We’ve entered a dismal era when demands for basic social rights equate to “playing the woman card.”
In response to the recent State Press column, “Men, I feel like a woman,” I am a female who is educated enough to scoff at the misinformed notion that my rights are equal to a man’s.
If playing the woman card means working hard to support myself and rejecting sexism on all fronts while maintaining pride in my femininity, then I will play this card until my death with a smile.
There seems to be a whirlwind of confusion associated with the modern definition, or rather interpretation, of feminism.
Aside from the basic concept of equality, feminism teaches that embracing feminine characteristics is acceptable. The modern feminist is not a radical, bra-burning hippie who instigates volatile protests.
The modern feminist can be a businesswoman unafraid to wear high heels to work, or a man who respects consensual sex. I am a modern feminist, because I believe my destiny is as significant as any man’s.
It isn’t predetermined by sexist gender roles.
To suggest that men do not objectify women is comparable to denying the existence of porn, reality TV and every whistle from a car window. This is not a stab at the male sex, and it shouldn’t be confused with inherent sexual attraction — there’s a difference. I recognize that in many instances, objectification goes both ways.
We live in a sex-driven society. Sex sells, and we buy. Almost everything, women in particular, is objectified. The scariest part is that we’ve stopped questioning it.
The column goes on to say: “Feminism is obviously their (men’s) secret plan to make women do more work.”
All Jedi mind trick jokes aside, this insinuates that men are lazy to the point that they fill women’s minds with feminism to alleviate career burdens. I would love to meet these encouraging men.
However, the masters behind decades of this unearthed psychological brainwashing have missed one crucial aspect: equal pay. It must be coincidental.
What if I want to leave the kitchen? On the other hand, what if I don’t?
Feminism isn’t solely staying at home with children or working full-time; it’s the recognition of those possibilities.
It’s the realization that women can choose either of these paths without deterring from self-worth or imposing limitations.
There’s no denying that some ingrained characteristics are inherently female or male. To lose sight of primitive needs in order to make a social statement is not the point. But there’s a lot of wrong in this world that begs to be made right. There are still fragments of female oppression I see every day. That’s why I’ll never laugh at those beloved “make me a sandwich” jokes.
Many people still believe that’s the way relationships should be, and I know too many powerful and inspiring women to take any form of discrimination lightly.
Also, I’ll keep my bra. Thanks.
Reach the columnist at inovak@asu.edu or follow her at @isabellenovak
