Many people associate feminism with women being better than men. In reality, feminism is, as Mary Wollstonecraft put it, the idea of women having power over themselves. In the past, feminists were ostracized, abused, and jailed for daring to speak their minds; today, this practice is still in use in many cultures.
As a budding feminist, I do not support the abuse of women, but rather a woman’s right to choose. Some people view a woman choosing to be a housewife as a betrayal. After all, all throughout history feminists have fought, and still fight today, for the right to be a doctor or a lawyer or a soldier; is this not disrespecting the sacrifices made? Is it not disregarding the pain Suffragists went through? The humiliation? On this matter, I must agree with Mary Wollstonecraft: feminism is the right to choose. Our ancestors fought, not for power over men, but rather equality to them. They fought for the one thing men have almost always had: choice. And so, in this sense, women who choose their own life path, whether it be as a housewife or a lawyer, are honoring the sacrifices made. Their choices justify the pain and the humiliation.
I will acknowledge the ideas of radical feminism, the notion that any act or event that emphasizes stereotypical gender roles and supports patriarchy needs to be dismantled. Many radical feminists fight for the breakdown of patriarchy and traditional roles through social rather than political change. However, these views that traditional gender roles oppress women and empower men, are not necessarily correct. Forcing traditional roles and practices onto women - as many cultures do - is oppressive; a woman - fully educated and aware of her options - who chooses to become a housewife or a stay-at-home mom is not oppressing the rights and freedom of other women. This choice is empowering; it gives women the reassurance that they do have the right to choose. For some women, being a stay-at-home mom is a dream; for others it is a nightmare. By saying that all women are being oppressed by a single woman choosing to conform to traditional roles would not only be incorrect, but disrespectful and oppressive in its own right. Assuming that a more active role outside of the home is best for all women is oppressive. Generalizing women to a single personality type is oppressive. Many women are happy in their roles as mothers and wives, others shudder at the idea. Women cannot be reduced into a single person, they are all different, they all have different needs and desires. By breaking down traditional gender roles and forcing women to search for roles outside of the home, one is confiscating a woman’s right to choose, the very basis of traditional feminism.
As the years pass and I learn more and more about the struggles of these unbelievable women – both historical and modern day – I become speechless. The admiration I hold for true feminists, the bravery it must take to stand up every day and say “I am a woman. I deserve basic human rights. I am human, after all,” is awe-inspiring. I struggle to comprehend the strength of these women. Where does it come from? One day, I hope to find out.
