Cornell & Zerlli

In the two readings both Cornell and Zerlli examine the complexities that come with defining the concept of freedom with regards to feminism. Cornell argues that feminism is the ego ideal free from outside interference and inequality. She explains, “To understand feminism is to defend its spirit of generosity because each woman or man will internalize it as an ideal in her or his own way” . Cornell states that as creatures of reason we are free to determine our own desires, we are given the autonomy to pursue our desires by the laws of morality, or as Cornell states Dignity. Dignity is the moral law that demands we individuality from the collective to carve our own journey out in life.  The concept of feminism with regards to freedom is has no strict structure and is totally dependent and formed by what the individual sees as an end to his/her desires. Likewise Zerlli discuses freedom in feminism, but offers insight into this freedom in the structure of democratic politics. Zerlli states, “Losing sight of openness, feminism gets entangled in the impossible fantasy that women could constitute a unified political group, without exclusion or remainder”. In essence, a hegemonic form of feminism would ultimately ostracize many. Zerlli reinforces Cornell’s argument that each woman or man will internalize feminism in his or her own way. The very concept of democracy and feminism intersecting leaves open the possibility that one will act to fulfill their own desires irrespective of the collective group.