the personal is political

the great feminist mantra
the personal is political
i hear it over and over again
what does this really mean, though?

i read recently that one of my fav. bloggists (Jessica Valenti via feministing.org)
argued that this mantra is not necessarily true
or more like, she wishes it was not
why?
Valenti has been and continues to be attacked by anti-feminists
why?
because she owns a dog, not a cat *gasp*
because she had a wedding (the nerve!)
because she is a feminist that is open about her feminist experiences
the reactions?
bitch, slut, whore, i'll rape you, i'll kill you, etc etc

the personal is political.
obviously.
but.
instead of focusing on a political person for making personal choices
maybe
you should to focus on a political society that ignores people's personal choices

try it.
see what happens.