Feminism is sweeping the nation and the world. It is a very popular topic. More and more women are striving to find their own place in this feminist movement. The definition of feminism INCLUDES having a feminine character. But is that what we are focusing on?
When you hear someone say "she's a feminist." The first impression that comes to mind is someone who stands up for her rights. Someone that wants equality between women and men. That is what it is supposed to be. That is the definition, but I think it's being taken a little too far. People feel the need to become more like a man to be equal with a man. What is so great about men anyway? If we want equal rights, does it make sense to completely change ourselves? That is not equal, that is conforming. Isn't it more about individuality and being more of what you actually are?
Feminism seems more of an excuse now; an excuse to be condescending. When did that become okay? I, for one, do not want to be thought of as malicious, criticizing, downgrading and vulgar. It might sound a little abrupt and generalizing, but most people would agree. There are the few people out there that are ruining this movement for all of us. Feminism should be a positive thing. It should be a term that shows we are focusing on becoming the best us and achieving amazing things. We should embrace our femininity to be proud of who we are, not strive to be something someone else is.
What is a feminine character? Yes, women have been described as having sensitivities and gentleness. This is NOT a bad thing! It is part of who we are and part of our hormones. Embrace ourselves and use our strengths to propel us to where we want to be. Women have such unique qualities that can be used to really make a difference in this world. But a rising number of women are throwing away who we are to replace it with harshness and abrasiveness. How shrew-like do we need to become before we will be satisfied with our achievements? I suspect it will never end. Women who have this mentality of what feminism is will never be satisfied with how they measure up. These women have great pride in what they do and who they are and that gives them satisfaction, but it will never replace their low self-esteem. They do not recognize themselves as special, beautiful, and lovable.
Real feminism is embracing who you are and rising up anyway! It's being who you are and focusing on being a better you. THIS will bring success, this will bring you equality, and this will bring you confidence that is mixed with joy. We do not need to be rude and demeaning. We do not have to be loud and disapproval. What we can be is influential, uplifting, powerful, and assertive. We do not have to take crap from people, but we should react with kindness. People all over the world respond to kindness much more than they respond to people who are argumentative. If there is anything I've learned in the last couple years of leadership it would be that I can do it successfully and well by being lady-like assertive. This is different than being pushy and it's definitely different than being coarse. It is doing what you need to do to get the job done and being a women while doing it. It's not being passive or aggressive. It's simply, assertive.
Who do you honestly want to be? How do you want people to view you? Do you want to be surrounded by people who love you and care for you, or would you rather have people be afraid of you and avoid talking to you? I know women. I know what is deep in their hearts. No matter what they say on the outside, I know that on the inside they would like to be the person they were honestly meant to be (which is influential). Sometimes they just don't know the right path to get there. Sometimes they think there is no other way and they become a shrew. I know this because this was the path I was going down until I realized there is a better way; a better way to advocate for women. And this way actually brings phenomenal results.
