Feminism Baby!!

     Let me just start out by saying that I freaking loved "You're a Hardcore Feminist, I Swear." It is one of the best articles on feminism that I have read in a long time. The prose itself was gritty, real and non-apologetic, three stylistic aspects of writing that are close to my heart. I personally think that if everyone read this article feminism would be less misunderstood and more women (and men for that matter) would consider themselves to be feminists. Jessica Valenti hit the nail on the head when she said that "Feminism is the media's favorite punching bag." The people who hold the most power in society are white males and according to human nature; the more power you hold, the less likely you are to want to give it up. Of course feminism makes men in power uncomfortable, it brings to the table a new level of competition that they've never had to encounter before.
      So how do you put a stop to a movement that threatens the power you have accumulated? Radicalize it. Most people can't or don't want to relate to something that is radical. Why? Because radicalism causes the problems that they highlight in the media and therefore radicals become the recognizable face of these movements. The loudest voices normally do not represent the majority but are always the first to be heard. The majority of people do not have a radical mindset and therefore don't want to be associated with the negative connotation that is now associated with the idea. Let's come full circle here and think back to the wealthy white male power base (WWMPB) that exists in society. Who doesn't like feminism? WWMPB. Who does the media focus on? The loudest voices. Who are the loudest voices in the face of any movement? Radicals. Who controls the media? WWMPB.