Betty Friedan's Legacy
Published February 04, 2006
"It is easier to live through someone else than to become complete yourself."-Betty Friedan, The Feminine Mystique
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Betty Friedan published The Feminine Mystique in 1963, my parents weren't even married. I wasn't even conceived for over a decade after and yet I knew Ms. Friedan. I had heard her name mentioned many times in the context of political debates that ensued in my house. I wasn't sure what to make of her either.
My mother chose to be a homemaker when it was decidedly unpopular and socially un-hip for women to opt to stay home and raise their children. And I sensed in her that unconscious desire to prove her worth in a society, which continually judged and unconsciously oppressed women who took on more traditional roles.
Even in elementary school, when I was looking at pictures of occupations for men and women, I was bombarded with images of female lawyers and doctors. I felt undue pressure to prove that my mom was just as good if not better than those women, when in truth I knew my mom was far better. After all, she was real. Still, I resented that I was made to feel that way. That a woman, like a mother, who graduated from a first-rate university and spoke 3 different languages fluently, and took on the most difficult job out there should be looked upon in any way that was less than respectable.
"Motherhood is the least appreciated job out there, Beth," I remember her telling me. I heeded those words and in later years when I learned more about feminist pioneers like Betty Friedan, I came to understand that my mother was not only a rebel and pioneer in her own right, but indeed, a neo-feminist.
Just as Friedan was advocating on behalf of all those post-WWII women in the '50s who were home raising their families and being housewives, and who didn't necessarily have choices (re: the opportunity to go out and work), my mother was exercising her right to choice. Both were going against grain and societal convention.
- Betty Friedan's Legacy
- Published: February 04, 2006
- Type: News
- Section: Culture
- Writer: Beth Gottfried
- Beth Gottfried's BC Writer page
- Beth Gottfried's personal site
- Spread the Word
- Like this article?
- Email this
Save to del.icio.us
Comments on this articleComments
"I hope we all live to see the day when all of those choices are given equal respect."
Amen to that.
And thanks Lisa. I enjoyed your perspective as well. It was very insightful. We are showing much love to Ms. Friedan today :)
Beth, never thought I could ever agree with your blog. Im a conservative male. Will always be. However Im the proud father of a US Navel Aviator. My Daughter. My pride for her from the day she was born changed my life. Every man should know the greatest gift from God is a daughter. Her acalaids from academia to sports makes a fathers heart proud. I thank (cant believe Im saying this) Ms. Friedan and consider her a pioneer for women. I spent many years in the Army and have seen much, but nothing like my Daughter. She is just one of so many young women that can and will accomplish whatever their heart desires. My God. Look at Dr. Condoleezza Rice. (Condie is a house-hold word) all over the world. A fathers pride for his Daughter would make a man talk all night. For any man reading this I say to you, chairesh your daughter and let them know the wonderful things they can accomplish and conquer. The world is a foot-stool for them. This goes for mom's also. Thanks. sr. PS: Thank you Lord for my special gift.
:) Thanks for sharing that...Always a beautiful thing to hear a father's pride in his daughter. Some things are universal, nothing to do with politics and I'm happy my piece resonated for you.
How sad to realize Im the 5th comment to your blog. Today is the 4th of March. Why the lack of interest? And Im conservative. Thanks Beth, take care and God bless. sr
Well, I'll be #6. Does that help?
Good piece, Beth.
Thanks Scott. Have a great weekend. sr
You're welcome. You too
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/43188)
A really nice personal perspective on Friedan's legacy, Beth. Unlike you, I'm old enough to remember when the only professional choices held out to young girls were teaching and nursing (if they were encouraged to have careers at all). Living through the mind-bending politics of the '60s and '70s and looking around at the world leaders and corporate CEOs of today who happen to be women has certainly given me an appreciation for how far we've come, even though I think there is some work left to do. You're quite right that feminism is about empowerment through choice, and I hope we all live to see the day when all of those choices are given equal respect.