I think what most people miss is that feminism isn’t about women taking over and treating men with the same disdain the Patriarchy has bestowed upon us for the better part of known history—it’s recognizing and celebrating that everyone has value, regardless of our gender. Being a feminist is beneficial to men as much as it is to women (and non binary folx) because in a matriarchal society, it’s not about dominance. It’s about celebrating what each of us uniquely contributes to the whole. No one can truly lose in that scenario. And that, my friend, is the world you are creating.
I am past middle age, growing up in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s under the influence of Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan and the first issues of Ms. magazine. I raised my son for most of his life on my own, not only cooking and cleaning at home but teaching children in schools about kindness, equality and self esteem. I tried to raise my son to be the kind of man I’d want to marry. He is now 36, helping to raise his partner’s seven year old son with kindness, compassion and love. I watch him with his family ( which I am so grateful to be a daily part of), and I know: this is how we change the world, one person, one child at a time. It’s the ripple effect. You toss a stone into a clear, still pond, not knowing who or what will be affected. Thank you for this forum in which women can come together to build community and a supportive sisterhood.
I appreciate this perspective, because I am bothered by this "I'd rather meet a bear than a random man in the woods" conversation that has recently blown up. It's hurtful to the good men. How is that a desirable thing?
". . . men who are in touch with their own power (not the gross kind, the good kind)"
A column about the difference between the gross and the good would hit the spot just about now.
I think what most people miss is that feminism isn’t about women taking over and treating men with the same disdain the Patriarchy has bestowed upon us for the better part of known history—it’s recognizing and celebrating that everyone has value, regardless of our gender. Being a feminist is beneficial to men as much as it is to women (and non binary folx) because in a matriarchal society, it’s not about dominance. It’s about celebrating what each of us uniquely contributes to the whole. No one can truly lose in that scenario. And that, my friend, is the world you are creating.
THIS. So glad to have you in my circle; I adore you.
I am past middle age, growing up in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s under the influence of Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan and the first issues of Ms. magazine. I raised my son for most of his life on my own, not only cooking and cleaning at home but teaching children in schools about kindness, equality and self esteem. I tried to raise my son to be the kind of man I’d want to marry. He is now 36, helping to raise his partner’s seven year old son with kindness, compassion and love. I watch him with his family ( which I am so grateful to be a daily part of), and I know: this is how we change the world, one person, one child at a time. It’s the ripple effect. You toss a stone into a clear, still pond, not knowing who or what will be affected. Thank you for this forum in which women can come together to build community and a supportive sisterhood.
What an amazing mother you are. That is really inspiring, and I couldn't agree more about the ripple effect. Thank YOU for that comment!
I appreciate this perspective, because I am bothered by this "I'd rather meet a bear than a random man in the woods" conversation that has recently blown up. It's hurtful to the good men. How is that a desirable thing?
". . . men who are in touch with their own power (not the gross kind, the good kind)"
A column about the difference between the gross and the good would hit the spot just about now.