Addressing contemporary feminism in this woman's studies course may become a challenge. In class, I noticed two things right out of the gate, that give me a reason to worry about this. First, many of the students don't seem to clearly know what feminism is. Secondly, the people that represent feminism to most of my peers are either entertainers or other well-known, successful women, who may or may not stand for feminism. If the students in this class were asked: "Who's a good role model for girls?" I bet 90% of us would give you the same lists given when asked: "who do you think represents feminism?" Before I elaborate on my statements, let me define feminism in my own "textbook" words.
             Feminism: The political drive to achieve women the same social, political, and economic opportunities men have.
             Unfortunately, from what I heard in class, I get the idea that many of my classmates feel that feminism means the glorification of women, or more distressingly, the traditional female role (I say traditional role because I'm bracing for the shrapnel to fly when pornography, which is considered by some to be a celebration of female sexuality, will be examined). If I remember right, one of the students described feminism ver batum as the celebration of femininity. By all accounts, this is plainly...wrong. Feminism, at its best, is the expanding of the female role, not the glorification of narrow social roles. Feminism wants to create women leaders, women who feel that it's perfectly normal not to be what most Americans consider "feminine." Of course, feminism teaches that femininity in itself shouldn't be looked down upon, that living as a housewife shouldn't reduce a woman's social status or her access to civil rights. Some of the movement's greatest victories have involved improving the lives of everyday, traditional women (such as overturning many laws that condoned spousal abuse). But, the fact of the matter stands that feminism is ...