the midway

A thoughtful essay in the New York Times takes to task women — specifically Megyn Kelly, in Lindy West’s piece —  who identify as non-feminists. Why? To seem nice and non-threatening? To be perceived as approachable, as not having needs? Whatever the reason the “but…” at the end of the avowal negates it. Writes West: you are partipating in feminism simply by benefitting from the women’s movement of the past. You vote, you have a bank account, you can own property and divorce your husband. All of this was won by proto-feminists (by any other name); all of this protected by today’s feminists. “Sorry but you’re a feminist,” she concludes. “We are here for you when you are ready.”