Of course, with every movement forward we always have people who decide to take a step back. They don’t understand how their very being implicates them in the movement, and in turn decide to attack it instead because they cannot look beyond their own predispositions. This week we saw two major movements collide and clash; the Women’s March and the Pro-life March. These movements should in fact have the same motive; to protect women and young girls from the harsh reality that the world does not yet care for them. Instead, the participants of each movement fought against each other and their ideologies, further polarizing the situation.
The Women’s March was heightened by the #MeToo movement, featuring prominent women in our society speaking out about their own experiences with the cruelty of men. It was a therapeutic experience for those marching and those watching, who knew these people were making a clear difference for people they didn’t even know. Furthermore, the march featured intersectionality, the idea that not only the white woman should benefit from feminism.
It was all around an experience that could be felt across the country.
While the article I am referring to was written in early October of 2017, it has resurfaced as a dig at those who felt supported and loved at the Women’s March.
I want a family too. I want a husband and a house and children. I want a happy life and I personally believe (while others may not) that could involve marriage.
But I want to be a superstar first. I want to become a political journalist and lobbyist who fights for the rights of the marginalized people of America. I want to make a difference in the government and I want to be well-involved in the socio-political world before I have a family.
I want to be my own hero before I “submit to [my husband]” as the Bible tells me to.
Modern feminism can exist within the ideal marriage life you speak of. Modern feminism teaches us that we are strong, smart, worthy, and a valid part of society. Modern feminism gives you the ability to take on this role of “housewife” that you speak of while maintaining importance and ability in society.
Yes, women have made strides in society that were not possible 100 years ago. We dominate the college-going generation and many fields of science and research would not be the same without the influence of women.
But it’s not enough. While you sit in your comfortable position of white female, untouched by racism, you fail to see that others are struggling. Black women are three times more likely to die as a result of domestic violence. Women of color not only struggle under the weight of being a woman, an identifier that is not historically respected, but also face the heavy disqualifier of race.
Whether you like it or not, modern feminism speaks for these women who are not like you. These women don’t have the protection of being white.
So, good for you for wanting a family. Join the club. Modern feminism is still representing you. Modern feminism is making sure you are legally protected when your husband turns on you (although you did nothing wrong). Modern feminism is making sure your daughters will have their worth recognized in society. Modern feminism is making sure you, as a woman, can be recognized as powerful whether you are married or not.
Go put up your white picket fence; we’ll keep fighting for you regardless.
