Feminism

My school, like most others, is ridden with stereotypes. We're all, in case you were wondering, rich-lesbian-feminist-daddy's girl-sluts. Obviously this is not true, for the most part. We are not all rich. We are not all lesbians. We are not all daddy's girls, and we are most certainly not all sluts.


I think it is true that we are all feminists.

That is the environment around our school. We question the stereotypes, raise our eyebrows at the way women continue to be limited in their opportunities, demand choices. I am a feminist, and I am a very proud one at that.

I know people, not at College but elsewhere, who do not admit to being feminist. They think that the instant they declare themselves A Feminist, they will have to pack away their bras (if not burn them), hate men, and strive for a top position in a company even if they would really rather be a stay at home mom who bakes cookies. Men balk at the idea of identifying as feminists because, well, they're men. How does it include them?

Feminism isn't about thinking women are superior, or that each woman should force her way into a male-dominated career path.

I don't care whether you, as a woman, choose to become a firefighter, CEO, nurse, teacher, engineer, or stay at home mom. I care that you have the choice.

I don't care if you wear sundresses and high heals or combat boots and cargo pants as long as it is a decision you have made for yourself. I don't care, because it is your choice.

I care that you have the opportunity to do what you believe in, not because it is what a woman does or doesn't do, but because it is what you do.

I care that men feel they have the same opportunities as women to be involved parents, caring teachers, respected nurturers.

I just want us to be aware of the prejudices we have, and that we make decisions about our lives in a thoughtful fashion.

College has almost certainly been a part of my evolution into a feminist, and I am so grateful for it. I still want to be an elementary school teacher some day, I still want to have children, I still love my job as a nanny.

But no one can tell me these are things I must do-- or may do-- because of my sex.