Thread by @RadfemBlack

Radical feminism isn’t just about the two issues/policies it is commonly reduced to. It is also heavily about critical thinking, analysis, self-reflection, & sisterhood. The radical analysis is class analysis; as opposed to fixating on individual choices & feelings, what is most

necessary is examining the causes & effects of said “choices” & what implications & impacts they have on all women. No choice is made in a bubble away from affecting or being affected by others. We are all very much part of a society. What we all need to do to work towards

liberation is reflect on what we are doing, whether this is really what we want to be doing, what impact it’s having on other women, whether it’s negative or positive or neutral, what could be influencing us, if it’s contributing to oppression, etc. Nothing is exempt.

I’ll give an example of myself to show what I mean. I used to be very invested in beauty culture myself & would pour money & time into makeup & nail art. Then, I encountered radical feminist critiques of these which pointed out how it’s not really a choice because of social norms

& pressure. In addition to that, they also pointed out what a patriarchal practice it is, how messed up the beauty industry is, & the disempowering effect it has on women as individuals & as a class. Imagine how much more money, time, & health we would have on our hands if we

didn’t sacrifice it for lipstick?

I started questioning what I’m contributing to & why I want to do this.

I still partake in these things sometimes, I’m just more aware & conscious. Knowing about the dirt behind these practices made them less appealing.

I don’t want to buy/wear makeup as much knowing that I’m giving clout to a patriarchal practice & that I likely wouldn’t consider it if I were male.

Self-reflection isn’t about trying to be “pure” or “perfect” or policing. It’s about getting to the root of the action.

It’s about spreading knowledge & awareness for us all to make rational, informed choices.