Guerilla Girls

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Women have come a long way since the feminist movement. While some argue women today do enjoy the same rights as men, others say stereotypes created by society still hold them back. Here are two feminists who use guerilla tactics to beat the stereotypes.
 
They call themselves the Guerilla Girls. “We are like the lone ranger or Batman or Spiderman. We are masked crusaders,” says Kathe Kollwitz, a Guerilla Girl. “We are crusading to change female stereotypes and stop them from oppressing us."

Since 1985, the Guerilla Girls have toured the country speaking out about issues important to women and minorities. They also have their own books, posters and newsletter. They affectionately call the newsletter "Hot Flashes From the Guerilla Girls."

The guerilla masks are so people will listen to what they have to say instead of judging them by who they are. And there’s another benefit. “When I have this mask on, you are very curious. You wonder what it’s all about,” says Frida Kahlo, another Guerilla Girl.

The girls say it’s all about getting rid of stereotypes. Kollwitz says, “A feminist is still considered a whiny, complaining, angry, unpleasant woman. That is the stereotype. Obviously, it ain’t the truth at all.”

Fans such as Jodie Patterson say they can relate: “They have a modern approach to femininity. I like that.” Kahlo says, “That is our overreaching goal to make women everywhere proud to say, 'Sure I believe in equal pay for equal work and social justice, and I am a feminist.'” Their humor, mystery and spunk might just help them reach that goal.

The Guerilla Girls use names of dead female artists, such as Kollwitz and Kahlo, to further mask their identities. The group started out defending women and minorities in art and film and has now taken on a more political role. Their book, "Bitches, Bimbos and Ballbreakers," is in bookstores now.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

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Guerilla Girls
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http://www.guerrillagirls.com/

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