Emily Griffiths
Two conversations in particular stand out from my memory of Saturday's event. I believe these two conversations say a great deal about how gender, gender roles, and gender equality are viewed today. And, unfortunately, it's not good news. (At the risk of this post turning into pages long, I will discuss only one for today.)
The first remark that stands out vividly in my mind from Saturday, and which has been haunting me since, I came across as such:
Many young couples were letting their children play in the fountain near where we were "washing" laundry. I approached a woman, probably in her mid-thirties, to tell her about the NWP. As soon as I reached the word feminist (as in, "we're a feminist organization"), she threw her hand up and said firmly, "no, I am not a feminist. Not interested." Shocked, I stood there stupidly for a moment; I think I may have said, "oh. Okay," before stumbling on to a more receptive candidate, but when I returned to my fellow NWP volunteers and relayed what had happened, I exclaimed, "but she has a vagina! How can you not be a feminist when you have a vagina?!"
I have read about women refusing to identify with the word "feminist" but have never encountered it first hand. I've been thinking a lot about this woman. I came to the following realization: "feminism" does not unite all women, whether they have vagina's or not. This, inevitably, led to the "WHY?!" for which I have come to two possible conclusions.
1. "feminism" has a political subtext that women do not feel comfortable identifying with.
2. "feminism," as a word, has been twisted and perverted by patriarchal society to mean shrill, man-hating, serious, and sexless among other negative and unattractive things.
Like Inga Muscio, I believe women deserve to be empowered and united, not "divided and conquered". If "feminism" isn't the word to do it, fine - but what else is there? Beautiful, powerful women out there, help me figure this out!
To be perfectly honest, and in my own opinion, we as women have also contributed to the distain associated with the word feminism. It is important to recognize and accept responsibility for our role in this movement in order to really make the difference.
ReplyDeleteI believe in a forward movement towards equality. “The women’s movement.” may be a solid alternative.
I couldn't agree more, Janet.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really like your idea to refer to the NWP as a "women's movement" as opposed to a "feminist" movement. Do you think it's worthwhile to make addressing feminism as a concept a pursuit of the NWP?
Worthwhile? Of course. If you have already felt passionate about this - then who is to say it is more worthwhile than yourself?
ReplyDeleteI am inspired by your passion, which is one of the reasons I return to your blog. You have caused some introspective thinking on my part and some studying of the history of the feminist movement.
What I admire most about your NMP is your action - "a word after a word after a word is power" Margaret Atwood. You take it that much farther with action. Continue on!
Thank you so much, Janet. Your words are both complimentary and inspiring. Please continue to comment - our project is shaped by all women!
ReplyDelete