Dear Betsy Cairo,
I hope this letter finds you well. I recently read your TEDxMileHighWomen talk titled “Why I am Not a Feminist,” to use as a source in my essay and I wanted to express my thoughts regarding your viewpoint.
Your perspective on the importance of inclusive language and the power of words in shaping our societal views resonated deeply with me. It’s commendable how you emphasize the need to move away from gender qualifiers to focus more on similarities rather than differences. The concept of creating a safe and welcoming society by phasing out language that reinforces the gender binary is genuinely compelling.
However, I must admit I found myself in a different alignment regarding your stance on the term ‘feminism.’ While I understand your concerns about its association with a strict gender binary and polarization, I believe that ‘feminism’ as a movement encompasses a broader spectrum. It’s not just about emphasizing differences but striving for equality between genders.
Your suggestion of ‘equalism’ as a replacement for ‘feminism’ to create a more inclusive movement is intriguing. I acknowledge your perspective on the need for a word that doesn’t subscribe to a gender binary and supports everyone in their struggles for equality.
Your illustration of how language influences perceptions, particularly in the case of gender-specific language in headlines, was thought-provoking. It highlights the unconscious biases embedded in our language choices.
Thank you for sharing your insights and sparking this crucial conversation.
Sincerely,
Jahnay
