"I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat"

Rebecca West, an insightful and audacious author, takes a clever, satirical jab at the misconstrued notion of feminism in society. Her statement delicately yet unapologetically addresses the largely distorted interpretation and labelled perception of what being a feminist means, both personally and in a wider social context.

West admits candidly that even she, as a self-proclaimed feminist, finds it challenging to precisely define feminism. This in itself is a broad acknowledgement of the depth, diversity, and complexity of the feminist movement. It iterates that feminism isn't one defined, self-contained ideology, but rather, a wide-ranging spectrum of beliefs, ideas, and actions that champion for gender equality in various forms and contexts.

West's allusion to being called a feminist whenever she expresses opinions that separate her from being a "doormat" mirrors the societal habit of labelling any woman who asserts her rights, individuality, or independence as a 'feminist'. West is purposefully mocking this oversimplified interpretation of feminism. By identifying herself as more than just a passive object, more than a 'doormat', she outlines a minimalist view of feminist behavior. It is a satirical bite at the, often male, societal norm that views any assertive behavior from women as an affront to their masculinity.

Simultaneously, her statement serves as a criticism against a society that relegates women to passive roles, suggesting that within it exists an expectation of women to be compliant, submissive, or 'doormat-like'. This expectation is something that she, and other women, should not only reject but actively challenge.

In an underlying sense, her statement signifies a call to action for all women. It indicates that no woman should allow herself to be a 'doormat' for society, and any action towards self-assertion and independence, regardless of whether it is labelled as feminism, is a step in the right direction. It's a delicate assertion on the essence of feminism, advocating for gender equality and women's rights while simultaneously embracing their individuality, assertiveness and independence.