Post-Backlash Feminism

This work scrutinizes the prefix-based language of post-backlash feminism and calls for a reclamation of American feminist terminology. Questioning the merits of “Do–Me–feminism,” “Eco–feminism,” and “girlie,” among other isms, the author argues that the proliferation of so-called “prefix feminisms” has weakened the feminist movement by narrowing its focus into shallow interpretations of a broad social and political cause. The author assesses anti-feminist media coverage, particularly following the Reagan administration and the Clinton-Lewinski affair, and concludes that efforts to reclaim a pro-woman politic must begin with reclaiming pro-woman language.