Lipstick feminism Information & Lipstick feminism Links at HealthHaven.com

Lipstick feminism also referred to as "stiletto feminism" or "slut feminism" [1] is a branch of feminism in which it is not seen as contradictory to both be a feminist and to put on a show to attract men/women. Besides the acceptance of makeup that the title implies, lipstick feminists also do not find stripping, pole dancing, flashing, girl-on-girl exhibitionism, or sometimes even glorification of prostitution to be in conflict with feminism. Lipstick feminism also associates sex with power and the power of sexual allure as power over men.

A more mild degree of lipstick feminism allows followers to call themselves feminists while still wearing make-up, suggestive clothing such as short skirts, and other suggestive items that are usuallly condemned for various reasons by traditional feminists. Many traditional feminists see lipstick feminism as a contradictory philosophy in which women willingly objectify themselves while calling it empowerment.

[edit] People

[edit] Proponents

Cisca Dresselhuys, editor of the Dutch feminist magazine Opzij
Katie Roiphe

[edit] Opponents

[edit] In Popular Culture

In "Night Five," the 57th episode of The West Wing, there is a scene where the merits of lipstick feminism are debated^[1].

[edit] See also

[edit] Sources

"Lipstick Feminists", by Elizabeth Austin. Washington Monthly, Nov, 1998.
"Lipstick helped feminism"
"The Lipstick Proviso: Women, Sex & Power in the Real World" reviewed by Donna LaFramboise

[edit] Notes

^ "#313 (57) "Night Five"". The West Wing Continuity Guide. http://westwing.bewarne.com/third/57nightfive.html. Retrieved June 1, 2007.

[0] "#313 (57) "Night Five"". The West Wing Continuity Guide. http://westwing.bewarne.com/third/57nightfive.html. Retrieved June 1, 2007.

[1]

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