What's in a name?

I just want to clarify a few things because of all the hoopla lately about whether it is a good thing or a bad thing to call yourself a Feminist, especially in the LDS church these days.

It would be nice to have a new name by which to call myself and the other women that feel as I do, but since there currently is not, I will still proudly adopt the term because I believe that any term is what you make of it and that we don't need to be threatened by the minority that has and continues to give it a bad rap. I know there are those that disagree, but I myself won't be afraid of a word and I will use my abilities to help influence what others will think of it in the future (if, in fact, a new term does not emerge).

So, yes, I am a Feminist. But I am a liberal feminist - which sounds worse than it is, but by definition is much more conservative than you would think. It's the radicals that have everyone's panties in a bunch. And I think I have forgotten how much I used to shrink from that word myself, so I want to let anyone know that reads this how I define feminism (along with many others).

1) I am NOT a man hater. I love my husband and respect him and the equality that we share in our marriage - meaning, that NO, we are not the same and should not BE the same, but that we have equal value in our separate roles. Roles that we have determined for ourselves and not based entirely on traditionally gender specific definitions. Men are an equally important half of society. I do not think women are better, I just don't think they are less. I don't like misogynists, but I don't hate them and I hope that they can learn new ways of thinking.

2) I do NOT endorse abortion except for in cases of fetal inviability, health of the mother, and rape or incest. But even in these cases, I believe that if at all possible for the mother to handle the emotional baggage of it, the pregnancy should be carried to term. However, even though I am personally against abortion, I recognize that in the world of legislation, a blanket ban might do more harm than good for the rights of women. I don't want women to have easy access to abortion, but banning it altogether would not put an end to the evil practice, and would put undo strain on the women who actually NEED abortions in rare cases to prove that they are necessary. The recent legislation in Utah proves what a dangerous slope it is to legislate that a woman must prove her intentions, or even miscarriages could be prosecuted as criminal offenses. This does nothing but deny women their rights, and it is not the solution. There is no win-win in the abortion debate, but my feminism does not necessarily make me pro-choice. Pro-responsibility maybe?
And, to be clear, I think that late term and partial birth abortions should not exist, and that women considering elective abortions need to see some of the horrific educational material on such practices. (though I'm a bit more alone in this opinion)

3) I believe that women in priviledged countries (such as the US) need to do what we can with our influence to support oppressed women everywhere (both in and out of such countries) and to educate others on the horrors of female infanticide, female genital mutilation, and all other forms of abuse. We have strong voices if we unite them, and we can't just sit back in our comfortable homes, even if we are happy with a patriarchy, because something that doesn't affect us isn't necessarily removed from our sphere of responsibility. Those women can't do it alone. It was the priviledged women of the past that fought for the women's rights that we enjoy the fruits of today, and we can't spit on their work by claiming the luxury of denying the label that they fought under.

4) I don't believe that there is enough equality in the workplace or in legal spheres for women, even in the US. Just because we are close doesn't mean that we stop fighting. There is nothing that makes that inbalance palatable. And just because we choose to stay home (which choice is a product of feminism) doesn't mean that we shouldn't support the rights of women who CHOOSE or NEED to work outside the home and get paid for their equal contribution. Not all women are blessed to have children or marry. What are they supposed to DO with their lives? (sarcasm) And why are they not entitled to full and complete equality in the work that they choose for themselves as a contribution to society and as fulfilling to their lives?

5) I believe the choices that Feminism has given us include the ability to stay home and raise children, and I still and always will believe that this is the best place for women to try to be if they desire to have a family. It is a natural and Godly role to play that part to the children you choose to bring into your life, either by birth or by adoption. BUT, I also recognize that there are women that cannot have this in their lives, either by choice or circumstance, and that even in families, sometimes the man is more suited to child rearing and nurturing. That's just how it is sometimes, and that's OKAY!

I'm sure there is more, but these are the issues that seem to pop up when women express their disdain for Feminists. Please, don't be ignorant. Don't stick your head in the ground out of fear. Do the research. Do the math. Read. Educate yourself. Don't believe me, and don't believe everything you "hear" about Feminism. Listen to your heart and do what feels right. And if at the end of the day, you really don't want to be called a Feminist, I am fine with that, because it is your CHOICE. I like having the ability to choose my life, and I appreciate the feminists that gave me that right.