tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12947560.post-45983869290635932592008-05-15T18:33:00.000-06:002008-05-15T18:33:00.000-06:002008-05-15T18:33:00.000-06:00I am always amazed when people characterize feminism as "wanting to be a man" as if the desire for self determination negates the feminine self or the desire for motherhood - it doesn't.<BR/>Feminism is just the simple notion that women should be equal to men, equality does not mean sameness, and self determination requires choice. Your choice may not be my choice.<BR/> "I am priviledged to have been raised by people who taught me I was only limited by my desires and ambitions, not by my gender."<BR/>That is feminism.<BR/><BR/>Women of our generation have reaped so many benefits of the early feminist movement - then adopt a misconception of what it is.<BR/><BR/>If you choose to be a SAHM, great. I am one and love it. Haven't you enjoyed greater access to education, scholarships, sports {title 9}career choices and earning power prior to motherhood? Would you like equal rights in the legal arena, healthcare, divorce, finance or end of life issues? What about women that choose to be childless, mothers who choose to work, women you can't bear children, or mothers who have to work? <BR/><BR/>What about men? How has feminism changed things? The fathers you see proudly walking around with babies strapped in front packs and gladly changing diapers are more a result of the discourse of the feminist movement and wanting men to take an greater part in what was once considered 'the woman's domain' than they are from any rigid gender roles prescribed by proponents of the traditional family.<BR/><BR/>okay. Stepping down from the soapbox.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com