052874  hs  AFeminist's view of terminology

Jean Hall 

A chat recently between an active feminist, Ms. Vickie Stein of Scarsdale, and the writer- playing devil's advocate, centered around the subject of feminist terminology and those terms used by the general public that are considered offensive by women in the feminist movement.

"The words 'feminist' and 'humanist' can be used interchangeably," Ms. Stein said. "I think the term 'feminist' got started with Betty Friedan some time ago, but 'humanist' is just as accurate. And it includes men. For, the ultimate purpose is equality for men as well as for women,
"I do get tired of people talking about 'they' or 'them' - meaning feminists - as if we were some kind of non-persons. But in the beginning, when I was just getting into the movement, which was about a year ago, I didn't understand why they made such a fuss over the word 'ladies."'

Q. Who?

"THE OTHER women, the feminists. As I became more aware of what was happening, I realized that it (terminology) was a consciousness-raising point.

"When I talk to women outside the movement.- I don't correct their usage on such expressions as 'girls,' as in 'the girls are getting together,' which women are apt to say."

Q. Would you correct a man if he said that?

"Yes. I will say to a man, 'I am not a girl, I am a woman.

Q. Why wouldn't you say that to a woman?

"It depends on whom I'm with. There are many women who are unaware of what is happening, who are complacent in their life styles and, I think. probably feel this is

nonsense. I don't want to antagonize them or pub my beliefs on to them-1 just hope they will become aware as I talk to them."

Q. But why would you not say the same thing to a woman as to a man?

"It's an interesting point, I agree, with interesting implications.

"WELL I do correct some women-those who are more aware of what is happening to society. It's a good question . Mmm. I think I can say it to a man and get something back from him. 

Then there is something different between and man and a woman,  something you don't get with another woman?

"Yes, I guess it is a fact."

Q, Are women perhaps more resistant to the movement than men?

"No. Our contact with men, with legislators, politicians, lawyers, judges - it starts with a put down. If you remain cool and don't rise to their bait., and explain  quietly what it is the movement stands for, they will listen - not necesssarily accepting it the first or even the second time.

"But I notice they're looking in the paper for things to do with the women's movement. They're becoming impressed with the seriousness and validity of the fact that it is going to free them, too, from stereotyped roles - or their children. Their sons don't have to grow up believing 'boys don't cry."

4; What specifically, is the objection to the term, "women's libber?"


"MY Feeling is that the mental picture this brings to mind is a grubby, aggressive woman that most women feel they cannot relate to." . .

Q. And you feel the term, "feminist,." does not convey this?

"No. Actually, my husband, who is very much for the movement, calls me a 'feminine feminist."'

Q. Doesn't this suggest he finds the term "feminist" by itself non-feminine, if he has to qualify it?

"Well, I think it's part joking. Many men feel threatened by the movement. But my husband actually spreads the word. He's proud that I'm a feminist and at the same time am very feminine.

"In Westchester, feminists are well groomed, wear makeup. go to the beauty parlor, unlike some factions in New York, for example. But even for them. I think it's being just n a t u r n a 1. There's nothing wrong, though, with being an attractive woman, so long is sex isn't used as a tool." -

Q. As in beauty contests?

"BEAUTY contests are a typical example of a woman using her body as her principal means of identification. Do they have beauty contests for men? It all goes back to when all a woman had to offer was her body."


Q. Do you call yourself Ms or Mrs. socially?

"I have personally no objection to being called 'Mrs.' Some women are very uptight about these terms. I think you can do more for the cause by not challenging everybody."

Q. But where are you going to start?

"I was giving an order over the phone the other day and the salesperson said, 'Is it "Miss" or Mrs." and I said, 'What's the difference?' She seemed flustered, but it probably made her think."

Q. It has been said that the only women who really like the term "Ms." are those who really like the term "Ms." are those who don't use the "Mrs."

"THAT'S NOT true. The women in the movement call themselves 'Ms.' and you won't see a wedding band anywhere at a meeting even though so many of them are married."

Q. What is the current correct name for the movement?

"The word 'liberation' isn't in the movement any more. it is a broader concept and more appropriate to call it 'The Feminist Movement."' 

Q. Could you specify some terms that are offensive to feminists?

"Oh sexist terms - 'adorable,' 'cute,' 'sexy.' Being called a 'broad., Being called 'honey' or 'dear' by a man selling you something. And, of course, 'lady,' in place of 'woman.'

A Lady, by dictionary definition is a woman of good social position, good family and breeding, and is used to separate women from each other. Since the movement promotes sisterhood, it is considered divisive. It would help all people to gain equality if we remind men when addressing us to use the term 'woman.' which simply -means, a " female human being."'