The New York Times published an opinion article in which the writer argues that women can be mothers and professional powerhouses, just not at the same time. I would agree with her but then she throws this little gem in there:
And, for that, we can blame feminism — a movement that, while liberating women to follow their dreams, devalued marriage and the familial and societal benefits of homemaking and encouraged self-indulgence.
She also says, “the present feminist climate pressures women to work. We should question why so many of us are working — single and married women alike. Is it because we bought the feminist lie that we don’t need a husband? Is it because we want to prove to the world that we are worth something? Or is it to live in a ritzy neighborhood and drive an Audi Q7?”
So that’s it, I’m putting my foot down and I’m initiating a new feminist movement. I get it—for a while, feminists were very “anti-marriage” and all that nonsense, but in 2012 can women still not make up her own mind? No one is saying you don’t need a husband, or that you’re only worth something if you work … so come on! Just knock it off!
That’s why I like Zelda Lily’s tagline of “Feminism in a Bra.” You don’t have to be an extremist, because most feminists are not terrorists. Yes, there was a time where things were really bad for women, and there are still areas that need significant improvement today. Yes, we were treated as second-class citizens, worse than cattle at times, but those times have changed and I feel like the feminist movement has changed along with it. But those who weren’t with the movement for some reason think we’re in the process of still fighting the same fight that started in the 60’s.
NO. We are modern feminists, and I’ve stated many times in many articles that being a mother, let alone a full-time one, is the hardest job I could ever imagine. So while these women are pointing the finger at feminists, saying they are attacking them for their decisions, do they not realize that they are pointing three fingers back at themselves?
Look, I think this new feminist movement that I am going to start is going to have this at its core:
1. Do what makes you happy as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else.
2. Don’t judge anyone for not agreeing with you.
3. Remember that you define yourself and you assign your own self-worth so never let anyone else think they can.
4. You are just as good as anyone who has a penis and you should be treated as such, but that doesn’t mean you also don’t deserve to be treated with chivalry every once in a while and vice versa.
Alright, ladies … who’s with me?
