I've always felt empowered studying the women's rights movements throughout history. In high school my knowledge-bowl team was made up of girls and we called our tean the feminists. (Although I don't believe any of us truly understood the full meaning of being a feminist). Then I was applaed to learn that I had to argue against Title IX in my governemnt and politics class in high school as well (which my friend and I ended up winning!).
Mitch and I had an inspiring conversatin about women's rights driving home to Alpine yesterday. We agreed that perhaps the greatest downfall to the women's rights movement is the idea that a
woman's sucess is now measured in the same way that a
man's is measured.
Don't get me wrong--I think it is fabulous that a woman has the opportunity to be agressive and make a successful career in the workforce. I just think that sometimes a woman can't be defined as an aggressive worker as well as a kind and gentle nurturer anymore. Women who choose to stay home are shown as somehow weaker. It takes a lot of courage for a woman who knows she has great potential in the work force to decide to stay at home with her kids despite the rebukes she may recieve.
Anyway, I'm not trying to say what a woman should or should not do. We are all so unique with different vaules and challenges; we make the best decisions we can and no one else can tell us what to do. I just wish a woman could be measured based on her courage to do what she really loves or values most--and that something could very often differ from what a man would pick. We should be equal to men, but not the same as men. And I think there is confusion there sometimes. Does that make any sense?
On a different note---December was absolutely lovely and I'll post more about that soon. Happy New Year! I think it will be a good one!
