Dictionary.com defines feminism as the “belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.” At the inception of the women’s revolution, the purpose was to allow women the opportunity to be strong and independent. It was to empower women to be able to choose their own future and paths in life, whether that be a career, family, both or something else altogether. It was not to blame and insult men in order to get back at them for years of oppression.
If this were 1969, I would rush at the chance to be a part of that kind of revolution. But it’s 2005, and feminism has recently changed for the worse. Not only is the revolution turning into a dirty fight aiming to blame and not reform, but the choice women were fighting for has turned into the choice the feminist movement wants women to make. It should not be seen as shameful if a woman can and does choose to stay at home to give her children the best opportunities available to them.
Feminism is supposed to be the fight for equality, more specifically equal opportunity. It is not the immature squabbling of the “he-man womun haters” club and its female counterparts in the man-haters club from the Little Rascals that is going to revolutionize the world. It is the calm and mature discussions between men and women that are going to expedite change.
No, men and women are not yet completely equal. There are discrepancies in pay, unequal access to jobs and women who decide to have children are, in some instances, discriminated against in the workplace — just to name a few problems. And yes, working toward that goal is a noble and worthwhile activity. That said, a little integrity and fairness from the female side wouldn’t hurt.
The driving force behind a large portion of the current movement is no longer about gaining equality, but about attacking men and blaming them for all the problems society faces. As convenient as that may be, it is not the answer. The way to prove that women are as competent and intelligent as men is for women to actually be as competent and intelligent. It may take a little more time to reach the final goal of equal access, but there is more of a chance that victories will be made while staying amiable rather than belligerent.
Equality implies equal standards and not simply reversing prejudices. Men are not the sole source of all the problems women face in life. There are double standards and unfair accusations flying around this issue. When men act the same way toward women and treat them with such disrespect, feminists are up in arms, and rightfully so.
It’s time to stop playing the blame game and get serious about feminism as it was intended to be; the movement toward equal opportunity and choice for women.
Julie Isen ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in political science.