I don't agree that feminism is dead in pop culture, or anywhere else in our culture (except for the Republican Party), but there is an ever-present danger that feminism, like other movements to change not only specific laws, but the culture itself, might evolve into an permanent yet inert presence: people know of it, people joke about it, people argue about it to fill the time, and perhaps once in awhile it gets active and slays a particularly ugly dragon that arises. But what if feminism's momentum stops there, short of its goals and unable to push through to the end?

Just a word of concern from a feminist guy who is active in other movements, the future viability of which trouble him greatly.

...seeing as how you've based your entire sense of identity upon a political ideology of fighting the fight. The fight (and the unending grievances which you're consumed by) must therefore never cease. For if feminism's work were to ever be finished it would render your "feminist identity" rather... redundant. Hardly a recipe for a happy life, but who am I to judge?

Thank God I haven't made myself psychologically-dependent upon a set of political theories and the permanent sense of grievance required to hold it all together against the strin of its (gigantic) internal contradictions.

The problem is one of perception. While you see all these positive things out there that are "feminist", I guarantee you that 85% of the population would never label Tina Fey or Amy Poehler a "feminist comedienne". I also guarantee that the majority of the country is unaware of the publications/people you referenced.

The reality is, most of this country watches Rock of Love Bus, Housewives of (Insert town here) and the Couger. Feminism is alive, but only in bourgeious sectors of the country which have no real impact on the rest of the country and certainly have no impact on pop culture.

So the author is kind of right. Feminism is dead in pop culture that actually makes it to the masses. I am not sure how to get it back, but I know in order to survive, it must start addressing those people who do not read the NYT Style Section, have nannies or read something called Broadsheet. (no offense, I am obviously at least in part one of those people).

As a man fascinated by historical and contemporary feminism I think 'evolved' aptly describes its broad and current state- with a caveat; it depends on the location.

Here at this house, as the title subtly implies, feminism is not only unnecessary, it is considered so elementary that we don't invoke its presence unless we are discussing it intellectually as we might with the nebulous critter in the big-sky country.

But, four blocks over and just behind the plowed fields, budding tree lines and painted cow barns are families where feminism is considered a bad word.

Around here, feminism = baby-killer.

I'm in Ohio. If you recall, this was the state where in 2005 a bill (HB-228) was created that effectively criminalized abortion. It failed, but you get the idea.

Dead in pop culture, most certainly. If it had won, I wouldn't spend Saturday morning flicking between various music videos with women in various states of undress who would probably tell me it's empowering.

I think Ides of March pretty well covered it. It's there, just not at the forefront.

I think that feminism is evolving in the United States now along the same lines it did in Europe long ago -- as "Generation X" women begin to marry and have children, the feminist dialog is becoming more about the needs of working mothers and the empowerment of stay-at-home moms. It may not look like feminism to those who fixate on the '70s model, but in a larger sense the themes are the same -- reproductive rights and workplace equality. I think that the feminist goals of the near future will focus on support of families -- fair maternity leave, access to healthcare, flexibility for working mothers, and a greater parity of family duties.

I don't get comment about the increasing popularity of knitting magazines--is she implying that knitting isn't "feminist"? Does the fact that most knitting mags have women on the cover and woodworking mags have men on the cover have something to do with "the death of feminism"?

A lot of younger women are taking up knitting for a variety of reasons--as a way of connecting with something that was denegrated as "women's work" in the past, to react to the consumerism in our culture by creating something by hand, and (heaven forbid!) because it's fun once you get the hang of it. There's nothing overtly "antifeminist" about knitting.

Sounds like bunk to me.

A lot of younger women are taking up knitting for a variety of reasons--as a way of connecting with something that was denegrated as "women's work" in the past, to react to the consumerism in our culture by creating something by hand, and (heaven forbid!) because it's fun once you get the hang of it.

-- Grungie

Mom forced me and my brother to knit, crochet and macrame at the age of 12 for a short period until I hatched a plot to macrame her into a giant knot-riddled Cavandoli cage whereupon I would only release her if she freed me from the ravaging boredom of repetitive motion. She then taught me how to cook.

I guess I'm bias but sitting around knitting the same knot four thousand times IS a drag even when you are creating your own damn clothes.

Maybe boredom IS an industry.

Knitting is just as consumer-based as anything else on the planet. The industry is huge and is marketed to the hilt. You still have to purchase yarns, tools, accessories and the whole lot. VERY consumer-based activity there.

You know, a meditative activity that cleanses the mind?

Not true?

Feminism should die, to be replaced by humanism and socialism. Men are not the enemy; capitalism is. Men can be as oppressed by it as women. Men will benefit from universal health insurance, affordable child care, excellent education, a liveable minimum wage just as women will. Let's get our priorities straight.