Post-Feminist?

What, may I ask, is a post-feminist?

 I have heard this used a few times. It is said with real gusto as if it is a political stand point, like saying “I’m a human rights activist” or “I’m not going to put up with the severe inequalities in the world anymore!” but what I understand this phrase to mean is actually more like saying “I think I might be in the mood for either a tea or a coffee but I haven’t really given it much thought.”

What I am assuming post-feminist is (and I may be very wrong) is the idea that we are now living in a world so equal between men and women that the concept of feminism is no longer necessary, and that the people saying they are post-feminists were, until quite recently, feminists. I am assuming until quite recently because, as far as I can tell, nothing immensely radical has changed where women and men have, in the past few months/years, become equals. I have been a bit busy getting ready for my studies but I think I might have picked up on something as huge as that.

                                     Front Page News!

 Women are no longer scared to walk home alone after dusk!

All people can wear what ever they want whenever they want without being harassed!

 Toys and Schools encourage all the young to grow up to be amazing and intelligent human beings! 

Statistics show evidence childcare is no longer only a woman’s job but in fact both parents are involved equally! And, on top of that, CHILDCARE IS NOW FREE FOR EVERYONE! So parents have the choice of having a career if they wish!

(This one I am actually looking forward to) Today is the last day The Daily Mirror will have their topless Page 3 models. Bye bye, pointless erection!

 Inter-marital rape is now something that can be proved and IS being punished AND taken seriously!

Men and women have equal representation on TV and all forms of media. This has made the comedy panel shows much more entertaining and the gossip columns much less nasty about women’s private lives.

The chase for men to be hyper-masculine and women to be intoxicatingly feminine has come to an end and everyone can get back to what they actually want to do with their lives.

FAD DIETS AND ALL EATING DISORDERS NOW A THING OF THE PAST!

How giddy I feel when I think about the world without any sexism. I can't even begin to sum up what would change! In twenty years time we will have young adults asking “what’s rape?” and “why did women used to put so much plastic in their bodies?”

I don’t think post-feminists have really paid much attention to what feminism is. Unless I have the concept wrong, of course. It is perfectly possible that a post-feminist is someone who was an activist for equal rights, a strong, political and fabulous ally, who has grown tired of the very constant battle against sexism and has decided to put down the banners, stop shouting the chants and walk quietly home to a peaceful but unequal life. Now that I would understand. It can be tiring being so aware of so much pain brought to the world by society. I would not blame anyone for this if that is, in fact, what it means. I just hope that instead of post-feminist they might choose to say “I’m a feminist on a break for a while to get my strength back, but when I do come back I will be back with a BITE"

Images taken from:
hypermasculine orgasm2 by Joel Ottman, Flickr.com
http://weddbook.com/entry/52013a127b1f46822d000002
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36031922@N02/3421048384/
http://hignfy.wikia.com/wiki/Have_I_Got_News_For_You
http://www.geofffrancis.com/work/eating-disorders/
http://www.funnypica.com/top-15-funny-old-woman/angry-old-lady/
http://www.leedspostcards.co.uk/products/175-post-patriarchy-lp643.aspx
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36031922@N02/3421048384/