I haven’t always identified as a feminist, I previously conflated feminism with misandry, and that prevented me from embracing the term. After researching the topic I realized it was about the equity of the sexes, and any political or social actions based in that belief. I realized I wanted to be a feminist, but I wasn’t sure how to as the only ideas I had of what a feminist should be like were based upon stereotypes. Do I have to stop shaving and throw away my bras? Do I need to become an extrovert? I have decided is that being a feminist woman consists of knowing yourself, being excepting of individual differences and practicing female solidarity. No one can tell you how to identify. For example I remember being in middle school when …show more content…
What’s more empowering a skirt or jeans? Mohawk or hijab? Monogamy or polyamory? If only life had such easy answers. We should all be able our authentic self as long as we are not hurting others. In another essay, The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House, Audre Lorde theorizes “Difference must be not merely tolerated, but seen as a fund of necessary polarities between which our creativity can spark like a dialectic. Only then does the necessity for interdependency become unthreatening” (page number). We need diversity, it’s not just feel-good politically correct bullshit, but an important feature of our species. We have spread all over the world with various cultures and customs, we migrate and spread new ideas and technologies. The innumerable amount of ideas allows us to replace our antiquated ideas, while preserving those essential to …show more content…
And I cannot afford to choose between the fronts upon which I must battle these forces of discrimination, wherever they appear to destroy me. And when they appear to destroy me, it will not be long before they appear to destroy you.
We all have a stake in this, the same forces that are sexist are homophobic or who are racist are intolerant of varying religions. It’s important to know ourselves and each other, so we can learn from each other and protect each other from the people who will not. There is no such thing as a perfect feminist, it’s mainly about being respectful. On a personal note, feminism is enabling me to realize that my relationship with my husband is not egalitarian, and it’s giving me the tools to either repair or abandon the relationship. I have been conditioned to expect controlling behavior from him, and asking for a greater autonomy feels selfish or inappropriate. Reading and listening to other women’s stories enables me to view several potential solutions, and learn what may or may not be beneficial to my own situation. Reversely, I don’t want to be hypocrite and desire an end to misogyny and remain in my situation. This push and pull is agonizing but it’s simply the birthing pains bringing me closer to a better