At its core, feminism is about empowering women through choice. It’s about our right to have choice. And to not take that for granted. In modern society, the offshoot is women having careers that may or may not take them away from their traditonal household roles, or perhaps staying single or marrying later, if they opt to marry at all.
The point is that it’s about realizing your own potential and worth outside of anyone else or a pre-existing context. It’s about sense of self. Betty Friedan gave that voice to so many women feeling that same sense of isolation and lack of fulfillment.
I argued with my father earlier today about Ms. Friedan. It’s what we do, my dad and I. We often don’t see eye-to-eye on feminist or social issues, but even so, I learn a lot from him at times when I least expect it. He was right in asserting that as social creatures, we can’t exist outside of our cultures. By definition, we are products of them and yet we are born with our own minds and with a certain self-determination.
Let’s face it: as long as a I have a mind of my own, I’m going to express my ideas. But, I’m also thankful to those like Friedan who paved the way for woman to exercise those liberties. Although, admittedly what I admire most about Friedan was her disposition. She was irreverent and saucy and made no apologies for who she was.
Mostly though I’m thankful to my mom. Just because all theorists aside, she was the best role model I could have asked for.
Article comments
1 - Lisa McKay
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.
2 - Beth
"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 :)
3 - sr
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.
4 - Beth
:) 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.
5 - sr
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
6 - Scott Butki
Well, I'll be #6. Does that help?
Good piece, Beth.
7 - sr
Thanks Scott. Have a great weekend. sr
8 - Scott Butki
You're welcome. You too