How has feminism affected female identity and gender relations?

You make some good points in your "additional details," but still I think you're generalizing. Not all -- or even most -- feminists are fatigue-wearing, man-hating power dykes. You're judging an entire movement based on the extreme behavior of a small percentage of individuals. It's because they're extreme that they get the most attention so though it may seem like most feminists are convoluted and irresponsible, it only SEEMS that way. What dictionary are you referencing as having defined feminism as "sweetness and light and reasonableness"? Dictionary.com defines feminism as follows: 1. the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men. 2. (sometimes initial capital letter) an organized movement for the attainment of such rights for women. 3. feminine character. Until very recently, women have had almost no political, social, or personal rights in society. The original feminists were brave heroines who faced ostracism, violence, and resounding opposition to ensure that we have the SAME rights as the men who once owned us like cattle. Historically speaking, women have been more abused and oppressed than every other (male) minority combined. In many countries, it's still legal to beat and kill your wife or daughter because she wasn't obedient and respectful. To those who have struggled and fought so that my life has value beyond my uterus and vagina, I SALUTE you! Unfortunately, many women have never considered what life might be like were it not for the true feminists of this great nation. These are the ones out to make mischief under the banner of such a noble concept. They never knew a life of slavery and oppression beneath the rule of a cruel master, and yet they scream for a vengeance they're not owed. Because they were passed over for a job promotion, pinched on the butt by a drunken goober, or some other such petty slight, they've decided that all men are pigs and scum. These are the women causing your confusion, and I promise you that for every one of them, there are fifty women like me, who wear pretty dresses and cook lavish dinners for the men they love. I demand respect with all my heart, and I give it back in kind. To those women who stir up hatred in the name of equality, I offer a salute of the more one-fingered variety. Don't be like these women and let a few bad examples slant your view of a group of wonderful, courageous, and RESPECTFUL people. (I say people because there are many male feminists out there.) I'm a proud feminist, and yet I love the men who hold my doors and call me ma'am. I don't want anything I haven't earned, and I'm not looking for anyone to blame for whatever mistakes I've made. I like to think that I'm the standard and not the exception. Thank you.

Feminism could have been so much better for women (and men) but all it did was demonise men and give women a victim mentality. In other words it has soured gender relations.

You want to know something, this is going to get me eaten alive but I don't believe in feminism at all. You know what I want out of liufe For every human being to have their purpose. Am I a bad person because I want every human being to feel joy?? I am so lost thats why I wanted to go to Africa in the first place to help. But my parents wont let me. I just wish that we could all hug each other whille listening to jimi hendrix. U know what scares me I havent even become 18 yet and everyone hate eachother now!! Why cant we love I just want love!!!!!

Feminism had damaged the reputation of all men with smear campaigns, and we, have to carry the can for the very, very small percentage of men that mistreat women. We never hear anything like, "99% of men would risk personal injury, to protect a women", do we?.

Women are the cause of all problems. And feminists are the reason why women are the cause of all problems.

Q: "How has feminism affected female identity" Women may pursue any career they choose; their "identity" has been broadened. A women can be a CEO, a mother, or BOTH. Q: "and gender relations?" A: Gender relations are better now than in the past. It is a known fact that even when women do hold down a fulltime outside job they still end up doing more housework and child-related work This is slowly starting to change: men are helping more in the home, and make an effort to spend one-on-one time with their children.

Whew!!! (wipes brow in relief) Thank God I know who I am; no problem there..

This isn't a problem of feminism. It's actually anti-feminists who have been at the forefront of trying to get special privileges for women. As a matter of fact, the STOP in STOP ERA was an acronym for Stop Taking Our Privileges. Feminists, meanwhile, are just as disgusted by female (and male) opportunism as you are. As for Erin Pizzey, well, that was only the problem of a few nuts. Every movement has them.