Full circle
Betty Friedan died Saturday on her 85th birthday. She was a champion of equal rights for women, and she was a personal hero of mine. Since I started my business a year ago, I've often thought of Friedan as I've struggled to reconcile my identity as a feminist with the reality of my life. I've wondered about my choice to stay home and raise children; I've questioned my own complicity in perpetuating stereotypes about women's work. I always come back to the same question: "What would Betty think?"
Like me, Betty was a Smithie; like Betty, I am a feminist. Her life's work has made my own life possible. She has left me her legacy of a more equal society, and I am determined not to squander my inheritance.
Like me, Betty was a Smithie; like Betty, I am a feminist. Her life's work has made my own life possible. She has left me her legacy of a more equal society, and I am determined not to squander my inheritance.
posted by Clementine at 7:54 PM
5 Comments:
Silly AJPP, the point of the whole movement is that women can do what they want. If you're doing what you want, and not what someone's making you do, then it's all good. Even if it involves snot-nosed kids. ;)
There was a great tribute to her on NPR this morning, by a woman who knew her, and the last few minutes of it were amazingly in tune with part of the conversation Petunia and I had last night, about who and what makes up your family...if y'all didn't hear it, find it online and listen to it.
Thanks, PK. We heard NPR's interview with Eleanor Smeal yesterday morning, and it made me cry. On Saturday we lost such a powerful voice for women's equality.
Janey, I know that freedom of choice is feminism's legacy to us. Starting my business was my own choice and I love the work I do, but sometimes I wonder if I should be working on a broader level to promote social justice. I owe so much to women who came before me, and I'm not sure I'm paying my debt. Do you know what I mean?
I guess I know what you mean but you're life also isn't over yet so who knows what else you might do? Besides, being an example to the kids is important too. I just don't like anyone to feel down on themselves for not changing the world. One of my mom's favorite sayings is "I can't change the world, but I can change the world for one person."
I have thought alot about this because I know you drew lots from her writings, especially as your life has taken on a more domestic turn. I am sure Betty would think highly of the work you do now and how you are giving the children in your care an opportunity to not only explore who they are free of traditional gender stereotypes and roles. Boys paint with pink; girls play with trucks. This is the most grass roots work I can think of. Changing minds from the begining of cognition.
JPP's mom is right, "I can't change the world, but I can change the world for one person." And you, my dear AJWP, are doing just that. You are changing the world for four children.
At my work, we talk about gender role stereotyping but not much is done about it. My coworkers pick out girl toys for girls and boy toys for boys. They pick out red and blue quilts for boys and pink and purple ones for girls. I have brought up the topic many times and now get not much more than a look. How sad that these women continue to buy into the roles and stereotypes that Betty began to explore, expose, and disband. The world needs more people like you, AJWP. You rock.
Betty would approve, I am sure.
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