Perhaps women, alone, are to blame for the perpetuation of undermining their capabilities; we damn the innate sanctity of being woman by virtue of continuing to play into the wars that pit those who stay home versus those who choose to work. Although there was a time and a place where the voice of woman was unheard, uncounted, disrespected and considered by the corporate world through eyes of sardonic intolerance and near amusement, the essence of being woman or man (for that matter) simply is. Neither requires demonstrative or defensive interpretation and does not necessitate demeaning language to prove value.
No matter what we have chosen to seek in life, each one of us are all of the things we want to be in the now. Our ability to engage, multitask and succeed, whether in the career world or at home, is the inherent truth. We have actually subjugated ourselves by the very nature of engaging in the fight; for while in the process of seeking equality by suggesting that the innately feminine gifts that come from being a housewife and serving our families are somehow not the priceless, unparalleled, truly beautiful gifts of being woman, we have assumed that women who enjoy staying home as nurturers are either brainless, subservient, have succumbed to a lesser role, or made a sacrifice. And for many who do stay home, their attempt to turn every centerpiece and matching outfit into some kind of self-serving statement equally adds to the mire.
Nonsense. To all of it.
Oh, women! Don't perpetuate the untruth and label each other. The raising of children does not subtract from our abilities but rather increases the myriad of things we know, adding critical insight and discernment which indeed can serve to enhance our corporate capacity. The ability to head departments and execute with precision and exactness the powerful roles of acquisition, innovation and creativity does not detract from the measure of our intrinsic womanhood. Nor does it offer commentary and judgment upon our skills in nurturing our own from outside the home.
When all is said and done, the most confident women do not need to strive for public valuation, nor conversely, return judgment while sitting counsel from tables of crayons and story books. Whether we utilize our gifts for social recognition or domestic application, we are one and the same. Discussions to that end leave feminism behind and move into deep-seeded issues of esteem. Confidence does not question, ask, seek or feel compelled to find approval. Confidence already owns its name and moves forward with full possession of its talent and magnifies its make and meaning.
To be female is to be feminist no matter how we move about our lives. To glory in the grace and elegance of our carriage is to be feminine. To run with power and strength, endurance and dedication, is feminine. To calculate, deliberate, resolve, assign, deliver and excel, is feminine. To let ourselves weep until there are no more tears after an overwhelming stretch of serving, nurturing, working and doing, is feminine. To draw in breaths of steel determination and broker no resistance in the pursuit of our goals, is feminine. And all, very much feminist. By the very breath of our creation, we are beings of wisdom, talent, tenacity, intelligence and ability. Let it stand.
There is no definition nor judgment regarding the personal choice it is to enjoy the fruits of home labor or career success. Racism continues because we continue to address its appellation; feminism continues its fight simply upon the competitive culture that remains among women. To end it means to no longer bring it to the discussion table. Period. A transcendental truth is that nothing, no matter what it is or who it is, belongs inside a box to be definitively trapped within undue, unjustified and derogatory dispute.
Ownership is everything. Ownership knows no boundaries. Ownership thrives. Ownership embraces womanhood. Womanhood is what we share. We are women. More than that - we have our own individual names, purpose and ability. So, be woman. Be you.
- This Carman Girl
No comments:
Post a Comment