"choice" feminism
I have a lot to say on this subject but not a lot of time to say it. So here's a quick summary of where I am at in my thoughts ATM. As always I reserve the right to change my mind whenever I feel so led.
It seems to me that the issue of getting upset and argue about whether or not a feminist "should" shave her legs, wear heels, etc. boils down to one issue: Does a self-identified feminist have a responsibility to examine every one of her choices in light of whether or not they are empowering for other women?
Of course once you get down to that issue, it goes into exactly what does empower other women? I personally find making my own bread, cooking from scratch, knitting/sewing, and having my mom staying at home with me until I was 8 extremely empowering. And my mom, now a high-power attorney, voted one of the best in her state, asked to represent her state bar association, etc. has said that she is incredibly grateful she got to stay home with us and feels like she made a very feminist choice when she did.
Maybe this strikes to the heart of what I consider to be Christian feminism. Do I think women should have legal and political equality? Absolutely. I cheer when I hear of women running their own businesses, and getting to high positions of power, and serving as leaders in the church. But I also cheer when I hear of a woman quitting her job to stay at home. Because as a Christian feminist I want women to be empowered to do what God calls them to do. Period. End of sentence. I think that when people (try to) stop someone from following their God-given calling, whether that calling is running for president or having many many children and staying at home with them, then they are disempowering that woman. Therefore, as a third generation feminist, I will try to ensure that every choice I make is following God's will for me and that I do not hinder others from following His will.
Of course that doesn't get into the issue of what to do when a woman feels she is following God's calling by trying to legally stop other women from doing things that are "god-ordained for the masculine gender" but that's another post...
It seems to me that the issue of getting upset and argue about whether or not a feminist "should" shave her legs, wear heels, etc. boils down to one issue: Does a self-identified feminist have a responsibility to examine every one of her choices in light of whether or not they are empowering for other women?
Of course once you get down to that issue, it goes into exactly what does empower other women? I personally find making my own bread, cooking from scratch, knitting/sewing, and having my mom staying at home with me until I was 8 extremely empowering. And my mom, now a high-power attorney, voted one of the best in her state, asked to represent her state bar association, etc. has said that she is incredibly grateful she got to stay home with us and feels like she made a very feminist choice when she did.
Maybe this strikes to the heart of what I consider to be Christian feminism. Do I think women should have legal and political equality? Absolutely. I cheer when I hear of women running their own businesses, and getting to high positions of power, and serving as leaders in the church. But I also cheer when I hear of a woman quitting her job to stay at home. Because as a Christian feminist I want women to be empowered to do what God calls them to do. Period. End of sentence. I think that when people (try to) stop someone from following their God-given calling, whether that calling is running for president or having many many children and staying at home with them, then they are disempowering that woman. Therefore, as a third generation feminist, I will try to ensure that every choice I make is following God's will for me and that I do not hinder others from following His will.
Of course that doesn't get into the issue of what to do when a woman feels she is following God's calling by trying to legally stop other women from doing things that are "god-ordained for the masculine gender" but that's another post...
posted by Left Right Out at 10:02 AM
2 Comments:
A little late with the comment but...
I think this is the core issue for me in almost anything I'm passionate about. We cross the line when we try to DEFINE for others what their calling is/should be. That's why gay rights issues move me so much, because all these marriage amendments and laws against second parent adoption and lack of protection from job discrimination, all of that is about one group telling someone else who they are. I can disagree with your choices, but I don't have the right to make them for you or bar you from making them. (That was the universal "you," not specifically you.) :)
Hi LRO - couldn't find a place to e-mail you. Was just going to say hello. I pray that things are going well for you.
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