When the axe came into the forest, the trees said,'the handle is one of us'.
Whilst the handle most certainly did originate from the forest, it returned no longer as just wood but with the potential to wipe out the forest. At the risk of stepping on toes, I cannot help but observe how the 'forest and axe' scenario somehow can allegorically give a glimpse into the world of feminism versus being feminine.
Feminism is 'the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social and economic equality to men'. On the other hand the term 'feminine' refers to qualities or appearances traditionally associated with women, qualities such as prettiness, delicacy, nurturing,kindness,understanding and the list goes on. While the heart of feminism is probably in the right place, it does seem though that the execution of the goal (ie equal rights),if left unchecked, can silently execute femininity. Picture this, if these two terms were human then Feminism would probably be feeding Feminine with one hand while 'gently' strangling her throat with the other hand. Some of the most prominent feminists do come across as very unfeminine and paint feminine qualities as weak.Feminism and being feminine should be complementary. Empower women to flourish in their respective roles.
So,is being feminine slowly becoming replaced by a new form of 'masculine-femininity'? Queen Elizabeth 1 once said, 'I have the heart of a man, not of a woman, and I am not afraid of anything'. Undoubtedly, the term 'masculine' oozes images of strength, power, protection, rippling muscles... On the other end the term 'feminine' probably brings to mind the picture of a pretty flower, sweet and floral scents and soft, pretty colors. One cannot be blamed for thinking that being feminine is therefore assuredly weakness and frailty. This is the lie that some well meaning feminists are slowly using to approach their fellow sisters just as the axe approached the forest. Women were never made to be masculine or to take over the men. They are not rivals. The strength of men does not diminish the strength of women. The two are different and are meant to complement not war against each other.
Women should embrace the strength of their femininity knowing that they can still be who they are even in business and in the corporate world. They do not have to dress like men, try to sound like men or even feel the need to displace the men. Allow the women in your world to be who they are and put the axe head away. Feminism that is not feminine is pretty ugly. Ladies, allow the flower in you to bloom. Don't let it die in the bud.
2 comments:
I LOVE IT!!! For a while now it has bothered me greatly to see many articles out there that "punish" parents for allowing little girls to feel/act like a princess (dressing up, pretend play, calling them princess). Saying that by doing this we are making them weak, dumbing them down and setting them up for failure when they grow up. That instead, we should praise their brains, strength and such....to prepare them to equal men in the "real world". I love that my Mimi is smart, athletic and adventurous....but stopping her from being a princess OR calling her a princess is not an option here. She IS the princess of the Most High and she knows that. She knows her value and that God made her a beautiful girl. We work hard on academics and such, and give due praise to accomplishments in those areas, but the reality is that she IS A GIRL. A girl that is blessed to have a daddy that loves her and cherishes her, and with not knowing what the future holds for her (other men she will encounter in Uni, work place, etc.) she WILL be called OUR PRINCESS and treated like one in our home. With the hope that she will be an outstading example of what the Lord intended her to be, at home, in the work place, in the world.
I love your blogs friend!
T Bozovich
Thanks T! Smart, athletic, adventurous, beautiful Princess Mimi, Daughter of The Most High King...love that!!
Post a Comment