I am a Feminist and what that means to me.

[SarahB]

1. I believe in choice as an individual and a woman:
-choice in my reproductive health
-choice in my partners
-choice in my form of dress

2. I do not interfere in the exclusive relationships of my female sisters. When another woman is in a relationship with a man that is exclusive and monogamous (or he has lead her to believe it is exclusive and monogamous), there are boundaries I do not cross when such information is known.

3. I believe that things that are inherently female (motherhood, breastfeeding) is worthy of respect. Women should not have to give up that part of their lives (if that is something they wish to be a part of their lives) in order to be respected by society.

4. I own my sexuality. I decide what is right for myself as an individual and I do not judge other women's choices. Sexual empowerment does not equate with promiscuity. However, what a women choses or does not chose should not be treated any differently based upon her gender. I assert myself on my terms, no one else's.

Of course Feminism is an issue that is concerned with such important issues as economic viability and equality and choice, but it is beyond that. In my view it is an attitude- an attitude that supports your own autonomy as a woman and the rights of the autonomy of the choices of other women. When women are relegated to narrowly defined societal boxes in terms of roles, behaviors, etc., it is a slippery slope downward into such practices as the justification of rape (still a huge issue in our culture- i.e. "She deserved it because she wore X." or "She asked for it because she behaved as she did."). In parts of the world where such practices as female genital mutilation take place, it is not in the hands of men that practices such as this take place, it is the culture of other women that seek to perpetuate a continuation of the suppression of women's sexual pleasure and empowerment because they have been taught to believe that it is inherently "wrong" and potentially dangerous for society as a whole. Women, like men, are more than our children, our employment, our relationships. We are multi-faceted human beings who have both a right and a responsibility to determines our own paths as individuals, yet far too often, even in our culture, women seek to place each other in such metaphorical boxes. Dangerous stuff in my opinion and I would question exactly what is gained by that?

I am a strong, powerful, and dare I say, beautiful woman. I own myself. I own my choices. It has taken me 33 years to get to this place and I imagine myself being stronger yet in another 33 years because real empowerment does transcend the physical. I want my daughter and someday my granddaughters to feel that within themselves. I want the next generation of women to not have to struggle so much for their identities and to feel ok in embracing who they are.

[ET Awful]

1. Well said, you won't hear me disagree.

Good post.

[tigereye]

2. nicely said SB

:thumbsup:

[Redstone]

3. Not going to take any shit from anyone, are you?

Good for you. A well-spoken manifesto.

Redstone

[SarahB]

4. Never ever!

When I feel unjustifiably treated, I get angry, then I cool off and take things to a higher level. :)

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

5. Hey...

I saw this thread linked in your sig...

I agree with all but one of your points. Number 2. I know what you mean by it, but there's an exception in my book. When a friend's physical safety or that of her children are at risk.

My best friend who was in a horrible, abusive relationship called me one day and said, "Cyndee, if anything happens to me XXXX did it."

I told her that she needed to leave immediately and called her sister who is a police officer. After that incident blew over and she stayed with him, I told her that could I no longer stand by her in that relationship. I offered any and all assistance humanly possible, including the offer to open my home to her and her children.

Alas, we went several months without talking. She finally filed for divorce after he literally held her hostage. He was prosecuted and served 3 years in jail. I'll interfere in a case like that!

:toast: and... :hug: for Girl Power!

[bettyellen]

6. of course you would, when a friend really troubles you and is being

abused or has put herself in a scary position (starting to act out or pass out drunk at a party) it ain't empowering anymore. it's sad, and you do what you can to make sure it ain't a regular occurence.

[Hello_Kitty]

14. I took it to mean

That you don't get involved with a man who's in a relationship with another woman. When someone is being abused, that is definitely justification for stepping up and pointing out that she doesn't have to take it. I think you handled the situation with your friend very well. I support other women, but not necessarily the choices they make, particularly when children are involved. Exposing kids to spousal abuse is every bit as damaging as if you hit them yourself.

[Nikia]

7. I am glad that you have reached that point in your life.

We all need to be proud proud to be ourselves and proud to be women. We need to be supportive of other women too in the ways you suggested. Good post.

[LisaLynne]

8. Excellent post.

:toast:

[cap]

9. add equal pay

and proper recognition for typically female careers and I'll agree..

[SarahB]

11. That's a given.

SarahBelle:
Former teacher, soon-to-be RN.

[cap]

12. actually, these days, it is not a "given"

it should be.... but very little work is being done these days on workplace issues for women.

Layoffs disproportionately affect women.

[libodem]

10. I think this alot....

what does it mean to me? Am I some evil subversive who wants to destroy the home and family by kicking out the man? Do I believe , God Is a woman? Do I believe she is married to mister,God? Hell Yes. He is up there running the show. He has puppet strings to George Bush. He is our Master. Thank God, He can speak to all women though all Mortal Men. But they think they are Immortal. Because they are all going to Heaven. God told them so..

[omega minimo]

13. I have a Dream

"...it is an attitude- an attitude that supports your own autonomy as a <person> and the rights of the autonomy of the choices of other <people>."