The New Face of Feminism
Men are welcome to participate23 total reviews
Comment from Linda Engel
Excellent comments on a heart felt subject. I was in that movement of the 70's and 80's. When I tell the young women in my office of how it was like when i was their age , they look at me with "deer in headlight" look. They have their own set of hardships and have created their own set of messes.
You are correct in in the analysis that the new fight for equality has been moved off shore and so needs our prayers and attention. Awareness is key and thankfully is is being brought to our attention through the media. However, you would be surprised how many young women do not look or listen to the news.
Well written piece and praise to you for sharing this subject. I, too, am proud to have been a part of the feminism , freedom, equality movement.
reply by the author on 23-Nov-2014
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Excellent comments on a heart felt subject. I was in that movement of the 70's and 80's. When I tell the young women in my office of how it was like when i was their age , they look at me with "deer in headlight" look. They have their own set of hardships and have created their own set of messes.
You are correct in in the analysis that the new fight for equality has been moved off shore and so needs our prayers and attention. Awareness is key and thankfully is is being brought to our attention through the media. However, you would be surprised how many young women do not look or listen to the news.
Well written piece and praise to you for sharing this subject. I, too, am proud to have been a part of the feminism , freedom, equality movement.
Comment Written 23-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 23-Nov-2014
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We fought our battles and for us, as opposed to the original libbers, the ones that got us to be declared REAL people and get the vote a mere 100yers ago, our generation of warriors was visible and we gained strength from see proof we were not alone.
Thanks for the generous stars and sharing your story. ingrid
Comment from Chrisfiore
Greetings SE,
Well said write, Ingrid. For far too long women have been treated like mere objects of male property. I was raised with six sisters and no brothers. Perhaps that is why I have always preferred the company of women.
The Bible says that a man's wife is a companion and a helper, also a capable wife is held in high esteem and value in her husband's eyes. Nowhere does the Bible say she is inferior to him, but a compliment of him. Too bad some men feel threatened in their masculinity to give women a proper prospective. Some men, but not all.
This was decreed long before the feminist movement and the wise man adheres to the Bible's counsel in all things, including the relationship between male and female. ;) Chrisfiore
reply by the author on 23-Nov-2014
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Greetings SE,
Well said write, Ingrid. For far too long women have been treated like mere objects of male property. I was raised with six sisters and no brothers. Perhaps that is why I have always preferred the company of women.
The Bible says that a man's wife is a companion and a helper, also a capable wife is held in high esteem and value in her husband's eyes. Nowhere does the Bible say she is inferior to him, but a compliment of him. Too bad some men feel threatened in their masculinity to give women a proper prospective. Some men, but not all.
This was decreed long before the feminist movement and the wise man adheres to the Bible's counsel in all things, including the relationship between male and female. ;) Chrisfiore
Comment Written 22-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 23-Nov-2014
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Hi Rik; you're not on here much any more. I hope that doesn't mean that you've let up on the writing.
I see you've got something posted. Will try to look at it tomorrow when I don't have a houseful.
Thanks so much for the stars and sharing your thoughts. ingrid
Comment from GWHARGIS
I remember as a little girl telling my grandparents that I would never let a man tell me what to do. My statement was answered with, "Then you'll never make a good wife." I can still remember my answer, "Who cares." From that moment on I was known as the granddaughter who had too much of her mother in her. My mom was a strong woman, not necessarily a feminist, because she still liked being on a pedistal. But she wasn't afraid to voice her opinion, smoke a cigarette, and wear a pants suit. I admitred her then and still do. Women have come a long way and maybe we've brought a few men with us. Stranger things have happened. Gretchen
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2014
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I remember as a little girl telling my grandparents that I would never let a man tell me what to do. My statement was answered with, "Then you'll never make a good wife." I can still remember my answer, "Who cares." From that moment on I was known as the granddaughter who had too much of her mother in her. My mom was a strong woman, not necessarily a feminist, because she still liked being on a pedistal. But she wasn't afraid to voice her opinion, smoke a cigarette, and wear a pants suit. I admitred her then and still do. Women have come a long way and maybe we've brought a few men with us. Stranger things have happened. Gretchen
Comment Written 21-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2014
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I am fascinated by what led up to your declaration as a kid.
I swear, I hadn't noticed many things but yes, we brought along some hostages and they too have become comfortable in their 'prison.'
Comment from judiverse
I agree there should be a term to replace "feminism." It's wonderful that men are doing more and more to help out around the home and are more likely to participate in their children's activities. My father-in-law was in the Masons, and I think they were terrible because they encouraged the men to spend so much time with their men-only activities, and the women were separate. Fewer men are participating now, because of the time it demands--time they could be spending with their families. My brother and my niece's husband do most of the cooking for their household. The women are busy working. I hope women in the U.S. will more engaged in the atrocities going on in other parts of the world--the stonings and shooting of school girls--instead of claiming some guy looked funny at them at work. Excellent write! judi
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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I agree there should be a term to replace "feminism." It's wonderful that men are doing more and more to help out around the home and are more likely to participate in their children's activities. My father-in-law was in the Masons, and I think they were terrible because they encouraged the men to spend so much time with their men-only activities, and the women were separate. Fewer men are participating now, because of the time it demands--time they could be spending with their families. My brother and my niece's husband do most of the cooking for their household. The women are busy working. I hope women in the U.S. will more engaged in the atrocities going on in other parts of the world--the stonings and shooting of school girls--instead of claiming some guy looked funny at them at work. Excellent write! judi
Comment Written 21-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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Although we were never quite so low, it is a mere half century or less since men could get away with murder. Cuckolding was a familiar word in court houses and men's outrage was admissible excuses for murder.
Many younger women take for granted their rights, their freedoms and their ability to make choices, and sometimes these are the broads that rear up and look me in the eye to tell me I'm not a real woman. Well thank you, God, or Goddess, and for the benefactors who enjoy their rights and have no conceptual appreciation for our scars, well, that's alright, alright, alright. But if you damn well sell out our efforts, I promise you--yeast infections from the afterlife!
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I'm glad to see some men stepping up and helping with housework and childcare, but there are still too many missing in action. It's almost like they've been given permission to abdicate their responsibilities. Women's liberation doesn't mean woman have to do it all. judi
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I'm glad to see some men stepping up and helping with housework and childcare, but there are still too many missing in action. It's almost like they've been given permission to abdicate their responsibilities. Women's liberation doesn't mean woman have to do it all. judi
Comment from Nosha17
I believe in equality and justice for all and being a woman want rights, but I would hate to be called a feminist as it conjures up the images you mentioned in your article. Maybe, there could be a new term created. Any movement that creates divisiveness or hatred between the sexes is a destructive force, cooperation between the sexes is what is strived for. You have expressed your opinions well and it read well. Enjoyable read. Faye
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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I believe in equality and justice for all and being a woman want rights, but I would hate to be called a feminist as it conjures up the images you mentioned in your article. Maybe, there could be a new term created. Any movement that creates divisiveness or hatred between the sexes is a destructive force, cooperation between the sexes is what is strived for. You have expressed your opinions well and it read well. Enjoyable read. Faye
Comment Written 21-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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Yes, but you'll never know how much it hurts us, we the trailblazers, that our unified efforts offend the younger generation because of a label.
Do you represent a generation of women who think we were man--hating dykes? We raised our sons to enjoy their passions and celebrate equality. Tomorrow when you walk out into the world, look around at all the fading dreams, the glazed eyes of your mothers and grandmothers and great grandmothers that laid down the path and tell them you're not a feminist. If you were my daughter, I'd probably sigh and say, 'Thank God you never had to battle. That's okay. Make your world a better place. I've done enough.'
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You cannot imagine how much I have struggled in my life. I have tremendous spirit and that is what has kept me alive and brought me through. I don't blame any one section of society for any of my ills. I had a university education in the sixties and never encountered any unfairness against my sex at university because I was my own person and worked hard for what I achieved. I don't think anyone should expect special treatment, one should only succeed in life as a result of one's own merit, not by virtue of one's sex or race. I am definitely not a feminist as I have had the equal of any male in education and career opportunities. Fairness and equality are the key. I think you should be glad that you have written a thought-provoking article which has inspired healthy debate. If we all had the same opinions the world would be a bore.
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Lucky you, and I am delighted that you never encountered issues with your gender or race in the world.
I don't need to make my point at this site and in this echo, but if you take for granted that you--yes you--have a right to the inheritance of a generation of grandmothers' sacrifices for the legislation that has been enacted--well then, holy shit--congratulations on not being a feminist.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Ingrid,
my name is James Talbot and yes, I am proud to call myself a feminist-aholic... I take stands for women where-ever and whenever necessary... I have feministed before and I know I will feminist again... hell I'm probably feministing right now! Smile)))))))).
Truly dear lady, a wonderful essay with a very strong message of what hope has brought as change; because woman like yourself took a stand against small-minded men, their attitudes and their over-inflated egos. To tell you the truth, I think men are just scared of having an equal footing with their female counterparts... you know how 'us' men get when bested by a female?
Kudos to you and every woman like you, who started the 'change'. Without you knowing back then what you'd achieve to date, which I can tell you is a lot more than just change for women... it's a conscience to all injustices cross a much broader spectrum of issues... and that is the power of what standing up for what you know needs to change does.
The only thing necessary for triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.. Edmund Burke.
Personally, I would add... is for good men and women to do nothing!
Brilliant write dear friend, a truly exceptional write.
With our thoughts we create,
a moral conscious,
James xx
******Stars!!!!!!
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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Hi Ingrid,
my name is James Talbot and yes, I am proud to call myself a feminist-aholic... I take stands for women where-ever and whenever necessary... I have feministed before and I know I will feminist again... hell I'm probably feministing right now! Smile)))))))).
Truly dear lady, a wonderful essay with a very strong message of what hope has brought as change; because woman like yourself took a stand against small-minded men, their attitudes and their over-inflated egos. To tell you the truth, I think men are just scared of having an equal footing with their female counterparts... you know how 'us' men get when bested by a female?
Kudos to you and every woman like you, who started the 'change'. Without you knowing back then what you'd achieve to date, which I can tell you is a lot more than just change for women... it's a conscience to all injustices cross a much broader spectrum of issues... and that is the power of what standing up for what you know needs to change does.
The only thing necessary for triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.. Edmund Burke.
Personally, I would add... is for good men and women to do nothing!
Brilliant write dear friend, a truly exceptional write.
With our thoughts we create,
a moral conscious,
James xx
******Stars!!!!!!
Comment Written 21-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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For making me laugh at your response...KUDOS! You know that every so often I need to mount my soap box. Thanks for your testimonial.
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Love a soap-box... love a laugh... but more than that, love you and your beautiful mind... xx.
Comment from GeraldS
The small amount I still remember from Sociology class (from many years ago) includes the realization that social change occurs very slowly over time and that even small changes affecting a single person bear fruits over time. Still much remains to be done and it is important not to lose any of the gains that have already been made. Too often I think we get caught up in the 'pink' and 'blue' nonsense to the exclusion of the real issues. But no matter how the cake is sliced, women today (here in the US) have no appreciation of how difficult it was for women just one hundred years ago.
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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The small amount I still remember from Sociology class (from many years ago) includes the realization that social change occurs very slowly over time and that even small changes affecting a single person bear fruits over time. Still much remains to be done and it is important not to lose any of the gains that have already been made. Too often I think we get caught up in the 'pink' and 'blue' nonsense to the exclusion of the real issues. But no matter how the cake is sliced, women today (here in the US) have no appreciation of how difficult it was for women just one hundred years ago.
Comment Written 21-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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You're right they don't. Even women born 30 years ago don't know that police wouldn't charge a husband for assault unless the woman filed a complain and that she COULD NOT get a credit card without her husband's permission. Tough times, but some encouraging strides. Thanks.
Comment from jpduck
This is an excellent essay and I only take issue with you over one thing. Much of what you say implies that you think the battle is almost won. I fear it is not so, and your final paragraph reveals that you are not quite the optimist that the rest of the essay would suggest.
I spotted in typo: In the third paragraph from the end you spell Malala as 'Mahala'.
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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This is an excellent essay and I only take issue with you over one thing. Much of what you say implies that you think the battle is almost won. I fear it is not so, and your final paragraph reveals that you are not quite the optimist that the rest of the essay would suggest.
I spotted in typo: In the third paragraph from the end you spell Malala as 'Mahala'.
Comment Written 21-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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I changed that typo, but not before another reader pointed it out. Thanks.
I know its not over and there are enclaves of inequities, but I am heartened by the progress and the laws that have been tabled and passed. In my day, I couldn't get a credit card without my husband's signature or walk into a bar without an escort. From my perspective, we've gone light years, but many, many women are struggling still. They are starting where we left off and for them, it must seem a dismal path.
Comment from mfowler
I completely endorse all you have written here, Ingrid. I remember all of those pink and blue days, and if I hadn't bumbled my way into a relationship with a feminist to whom I've been married for forty two years, I suspect that I would have joined happily with the army of 'blues'. It was a good deal for us men. And as you've noted, it was fought for and the gains for both genders has been outstanding in western societies in particular. When I watch the carefully raised first son, sharing the parenting roles of his three kids with such natural ease, I am proud of what my wife instilled in him. I helped, but I was learning as I went. Your review of sexist cultures and the heinous actions that befall many women in these backward societies is inescapable when presenting a treatise on women's liberation. These worlds remain great challenges for social justice and in turn the people who will be sacrificed for the cause. But, the battles must be fought. My wife's latest campaign is against women in our society who risk losing the freedoms they have gained, by submitting to the bimbo-isation of womanhood presented by media and big business. Loved your essay.
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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I completely endorse all you have written here, Ingrid. I remember all of those pink and blue days, and if I hadn't bumbled my way into a relationship with a feminist to whom I've been married for forty two years, I suspect that I would have joined happily with the army of 'blues'. It was a good deal for us men. And as you've noted, it was fought for and the gains for both genders has been outstanding in western societies in particular. When I watch the carefully raised first son, sharing the parenting roles of his three kids with such natural ease, I am proud of what my wife instilled in him. I helped, but I was learning as I went. Your review of sexist cultures and the heinous actions that befall many women in these backward societies is inescapable when presenting a treatise on women's liberation. These worlds remain great challenges for social justice and in turn the people who will be sacrificed for the cause. But, the battles must be fought. My wife's latest campaign is against women in our society who risk losing the freedoms they have gained, by submitting to the bimbo-isation of womanhood presented by media and big business. Loved your essay.
Comment Written 21-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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Loved your response even more. When someone shares their experience or take on something I've posted, I treat it like a gift. Thank you for a beautiful response. ingrid
Comment from Caroline Yego
I didn't know that I was a feminist until I read this Story. I have all along been advocating for the recognition of women rights especially in my country. Currently, in where I come from, men still determine what women wear among other women issues. Lately, several women have been stripped naked in public by callous men for wearing miniskirts or tight fitting trousers.As women, we shouted the loudest but our voices as usual,drowned by patriarchal society high in testosterone.
Thank you for the story. I only would like to just check if you meant Malala Yousafzai the Pakstani girl shot by religous radicals on her way home after school, when you talked about Mahala.
Otherwise your story is great
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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I didn't know that I was a feminist until I read this Story. I have all along been advocating for the recognition of women rights especially in my country. Currently, in where I come from, men still determine what women wear among other women issues. Lately, several women have been stripped naked in public by callous men for wearing miniskirts or tight fitting trousers.As women, we shouted the loudest but our voices as usual,drowned by patriarchal society high in testosterone.
Thank you for the story. I only would like to just check if you meant Malala Yousafzai the Pakstani girl shot by religous radicals on her way home after school, when you talked about Mahala.
Otherwise your story is great
Comment Written 21-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014
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Thank you so much--for the stars, but especially for catching my typo. How awful that the message might be lost by an assumption, based on a typo--and a serious one. Once I wrote an essay about Obama and--yes, I really did this--in one paragraph I kept referring to him as Osama. You can imagine, but I prefer not to remember. Thanks again.
