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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Feminism: chat

Original poster

The 'this is what a feminist looks like' tshirt?

88 replies

jenny60 · 19/05/2010 10:45

Have one of these and am a member of the Fawcett Society but feel a little odd wearing it. Very happy to be seen as a feminist - it's no secret . But slightly worried that it looks as though I'm saying either 'look at me: I'm normal looking, I don't wear dungarees, have short hair, cliche, stereotype etc...' or 'Aren't I gorgeous. Bet you dodn't know feminists could be gorgeous?'.
Anyone else got one? What do yout think?

OP posts:
onebatmother · 19/05/2010 11:14

Hmm, interesting. I've had the same reservations Jenny, but at the same time I nearly burst into tears in Waitrose when a gorgeous 13 year old (they all are, I mean) was wearing one while shopping with her adoring and respectful dad

It's tempting to embrace the stereotype and cut the sleeves off so everyone can see I don't shave under my arms (except for weddings.)

OR I might wear one of these underneath the t-shirt. That'll get people thinking outside the box, I'm certain.

Original poster
jenny60 · 19/05/2010 11:13

Oh, where did you get that one Seths? Given that I usually wear mine when running, I won't ever look my best, but who cares? It is fun to see people reading it, but it's also quite weird to invite people to look at my chest. I've seen a few men read it, look nervous when they catch my eye and quickly look away

OP posts:
sethstarkaddersmum · 19/05/2010 11:03

Jenny - I suppose I just think it works best on people who are not stereotypical feminists . But there is nothing wrong with people wearing it no matter what they look like - nothing wrong with effectively saying 'I look like a feminist and hell, I am a feminist!' - it's just I felt the display space on my chest could be used more effectively by 'Feminists - calling out bullshit where we see it since 1792'

Aitch · 19/05/2010 11:02

i know what you mean, i don't know whether the t shirt demands that i don't look like an archetypal feminist... and whether i'm up to that on a daily basis, i don't know. (plus i never wear t shirts, so unflattering... )

Original poster
jenny60 · 19/05/2010 11:00

That's reassuring

OP posts:
steamedtreaclesponge · 19/05/2010 10:58

Wow - I really want one!

And I love the fact that it's actually not just women wearing them on the website but people like Bill Bailey and Patrick Stewart.

Original poster
jenny60 · 19/05/2010 10:57

x posts. Yes, seths, I think that is the point. Do you think there's anything wrong with wearing it, or its it just not for you?

OP posts:
Original poster
jenny60 · 19/05/2010 10:56

www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=394

Hope this works: shame Ms May is wearing one!

OP posts:
sethstarkaddersmum · 19/05/2010 10:54

I decided not to get one when I was looking for feminist t-shirts lately, though I am quite comfortable in other t-shirts with the word feminism/feminist on.

Partly because I am scruffy with greying hair (though naturally gorgeous, obv) and I couldn't really see the point of a t-shirt that said effectively, 'Look! A feminist who is scruffy with greying hair!' Also because I don't see the point of something that draw attention to what I look like.

Actually of course the point of the t-shirt is its impact when worn by a whole range of women.

rubyrubyruby · 19/05/2010 10:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
jenny60 · 19/05/2010 10:53

Sorry: not good at links. Go to the Fawcett Society website. There are some great pictures there of many excellent women wearing them. That was reassuring, but still... I was asked by one woman the other day where I got it: that was good.

OP posts:
comixminx · 19/05/2010 10:49

I haven't got one but would be quite happy to wear one if I did. I think it's probably saying 'look at me, I'm normal' - whatever normal means! I guess I do know what you mean about the question of what sort of message it is read as being - but it could well spark up discussion I suppose which might be more the reason behind wearing it?

rubyrubyruby · 19/05/2010 10:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.