More on Feminism, or Postfeminism?
04/02/2008
More on Feminism, or Postfeminism?
In this article, "Students of Virginity," by Randall Patterson, the abstinence movement is repositioned as feminist: "'I am an unconventional feminist,' Fredell says, in the sense that she asserts control by choosing not to have sex--by telling men no, absolutely not...In the Ivy League, abstinence is A. Philosophical, B. Research-based, C. An outgrowth of feminism, D. Sexy and fun, E. All of the above." Fredell goes on, "'virginity is extremely alluring,' though its 'mysterious allure...is not rooted in an image of innocence and purity, but rather in the notion of strength.' As she told me later, 'It takes a strong woman to be abstinent, and that's the sort of woman I want to be.'"
Any thoughts on this?