So from the title of my blog you may have got the idea that I’m a bit of a feminist. Now I hesitate at the word due to all the bad stereotypes it brings up, so for the record here is the dictionary definition for feminist (or rather for the word feminism).
Feminism: The doctrine — and the political movement based on it — that women should have the same economic, social, and political rights as men.
Not the scary women you see on T.V and in movies who race after any male (or any offending male in their minds) with baseball bats/clubs/crow bars etc.
Although truth be told I may have a little of that craving at a certain time of the month…. But I’m assured by many females that this is normal. Something to do with ‘no time for idiots’ *grin*. Anyway! Back to the topic.
I believe in equal rights. For ANYONE and to be honest I’d like it for animals too. The likelihood of that is slim but I am a staunch believer in animals rights. Just because we can’t speak their language, doesn’t mean they’re dumb.
When it came to my story I wanted to write a book that I could imagine inspiring me as a teenager. Not because it’s YA (it isn’t) but because what we read/watch as teens influences us so much. As a teenage I shunned Melrose Place
And I guess that’s what I hope my book might be able to do. I’m all for meeting your soul-mate (met mine at 18 – so not planned! 25 would have given me much more time to do naughty things *sigh*).
But I don’t understand why that should change you as a person into a weaker, needier version. This is what frustrates me so often when reading and watching Fantasy because they love to do that to the female lead. One minute she’s headstrong I can do anything then she meets her ‘soulmate’ and turns into a pathetic whimpering needy mess. Your actual soul-mate is someone who is your equal that compliments you.
I’d really love my book to inspire girls/women/anyone to be strong and independent.
You can still do this and have love, I do!
I think what many people don’t recognise is that there’s a huge difference between an independent person and a selfish person. For some reason they frequently get lumped together.
Okay rave over *grin*
Well, first of all i would like to congratulate you on completing your novel. Well, hats off to you for standing up for the women's independence. well, it will be glad if you can inspire some pampered girls who run after handsome and rich guys whom they feel can afford to meet their expenses, travels and shopping. Well, thats a kind of bad habit that is prevalent amongst many girls. Please don't feel offended. Without reforming such girls into more independent outlook, this system wont change.
Amen to that! My mom used to watch a lot of soap operas and I just couldn't wrap my head around the phrase "I can't live without you" for similar reasons you mention above. That doesn't sound like love to me, that sounds more like co-dependency. It might seem like a lovely, romantic thing to say but do you REALLY want to be with a guy/girl like that?
Love your post. I think modern society has equality pretty well established. Woman in that setting tend to display their superiority. It is my humble opinion, that women are superior to men in a few important ways. First of all, they tend to be more intelligent. Now a days, more undergrad and graduate degrees are going to them is one example of this. Secondly, they are better decision makers. They tend to be able to calmly consider factors that are blurred out by men. Thirdly, they are conciliatory. This makes them better leaders.
In an equal society, I believe the superiority of women becomes clear. There are several discussions about it on my blog in the “Matriarchy” section.
Now, as to an egalitarian relationship, for some it works. Most of the time, it is better if a relationship not be a 50-50 split. For many reasons, it is better for one person to be the overt leader and the other understood to follow. In my marriage, I am subservient. My wife leads. For us the dynamic we adopted is a little further then just that. We follow something called a Wife Led Marriage (WLM) dynamic. For us it works really well.
Your blog my friend is very inspirational all on it's own so I have a feeling that you'll be inspiring teens for years to come. I love your take on the whole feminist part too, not the overally crazy way just the normal woman way, with that I'm in full agreement.
I have to say I think you'll love the books I work on, because even in my current novel I do have a love interest, and they are young but she wants more out of life, not only does she want love but she wants life, adventure and a way to learn about herself, being trapped in a place she never wanted she busts out for adventure and later falls in love, but on her grounds and no one elses, I think that's inspirational!
Oh wow! I so agree!! I never call myself a feminist because of the implications people put on it, but I can't stand the idea that women are weak. Having kids only strengthens that view for me. Few men could actually juggle everything a woman does.
My husband – then boyfriend – hated that I wouldn't say I needed him when we were dating. He'd say it to me, and I'd be so unromantic because I wouldn't say it back. "I want you. I want to be with you more than anything, but if you left me, I'd survive." After 16 years I can say I don't always feel like I'd survive without him, but I know I would. 🙂
Kudos to you for writing a strong character!
I know exactly what you mean! By the dictionary definition, I'd definitely be a feminist too, but like Heidi points out above, I wouldn't call myself one because of the ridiculously exaggeration reputation attached to the word now.
Great post, and may the true feminism live on, haha! 🙂
Thank you for posting this! I feel almost exactly the same way – only that I'd approach it from the other direction. I don't count myself as a feminist, but in effect (at least according to the definition) I certainly am. I believe that the work put down by many great women and men over the years to ensure equality is absolutely wonderful, and inspiring and necessary for the development our world has gone through.
However, living in a country like Norway, where we for the most part have equal rights (though there remains some de facto differences, such as wages) I believe that there are other issues, both domestically and internationally that deserves more attention than women's rights. Actually, women's rights in other parts of the world deserves more attention than women's rights in Norway (in my opinion, but I know people who would fight me on this). Because of my view on this, then, I don't see myself as a feminist.
That being said I couldn't agree more with you on the inspiration part. There are so many fantastic young women out there with terrible self-esteem. I believe one key to battle this is good, female role models. It makes me happy that you have made a conscious decision to create one 🙂
And – I have been doing most of my blog reading in Google Reader lately, so I wouldn't know when exactly the look of this blog changed, but it looks absolutely gorgeous!
Amen! Women should only be with men who see them as equals. If not, trouble's going to brew any day now…
I like the new look of your blog!
I always try to write strong female leads that stay strong, or even get stronger as the book goes on. Great post!
YAY!! So glad you all 'got' my post *grin*
@Nithin – thanks 🙂 and I'm very hard to offend so never be concerned about that. I love honesty! Ad welcome to my blog 🙂 Had a peek at yours, the current post (cartoons) made my eyebrows shoot up *giggle*
@Vicki, Heidi, Sangu & Amanda – Glad you agree 😉 *grin*
@Jen – I will have to get my hands on some 🙂
@Cruella – I agree with other areas of the world needing help for women. Am horrified by some of the Eastern cultures attitude to women. And thanks! I now love the new look too 🙂
Nicole, this is exactly right! I think you have nailed the true feminist in all of us! I feel the same and i think from the comments so do most of your followers.
Heroines who bow down to their hero counterparts in books just bore me and i end up putting them down, so definately writing that strong female lead is a plus and a must!
@ SH – sorry for missing you out in my mass reply! Was very unintentional. Love your reply and off now to read those posts you mentioned – any one who thinks females are superior is in my good books ;p specially at this time of the month *hee*