Though this discussion of gender roles and how the feminine fits into society has been ongoing for many years, and has experienced “waves” of renewal, it is still very much alive and strong in our cultural conversation.  This is especially true on our college campuses.  Clear thinking people must survey the views and establish for themselves their own opinions.  It is almost impossible to be neutral on this issue.  In a world dominated by linguistic facism, where political correctness robs independent thinkers of their liberty to talk and discuss these kinds of issues, it is necessary that civil discourse, based on rational thought and the careful articulation of arguments, return to the classrooms and coffee houses of our land.

As the following video highlights, recent polls are indicating that a majority of women no longer embrace the term “feminist.”  Is it possible that rejecting some of the excesses of the feminist movement will be necessary in order for the rights, roles and relationships of women to flourish most?  Some women have become more militant than ever.  Others, as we highlighted in the discussion about “The Flipside of Feminism,” believe that the term (and movement) should be abandoned altogether.  Others still, like Dr. Christina Hoff Sommers (author of Freedom Feminism), make the case for reclaiming and reforming the feminist movement:

Now You Decide

Inform yourself, study these things fully (using the resources listed in the next session if you wish for further inquiry), and then engage people in this important thread of The Great Conversation.  How does gender influence our society?  What is your position on gender roles?  Should we forge new definitions and roles for the genders, discard gender altogether, maintain the traditions of the past, or embrace some kind of re-defined position that re-claims what is good and discards what is bad in the “feminist ideal”?  You decide.