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I spend a lot of time on the Internet, and come across a variety of terms used when people write about feminism. Apparently, there are bad feminists and radical feminists, feminists who should be more feminine, and manifestos that women can/should refer to. Some articles are written tongue-in-cheek, thank god, because we sure could use a respite from the bang-you-over-the-head tactics that so many articles use.
My favourite article about feminism is by columnist Roxane Gay, who writes, "If I am, indeed, a feminist, I am a rather bad one. I am a mess of contradictions." She then goes on to describe how she loves rap music despite its misogynist lyrics, likes pink, wears dresses, and enjoys the company of men. In short, she is a woman. It is important to remember that we are women first and foremost. We are feminists because we ARE women. There may be some women who are militant, hate men and want a world without men, but the vast majority of us just want to be ourselves and to function as equals in our homes, communities, and at work. I don't mind the label feminist, but it is important that the label mean what I want it to mean: namely that I want to be myself; that I want to compete in a world that values my contributions as well as those of my friends, daughters, and colleagues; that all women, rich and poor, black, brown or white, be able to decide for themselves what to do about pregnancy; and that we be paid equal pay for equal work. It really is not a lot to ask.
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AuthorI am a yoga instructor, author and activist. I wrote The Diamond Tree to inspire women to take chances. Even if the outcome of any given risk is different than expected, there is something for the community and the individual to gain from it. Archives
May 2020
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