I realized after a recent post of mine called Vagina Phobia received some commentary about differing definitions of feminism that to some extent there is as much debate among feminist about the social and political implications of being a feminist among feminists as there is within society. What exactly is feminism? And what does it mean to be a feminist? Certainly the meaning it carries is different for the individuals that consider themselves such that came of age after the second wave of feminism than it does for the brave females that fought for women's rights during the civil rights movement.

Thinking about this I realized that there is something very positive about the fact that there are differing beliefs about feminism and what it means among feminists. Every epistemology, ideology, or belief system should have differing ideas contained within it, this is what keeps the movement alive, fostering debate fosters growth.

But like anything that requires internalization of ideas and beliefs, it should be up to the individual feminist to determine how they put their feminism into practice, and that is where the key to feminism might just be. Recognizing those things which support or reinforce power structures and thought patterns that define women as not men and therefore somehow subject to different rules and attempting to do something about them.

This can be as simple as supporting a friend in leaving an abusive relationship or joining a local organization that promotes women's welfare and rights. Feminism, to me, isn't as much about an idea, a definition, or a belief system as it is about women. The fact is that our society, is not completely egalitarian. Just two days ago I listened to the laments of a female friend (who is not only beautiful, but an incredibly sweet spirited person) who'd been broken up with by a man who told her she had the 'wrong' body type, specifying that her breasts and ass were too small. After bashing him for a few minutes I realized how much real work men and women still have to do in redefining beauty to include more than just the big breasted, nice assed, skinny waisted women that hollywood has taught us to aspire to be.

Feminism may never have one concise definition, and that may not even be necessary, feminism is as personal to me as my spiritual beliefs, my work, and my sex life, it can never be defined for me in a way that works for everyone else, so feminism must ultimately be defined by the individual feminist. Any textbook definition would fall short of revealing the true meaning the movement holds for the individuals within it.

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