'70s feminists
In the '90s, the '70s wave of social movements is over and done with, so we are told. This is an era in which the term "'70s feminist" has begun to be used as a term of abuse.
What is a '70s feminist? A variety of qualities can be attributed to her when this term is applied in a denigrating way. For example, a '70s feminist may support separatism and the notion that women possess a unique woman-centred biological energy. A '70s feminist is supposed to have poor dress habits, preferring boiler suits to the high heels and lipstick of her '90s counterparts. A '70s feminist is supposed to be locked into old notions of women's liberation and consciousness raising that just don't fit any more.
This caricature is being used in all sorts of situations today. It's conveniently imprecise, which allows both feminists and anti-feminists to write it off without entering into a more complex and constructive discussion about the real political legacy of '70s feminism.
What is this legacy? In the '70s, feminism was called women's liberation. There were big and inclusive street marches such as International Women's Day, struggles to implement affirmative action and equal opportunity legislation, struggles around a woman's right to choose. It was an era to which we owe a debt for many of the gains enjoyed by women today.
It was also an era of discussion and at times furious debate within the women's movement about perspective. Feminists ranging from socialists to separatists debated their outlooks, at times heatedly, but without denying one another's existence.
The women involved in these debates have moved on. Some are still involved in a variety of community organisations, others moved into the women's bureaucracies opened up by Labor governments, and some became less involved in day-to day-politics, but remained pro-choice, pro-peace and pro-women's rights.
When '90s feminists refer disparagingly to '70s feminists, they are referring to one particular outlook within feminism with which they disagree, and denying the history of others. Feminism today would be much better served if feminists of all hues used terms which are meaningful. If separatism is being opposed, let's say so. If we are simply using an all-inclusive term to cover up a lack of knowledge of the subject matter we are disparaging, let's refrain from doing it.
In this way, the positive legacy of all those women who struggled before us can be remembered, at the same time as our struggle in the '90s can continue.
By Kath Gelber