A fellow Odyssey writer wrote an article titled "I Am Not A Feminist, And That Is Okay" recently.
In my opinion, the writer has a clear misunderstanding of what feminism is. The writer explains that she understands why feminists want equal pay and to close the wage gap. She then continues to say that women are the more "nurturing" gender and that she wants to be a mom and wants her husband to be the "leader" of the household. Let's dive in.
She writes:
"And it is completely okay to choose to stay home and be a mother because that is the hardest job in the world. It is okay to like cooking. It is okay to take care of your husband and children. It is okay to want your boyfriend to ask for your father’s blessing before proposing to you. It is okay to take his last name. Feminists wouldn’t have you believe these things."
And you know what? That's totally fine that she wants this in her life. She wants to be a stay-at-home mom? She wants to submit to her husband? Great! More power to her for knowing what she wants in life.
However, I have an issue with her sentence: "Feminists wouldn't have you believe these things."
I honestly feel sad that this is how she perceives feminism. Feminism is supporting all women and their choices. If she wants to do all of things she mentioned, and it's her choice, then that's awesome. For those who may be confused on what feminism is, here's a definition:
Feminist: the person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.
This definition was used in the hit Beyoncé song, "Flawless," which has quickly become a feminist anthem.
Feminism isn't all burning bras and man-hating, as society makes it out to be. Feminism is just being in support of the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. That's it. No putting women down for wanting to be stay-at-home moms or wanting to take their husband's last names, as the author stated.
Let's break down the definition of feminism, in case you're still confused.
Social equality: To stop making women appear "weaker" than men. Ever been told, "you throw/run like a girl?" Why is that saying even in existence? Women can run and throw just as fast and hard as men.
Political equality: For a large percentage of feminists, this is supporting abortion rights. For others who have more conservative views, it can be more women in Congress or in high political positions who will create and vote for gender-friendly laws.
Economic equality: This is what the author of the article mentioned. Many women make significantly less than their male counterparts for doing the same job — 79 cents to the man's dollar, to be exact. Feminists want the wage gap to be closed and nonexistent.
Personally, I want to share the household responsibility with my future husband; we will both be the "leaders" of the household. I don't want to take his last name. I do want him to ask for my dad's blessing before proposing. I do like cooking, but the most I can cook is a grilled cheese. And that's OK, because it's my choice.
In conclusion, feminists support and embrace all women (and men) and their choices.
