This article is a response to: I Am Not A Feminist, And That Is Okay

No. No, no, and no.

It is not okay that you are not a feminist. You contradict yourself.

First off, believing that men and women should have equal access to opportunities is feministic. Second, the feminism you describe is feminism taken in extreme measures. Third, your arguments come from a self-proclaimed traditional standpoint, meaning that you do not quite understand the modern feminism that you are denouncing.

Here is my take on feminism: It is equal opportunities across all genders with equal access to these opportunities. It is the freedom of autonomy in whatever relationship you choose to be in. It is respect for not only those of other genders, but those of different physical attributes.

Now, onto your points.

First, you argue that women are the more domestic and nurturing of the genders. What about the single fathers, working and taking care of their families? What about the homosexual male couples who take care of theirs? Domesticity and nurturing should not have a gender. All genders have the ability to be and do both. As a feminist, I think that it is your choice whether you want to take your husband or wife’s last name, or if you want to stay home and take care of the children or cat or dog and provide for your family. Some women believe they are not cut out for that life, and some really are not. They see themselves as working parents, and that is totally okay. A working mom is still taking care of her children by providing them with the capital to live comfortable lives. A man who wants to stay home and take care of the children, cook, and clean is just as domestic and nurturing as a woman. What if he does not want to work and be a part of his children's lives, as well? Neither party loses their identity at this point because it is the identity they assume. They chose their roles, and respecting their choice is feminism. Assumption is not.

Second, you are not called to submit to anyone. I do not know any kind of modern woman or man or gender in between who believes that they must submit to anyone. No, I won't even submit to my future husband. You know why? Because we both would have decided to be in that marriage. It was a choice. We would also both have the choice to leave it. My future husband better think twice if he assumes he can make me “submit,” whatever the heck that means. If he talks to me with respect, then I will listen with respect. There is nothing else to it.

Third, the pressure is what we thrive on. Ambitious women are what this world is built upon, not men. Like you said, we are strong and capable beings. Why would we shy away from all the possibilities we were given in this life if not to bask in the glory when we achieve it all? Why would you not want the power to achieve, to build, to move mountains? You have the ability to create life, and you have the ability to do so much more. Why would you not act on it? Not only this, there are so many working moms who are completely involved in their children’s lives. They are full time parents who volunteer at their kids' schools, attend every sporting event and musical performance, and drive their kids to every sports and music practice. My parents did that. So many of my friends’ parents did that. It is all possible.

So here are my thoughts to you: I wish that you would see what modern feminism has evolved to. I hope that one day you will feel empowered and ambitious enough to achieve dreams that you may not have realized yet. I wish you the world, and the want to take it. I wish you love and freedom for the rest of your life. Most of all, I wish for you the want and love of adventure.