In the midst of Women’s History Month, I have spent quite a bit of time reflecting on my gender and what it means to be a woman in the world today.
As a kid, I was about as much of a tomboy as they come. I loved baiting my own fishing hook, I refused to play on any soccer team that wasn’t co-ed, and the majority of my friends were boys. In a family flooded with sisters, I idolized my older brother and spent hours playing basketball with him and trailing him around the house. I similarly adored my younger brother, even going so far as bringing him as my show-and-tell for kindergarten one day. I hated being a girl and envied my brothers because they got to be boys.
This feeling intensified as I grew and my body started changing. How could I not be jealous of the boys in my school when I spent a week every month scared out of my mind that I would bleed through my pants or stressed about forgetting my sports bra for gym class? The guys always seemed so care-free. I still spent time hanging out with my guy friends, but the older we got, the more excluded I felt. I wasn’t just one of the guys anymore. Suddenly they realized I was a girl, and they started treating me differently. One more reason for me to hate being a girl.
There are still things I hate about being female. I can’t get ready for the day in 5 minutes like a man, I am judged against society’s standards on a daily basis, and my periods are no walk in the park. But I have also grown to appreciate my feminine qualities and the things that make me different from men. In fact, I would even call myself a feminist.
Now now, please don’t run for the hills screaming. I know that the word feminist conjures all kinds of horrific images for some people. It is often associated with burning bras, shirtless protests, and riots of female pride. Many people choose not to describe themselves as feminist for fear of being associated with these extremist groups and methods. I understand this hesitation because I felt it myself for a long time.
But feminism is defined as advocacy based on equality of the sexes. Feminism at its core is about women being equal to men. NOT better than men, but equal to men. This principle is one of the main problems with extreme feminism. Extreme feminists claim “gender equality” while really pushing for female supremacy.
They are not satisfied with equal gender roles, equal rights, and equal careers. They push for women not only to work out of the home, but become CEOs. They demand that women not only graduate from college, but obtain PHD’s and reign over the academic world. Extreme feminists are not satisfied with building up women, they insist on bashing and demeaning men in the process. It is as if they feel men have to be torn down so women can replace them, flipping society from male-dominant to female-dominant.
I completely disagree with this sentiment and feel these extreme feminists do more harm than good for the female population and society as a whole. Our problems will not be solved by just changing which gender controls society. Simply by definition, equality is impossible when one gender is dominant. So what is the right way to think about feminism?
In college, I had to take a course called Psychology of Gender, and we spent weeks discussing feminism. One phrase my professor used really stuck with me.
“Equal, but different.”
Her lecture was based on the principle that men and women are innately different. Men cannot conceive and bear children and are naturally physically stronger than women. Women physically hear better than men and because of the differences in eye composition, men and women literally see the world differently. The list goes on and on, and does not only include physical differences.
Men and women are different, and that’s okay! It’s okay that men cannot express their feelings as clearly as women and that women startle more easily than men. These differences do not make one gender superior to the other, they just make them different.
I suppose the takeaway I want everyone to have from this post is we still have some steps to make toward gender equality, but those steps should not be made by bringing men down. They should be made by us realizing that gender differences are okay and even beneficial, just like differences between individual people. They will be made by one person at a time, doing what they love, regardless of their sex.
I recently graduated from college with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and am working on a Master’s in School Counseling. I work full-time in a set of Executive Office Suites managing the office and my clients. I am proud of how far I’ve come in my life, not because I’m a woman, but because I’m proud of myself and the work I’ve put in to get here. I plan to marry and have a family and eventually stay at home to raise my kids if possible. I personally think there is no greater calling I could achieve in this life than raising my own children so I am looking forward to that day.
I do not ever want someone to give me things in life just because I am a woman. My gender should not open doors for me, just as it should not close them for me. My decisions in life are my own and should not be based on gender stereotypes or limitations others try to set for you. Figure out what you want for yourself and do it! Do not let anyone tell you that you should or should not do what you love because you are a woman or a man.
Remember: “Equal, but different”. Let’s all work toward the goal of gender equality together, starting with ourselves.
It’s great to read a post about feminism, which does not repel a male reader. You really well lay what feminism can be, and you have some very valid points. Thank you for having such a good approach. 🙂
Hi Victor! Thank you for your response. I am glad to know this post appeals to men as well! Feminism is about equality and it’s time we all remembered that. 🙂
I love this. I have a daughter and I always tell her we’re equal to men. They are never more important than we are but I also agree we should not bring them down. There are a lot of good men out there.
That is so great! I appreciate you teaching your daughter this way. There are a lot of good men out there and we need to respect them if we are going to ever see real gender equality.
I so agree with you, I don’t see where people came to think that one gender should be more superior than the other. The only way is to take each other as equals because it’s the truth.
I’m not sure where this idea started either but it’s time it changed! I’m ready for true equality. 🙂
I totally believe in gender equality. A man or woman should be able to do whatever it is they please, no matter their sex without being treated different.
Amen, Everyday Made Fresh! Gender equality is so important. I hope I can see it in my lifetime.
Im glad we have made progress in this country for equal right especially in the work force, but why does it seem like we are still fighting. We deserve great pay and just overall just as qualified positions being a woman shouldnt hinder us.
Hi Kiwi! I completely agree. We have definitely seen progress but there is still progress to be made. I hope to see the day where gender does not hinder your success in life.
I agree that anything too extreme can be harmful. And def. can relate from going to tomboy to girl in an instant that was memorable. It was fun to be carefree, but it’s fun to be a girl too. 😉
Hi Rosey! Glad to find another former tomboy. 🙂 I have really grown to appreciate the qualities that define me as a woman and hope that others can do so as well.
Equality is a beautiful thing. I am so glad to be a part of the global change.
Hi Marissa! I am grateful for that opportunity, also. Small steps toward gender equality are still steps. 🙂
Hard working women deserve the same. I love how we are being treated in the work place anymore.
Hi Wendy! I agree. Your gender should not define how much success you have in the workplace. It should be your work ethic and performance that determines your success.
I like being a women but I always felt jealousy of man sometimes, they don’t need to much time for grooming. They shower in the mornings and that’s all. They are all done and handsome men ready for the day.
Hi Cristina! I know, right? They look so great with hardly any time invested in their appearance. I’m definitely jealous of that still, especially when I sit curling my hair for half an hour before work. 🙂
I actually really like this post. For the first time in a while I am reading about equality with females and males where you are not dissing the male.
Hello! Thank you so much for your feedback. I wanted to make sure that people recognize equality does not mean putting down men. It just means uplifting women. 🙂
I love the message in your post. It is awesome to hear that both sexes are equal, and we should celebrate the differences. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ophelia! Thank you for your comment! Differences are definitely something to be celebrated and embraced, not punished on either side. I hope you enjoyed Women’s Day!