me authority to explain to anybody (much less women) what women’s issues really are. But…
Yes, I’m a feminist.
