Often times, the word "feminist" gets a bad reputation due to ignorance, and inevitably is seen as angry fanatical women who hate men. However, feminism is the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.The radical feminists are always publicized over the reserved and respectful ones, ultimately becoming the single story or stereotype of a feminist. Being a feminist is important to me because women are equal to men and deserve equal opportunities because we are just as capable and intelligent.
In response to the article about Kaley Cuoco claiming she is not a feminist, I see good and bad aspects of her decision. I see that it is fine that she wants to cook for her husband frequently because she personally likes to do it. However, where she goes wrong is when she says "I like coming home and serving him." The word 'serving" is a bit disturbing to me. That word choice shows that she is putting herself below him and becoming inferior to her husband just because he is the man. I also believe that she may not fully know what a feminist is, because if her male costar earned more then she did because he is a man, I think she may get upset. But, she may just like allowing herself to be lesser, and if that is true, I pity her. She also says that she enjoys taking care of her men because it is old-fashioned. I agree that taking care of men is old-fashioned, and also is outdated and should no longer be practiced because it promotes inequality of the sexes.
I think that we should concern ourselves with "the fight of feminism" because we must break the cycle of women being second to men. The world has been a patriarchal society for centuries and we must seek to break the trend. We must fight for gender equality because women all around the world are seen as lesser than a man, and in some extreme cases don't even have enough importance in a man's mind to have control over their own body. It is extremely unacceptable that women have been mistreated and forced to play a subservient role for so long, so this is why I believe that we must strive for gender equality.
I completely agree with what you said about "the fight of feminism" I agree that we should fight. I also agree with you when you say "taking care of men is old-fashioned" because it is. Back in the olden days all women were only house wives and now a days most women have a job and are house wives, I think that this balance allows them too have a little bit of everthing.
ReplyDeleteMaia: I get disgusted when the word "serving" or "taking care" of one's husband or male figure is used, as well. I never understood the point of that, to be honest: so a grown man wants to be considered strong, masculine, and able when he couldn't even take care of himself? These two anti-feminist things I've been hearing a lot lately strongly contradict with each other. However, I think I've reached a level of feminism where I just support all women, like the Kaley Cuoco article you mentioned, I support and respect Kaley 100%. If that's the way she was brought up and taught, then she should be more than free to do whatever she wants with her life. Same concept goes for religious women who fulfill their lives with beliefs that contradict mine, but I support them because they are lovely and they are free to devote to any religion they want.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting as well how feminism is portrayed as angry women who just hate men. I agree that "Serving your man" is very out dated and promotes gender inequality. If the woman wants to serve her man sometimes thats fine but I do not believe it should be glorified and wanted by men.
ReplyDeleteMaia,
ReplyDeleteThis is one of your best writings I have seen. Your voice, commentary, and perspective are thoughtful, yet clear in your argument. Lovely job.
I really agree with several of the points you have made. As you mentioned, I also feel that although it's okay for Kaley Cuoco to admit she enjoys cooking for her husband, her use of the word "serving" definitely has a very negative connotation to it and implies that women are inferior to men. I thought you made several interesting points as well, such as the fact that equality of women is needed because of the little control women have over their own bodies even in some cases, and the constant notion that they are "second to men." Unfortunately, this idea is still very prevalent in our society today, and women are both treated lesser, oppressed, and mocked for their alleged inferiority and weakness in comparison to men. I was very glad that you mentioned feminism is not what it's usually perceived as, and how people have come to associate such hatred and moodiness with the word. Often, feminists are merely recognized for being "whiny," and I'm glad you cleared the air. As you stated, feminists have a good cause and I really feel now is the time more than ever to fight for equality.
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