Every time I sat down to write for the last few days, I have absolutely hated every word I’ve written. My ideas were decent, but nothing I wrote turned out right. It was incredibly frustrating. But then on the way home a whole bunch of new ideas percolated up, so hopefully tonight’s writing adventure will go more smoothly.
Cecily has an interesting post up about five things feminism has meant to her. She came up with five excellent answers. I’ve got a few of my own to add to the list.
Feminism has given me choices. And before you go rolling your eyes about yet one more person linking being pro-choice with feminism, I’d like to point out that is a very one dimensional way to look at choice. Yes, I am pro-choice when it comes to abortion. I think women should have control over their bodies. But choice means so much more. When my mom was in high school, they told her she could be a teacher, a secretary or a nurse. When I was in high school, they told me I could be anything I wanted to be.
The women of my generation can have a career and kids. They can choose to stay home with their kids, but they don’t have to if they don’t want to do it. When the day finally comes that John and I get to have a child, he’ll be the one who stays home. He’s better suited to it than I am, and I’m much farther along in my career, since he’ll be starting over once he finishes grad school. That was pretty much inconceivable a generation ago. Debates may still rage about which options are best, but at least we have them.
Feminism has taught me about equality. I believe quite firmly that men and women deserve to be treated equally, a belief that is rooted in feminism. The natural extension of that is that people of different races, religions and sexual orientations deserve to be treated equally. Feminism is about embracing differences, not fearing them.
Feminism has shown me the value of sisterhood. I went to an all-women’s college, which was the absolute best place I could have gone. Not only did I get an amazing education, but I also learned to believe in myself, to be self-reliant and discovered the power of women working together. America the Beautiful was written by a Wellesley professor (I actually lived in Bates Hall my first year) and we always change the lyrics to say “…and crown thy good with sisterhood, from sea to shining sea” because while you’re there, you really do learn to appreciate what women can accomplish.
And most of all, I believe feminism has made the world a better place. I know there are people who find feminism threatening, and who think that all the gains we have made over the past 40 years are dangerous to society and families. To them I would say, the only thing feminism threatens is narrow-mindedness. What have you got against a philosophy that says that your mothers, your sisters, your wives and your daughters are people of value, who deserve to be treated with respect?
What does feminism mean to you?
Great post!
of COURSE you went to Swellsville--that explains the smarty pants that you are!!
Terrific post-- it's all about personal power to choose the direction of our lives and that is tremendous thing indeed. In fact, I believe it what so many have given their lives for--- I think of the Revolutionary War, in particular. And adds fuel to my fire of hate for what our current admin is about-- especially that Condoleeza Rice creature who cannot claim membership to my sisterhood.
To me it is the ability to do what I want, whether that is pursue my career or toss it in favor of my daughter. Knowing I can change that decision any time I want is incredibly empowering.