Feminism.

Recently, I've heard from a variety of sources who show disdain for the word "feminist". I think Diana was talking with one of her students, who said something along the lines of "I believe in equal rights for women and stuff, but I'm not, like, a feminist or anything." I've heard similar stuff other places as well.

Something on the radio reminded me of this and got me thinking on the way to work. My thinking is that back in the day (like, the '70s), the feminist movement was critical to gaining equal rights and pay and respect for women. I believe this is a good thing, and would be proud to call myself a feminist. Feminists were people who followed this belief, going against the status quo that women should all be June Cleavers.

But I think with my generation and downwards, the idea of equal rights for women is already a done deal (for the most part). So much so that it pretty much goes without saying. That said, there seems to be a perception that if you still are calling yourself a feminist, you are some sort of extremist (in a negative sense).

Has the definition or connotation of the word changed? Is being a feminist different now than 20 years ago?