What does someone actually mean when they say "I'm not a feminist"?

[TheFeministParent]

For me it means that either:
a) they are a man
b) they think feminist means militant lesbian
c) they think feminism has no relevance.

[TheFeministParent]

Come on seeker, I'm even considering meeting my DH at Heathrow when he flies in from NY giving him the DCs for the day and Marching myself....

[SJisontheway]

For me, if I was asked 10 years ago, I would not have considered myself a feminist. I think I was a little ignorant, and extremely naive. I had a good job in a male dominated field and although I came across occasional sexist views, I genuinely believed that the battle had been won and we were close to achieving equality. Since having children my views have changed dramatically. I have encountered overwhelming prejudice. Also, I believe society seems to have taken a huge step back in terms of the objectification of women, and as a mother, I worry about my children (particularly my daughters) growing up in such a society. So now, I would certainly consider myself a feminist. I am still educating myself though.

[HerBeatitude]

Which one SGM?

[HerBeatitude]

I haven't read it. Read her earlier book the one she wrote with Robert Jensen and Anne Watsername. Pornography. My library doesn't stock Pornland, I'm going to have to buy it...

[sakura]

I like how MillyR put it once. Feminism is not an "I'm allright Jack" movement, it's a social justice movement.

This is where I think some women misunderstand about what feminism is.

There is also that awful damage wreaked upon feminism by the "choice" movement, as in women can "choose" to be subordinate, to use their sexuality and looks to get money and power, rather than their abilities and hard work.

Then there is also the cognitive dissonance, the survival instinct that keeps women from identifying with women who are truly oppressed under patriarchy. The "those are other women" mentality that prevents women from joining forces and aligning with each other. There is also the need to want to identify with the dominant group for fear of acknowledging the contempt with which women are held. And they really are held in contempt, you only need to look at porn to see that