I Am Not A Feminist, I Am A Humanist
And why do I say that, being a woman, I am NOT a feminist? It's not because I think women should be treated as second-class citizens, or that I desire to go back to a patriarchal society. While I do miss some of the things about the "good old days," such as chivalry and feeling protected and cared for by a man, I agree that all human beings should be treated equally. This includes equal pay, equal access to jobs, equal rights, etc. I don't agree with certain groups getting special treatment, but ideally for everyone to be treated just the same.
While I realize that not all feminists malign and hate men, many do. I don't seek to divide, but rather to unite. It can be tempting at times to see the ones we disagree with as the enemy, but there are so many facets to a person, and even those with whom we staunchly disagree on one issue can have other good qualities. Why do people so often let a difference of opinion cause them to hate or judge each other?
I don't hate men; I think the differences between men and women are what makes each group special and that they are things to be celebrated, not criticized. Conversely, I don't think one group is better than the other. We are different, and on an even deeper level we as individuals are all different. Rather than trying to pigeonhole everyone, I try to remind myself of that and see people as who they really are, not as who I automatically think they are based on outward appearances.
I was raised by very traditional, conservative Catholic parents. My parents are basically good people, and I love them. But I don't agree with most of their beliefs and the outlook they have towards certain groups of people. They are anti-gay marriage, for example, while I am thankful for marriage equality. At one time, however, I blindly agreed with them, but as I grew into a teenager, I came to realize that I was one of "those" people, the ones seen as suspect by many strict conservatives because I don't fit the mold in so many ways. I don't want children, I am not, strictly speaking, straight (but that is a very complicated topic for another post,) and, at this point in my life, I am in love with a transgender woman. When life reveals to you that you will be marching to the beat of your own drum because you are different, or when someone you love doesn't fit the status quo, that is what can really get you thinking and questioning your beliefs (especially if you were raised a certain way.)
So I feel that all people should be their authentic selves, and live out however that looks to them- so long a it doesn't harm anyone else in the process. Men and woman should be allies in the challenges of life, not enemies.
While I realize that not all feminists malign and hate men, many do. I don't seek to divide, but rather to unite. It can be tempting at times to see the ones we disagree with as the enemy, but there are so many facets to a person, and even those with whom we staunchly disagree on one issue can have other good qualities. Why do people so often let a difference of opinion cause them to hate or judge each other?
I don't hate men; I think the differences between men and women are what makes each group special and that they are things to be celebrated, not criticized. Conversely, I don't think one group is better than the other. We are different, and on an even deeper level we as individuals are all different. Rather than trying to pigeonhole everyone, I try to remind myself of that and see people as who they really are, not as who I automatically think they are based on outward appearances.
I was raised by very traditional, conservative Catholic parents. My parents are basically good people, and I love them. But I don't agree with most of their beliefs and the outlook they have towards certain groups of people. They are anti-gay marriage, for example, while I am thankful for marriage equality. At one time, however, I blindly agreed with them, but as I grew into a teenager, I came to realize that I was one of "those" people, the ones seen as suspect by many strict conservatives because I don't fit the mold in so many ways. I don't want children, I am not, strictly speaking, straight (but that is a very complicated topic for another post,) and, at this point in my life, I am in love with a transgender woman. When life reveals to you that you will be marching to the beat of your own drum because you are different, or when someone you love doesn't fit the status quo, that is what can really get you thinking and questioning your beliefs (especially if you were raised a certain way.)
So I feel that all people should be their authentic selves, and live out however that looks to them- so long a it doesn't harm anyone else in the process. Men and woman should be allies in the challenges of life, not enemies.
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