Becoming A Feminist Analysis

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I haven’t always identified as a feminist, I previously conflated feminism with misandry, and that prevented me from embracing the term. After researching the topic, I realized it was about the equity of the sexes and any political or social actions based upon that belief. I realized I desired to become a feminist, but I wasn’t sure how to as the only approximation I had of what a feminist should be were solely based upon stereotypes. Need I stop shaving and throw away my bras? Should I become an extrovert? I have decided being a feminist woman consists of knowing yourself, being excepting of individual differences and practicing female solidarity. No one can tell you how to identify. For example, I remember being in middle school when …show more content…
What’s empowering to women a skirt or jeans? Mohawk or hijab? Monogamy or polyamory? I have decided all of these edify or oppress depending on the context. We should all be able our authentic self as long as it’s not subjugating others. In another essay, The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House, Audre Lorde theorizes “Difference want not merely tolerated, but seen as a fund of necessary polarities between which our creativity can spark like a dialectic. Only then does the necessity for interdependency become unthreatening” (page number). Diversity is crucial, it’s not just blithe, politically correct, drivel, but as an evolutionary imperative of our species. We have spread all over the world with various cultures and customs, we migrate, advance ideas and technologies. Innumerable ideas allow us to replace our antiquated ideas, while preserving those essential to …show more content…
And I cannot afford to choose between the fronts upon which I must battle these forces of discrimination, wherever they appear to destroy me. And when they appear to destroy me, it will not be long before they appear to destroy you.
Collectively, all humans have a stake in this, as the same forces that are sexist are homophobic or who are racist are intolerant of varying religions. It’s paramount to know ourselves and each other, so we can learn from each other and protect each other from the people who will not. It concerns genuine respect, and learning to discuss our differences in a civil manner. On a personal note, feminism is enabling me to realize that my relationship with my husband isn’t egalitarian, and it’s giving tools to either repair or abandon the relationship before it destroys me. I have been conditioned to expect controlling behavior from him, and asking for a greater autonomy feels selfish or inappropriate. Reading and listening to other women’s stories enables myself to view several potential solutions, and learn what may or may not be beneficial to my own situation. It would also be hypocritical to remain in my situation indefinitely, because if I observed others in a similar situation, I would be advocating for him or her to alter the relationship. The push and pull of my conditioning and my emerging self is agonizing, but it may also be birthing pains
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