So, before leading this discussion in a specific direction, I'm interested what established thoughts/preconceived notions you already hold about this topic of feminism. I know several of you out there are well-read on the topic and can offer some insight. Others may have been avoiding this topic, feeling that it will disrupt the balance in the home and/or religion. But, I think together we can discover the complexity (or simplicity) of what feminism really is and what it has to offer us.
7 comments:
I might as well start this off.
Not long ago, I had a really negative feeling about anything that seemed remotely like feminism. I often associated anything feminists with bra-burners, home-wreckers, and those who needed to "find themselves". Jokes that put down men, to elevate women would receive eye-rolling and exasperated gasps from me regularly. I, on the other hand, felt completely comfortable inside the conventional mold of future wife, mother... complete with apron and freshly baked cookies.
Of course, that was before I worked as a business executive, before I actually became a wife (not yet mother), and before I had really delved deep within my own femininity to determine how my paradigm of womanhood would manifest itself.
Oh, I had spent plenty of time thinking about the role of women within society, religious/professional settings... well before entering college. I felt independent, confident and considered myself a free thinker. I still do. But whenever I would hear feminist/feminism, I didn't think any of that applied to me.
I didn't get married until 25. Not old, not young... a fairly appropriate age. Marriage is one of those things determined completely on an individual basis, not meant to be scripted or timed. But before finding my soul-mate, I dated a lot. Each guy had his own concept of what he thought I should be. Some of them admired me for being an independent successful businesswoman. I did get accused from time to time of being too driven. Particularly when I didn't show mutual interest, I would get a sound tongue lashing for not being properly family-oriented and being focused on my career. It starts to make you wonder where the line is between where I placed/saw myself and where other people were sticking me.
Being married changed my perspective (it's still rotating, so I don't yet have a clear picture). I've talked to married women, single woman, older,younger, divorced, mothers, not yet mothers, ... it's interesting the things I've learned (or am still trying to digest). I look forward to taking more steps along this "feminine" journey with all of you as we explore feminism... what it is, and what it can mean to us personally.
Hi, I'm a male, but I have an opinion.
Isn't feminism about gaining a right to have, do, or be something that somehow was denied to women?
Some examples:
- owning property
- voting
- divorce
- promotions and pay raises in the workplace
- sexual harassment
- unreasonable expectations on appearance, face, hair, body shape, clothing, underwear, aging, etc
- priesthood
- abortion
I think women to some degree or other can see that there are differences between the way a man functions in the home, in the workplace, and in society, and some women are more upset and some are less upset with percieved lack of equality or lack of respect for their right to... xyz.
You yourself as you read the list, I would imagine some of those raised no issue, such as voting, whereas some raised more of an issue like expectations on appearance.
I think feminism could be considered on a continuum, ranging from resolved issues, to highly contested issues, all of which could come under the term.
Thank you, male contributor. Men are always welcome.
You are quite right in how you define feminism. Most often people miss the point you just made because their own auto-responses to anything that looks or feels like feminism has turned them off. So my question to you... while you accurately capsulize what feminism really is, do you have any emotional responses to women who come across "feminist"? You also rightly point out the spectrum aspect of feminism. Have any encounters with the upper limits tainted your view of what feminism is, beyond what you so eloquently described?
When I come across feminists, I feel so bad for them.
Actually I don't feel much of anything, except, why aren't they at home cooking dinner or doing laundry?
Emily! I didn't know about this blog. I'm glad I've discovered it.
Actually, awhile back I was doing research on the image of women in 1940s women's magazine advertisements. I had a run in with a few of the feminism classics and was scared out of my wits by what I read! I think I had always seen feminism as a multi-layered, complex idea and not just bra-burning and stuff like that. However, I think there are extremes to every issue, and despite the disturbing things that I read, I still think of myself as a very, very moderate feminist. Such as: There's no way that I'm going to do the dishes all myself! Or change every single diaper either. He helped dirty the dishes and make the baby, he can definitely help! lol
So Emily, when are we to get your next installment?
Did you have anymore thoughts about what was shared?
When I see the word, "feminism" I thought, "wow, big word. controversial issue." Like Toby mentioned, there are some benefits from feminism movement.
I also thought feminism meant a way of saying to the world, "We women don't need men." I would like to view feminism as a way of saying, "What should we do if men can't take care of us!?"
Men die earlier than women. That is the general unwritten law. Men don't usually think about unmarried women or young widows.
Feminists do. Of course, feminists are extreme. They had to be because that is the only way to get attention for getting help.
In conclusion, It is good to listen to opinions but I believe in balance. I believe women needs to be given opportunities to take care of themselves without being harrassed by men or regulations that was made by men.
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