I keep hesitating to write anything because finding the right words to avoid misunderstanding feels toooo hard, but I have decide to try anyway. I actually KNOW this will be misunderstood as I initially wrote something along these lines it in response to a fb friends post and got a vitriolic diatribe response from an offended femenist. When I responded I also considered myself a femenist it seemed to appease her somewhat???!!!
A bit more context, I am starting to explore ideas around the roles we take, our gender identity, the choices the system or society approves of and makes easy and those that it doesn't. I think I am headed towards the view that feminism, whilst a start, with lots of great outcomes (would I be writing this or thinking these things without it?) perhaps has also led both men and women further into a conformist trap!! Why did feminism unthinkingly adopt the values of paternalist capatilist society as the standard for "equality"? Why should women measure their equality on the degree to which they too can enslave themselves to 40+ hour corporate weeks?? I think a more fundamental revolution is needed for the health and sanity of both men and women and more importantly the children, boys and girls who follow in our footsteps. We tie ourselves to morgages, finacial security and so to workaholism. At the detriment of finding atruer security in our relationships, community and self.
Now we all need to eat, and kids need clothes, shelter, school tec, and all these things increasingly seem to cost so much. But that is where the really revolutionary thinking needs to start - sharing, networks, patience, and stepping back from assumed "needs" and asking - who said so? Ideas anyone??!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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No ideas yet but it is something I have been turning over in my head too.
ReplyDeleteI get frustrated with the idea that I can't be a feminist because I choose to stay at home with my son. I choose to do so because I know that I am the adult best able to meet his needs at this time. I expect that in the future Rob will downshift his work to spend more time with Jasper as he will be the best person to meet Jasper's needs when he is older.
We should get together soon and discuss over hot beverages!
Cheerio
Jess