The recent acceleration of the feminist movement has redefined society’s take on femininity by introducing the modern “strong woman.” Gone are the days of praising a dainty housewife for her submissive role, now replaced by the glorification of a fearless female leader fighting for social justice. Today’s feminists are called to both promote gender equality and form a supportive sisterhood that unifies the women of the world. While it is imperative to endorse women who passionately express their ideas and strive for change, I find that the term “strong woman” more often turns us against each other when it should be joining us together.
A friend once told me that she preferred Parks and Recreation to The Office because there weren’t enough “strong women” at the ever-famous Dunder Mifflin Paper Supply Company. Initially I agreed with this opinion because who doesn’t aspire to be Pawnee’s Leslie Knope, the woman who does it all with a heaping side of whipped cream and a positive attitude? I then realized, however, that calling someone a “strong woman” presupposes that there is a universal definition for the term. How do we define what a “strong woman” is? If there isn’t one true meaning, then how can we regard one woman as “stronger” than another? Sure, Leslie Knope conquers local government with her daring pantsuits and empowering spirit, but that doesn’t necessarily make her a more worthy woman that Dunder Mifflin’s Pam Beesly, the sensitive secretary and quiet freelance artist.
When we say that one woman is “stronger” than another, we are pitting two individuals against each other and deeming one “better” than the other. Feminism, in its intended definition, does not condone the comparison of women, but encourages the coalescence of us all. Modern society says that we should praise the independent working woman over the classic caretaker. But is a single, autonomous lawyer, police officer, or doctor truly “stronger” and therefore better than a stay-at-home mother who dedicates her entire life to the well-being of her family? Why is it that we applaud one woman for pursuing a career yet shame another for sacrificing her job to put the needs of others before her own? Yes, a traveling spokeswoman for oppression is certainly a role model worthy of praise, but this position does not make her better than a nurse who cares for the sick and suffering, or a teacher dedicated to educating the future generation. Using “strong woman” as a compliment to set one person apart from others only propels preexisting inequality within the female sex, which makes it much harder for women to stand united against discrimination.
Every woman has their own story and fights their own battles, and we cannot define a “strong woman” without compartmentalizing one-of-a-kind individuals. Such behavior feeds into the corrupted societal practice of scrutinizing people instead of accepting their differences. We all face our own set hardships and develop strength through overcoming our obstacles. It’s important to recognize the good qualities in a woman, but it becomes a problem when we classify one woman as “stronger” than another simply based on her job, status, opinions, values, or role in society. Feminism invites all women to join hands and end inequality together. So next time you see a mother with three kids at the grocery store, a teenage girl working the night shift at Walmart, or a secretary with big dreams and a small paycheck, remember to honor their unique contributions instead of contrasting their accomplishments to those of Oprah Winfrey or Hillary Clinton. In the name of female equality, and liberty and justice for all, it is time we stop comparing women and start celebrating them.
