I have always thought of myself as somewhat of a feminist.
Being from the south, I was raised in church that preached women are to be
submissive. We are to find a man, pop out babies and take care of the home. I
was shamed for wanting a career because I was supposed to stay home and take
care of my children. A good ol’ southern homemaker life was not for me. From a
young age, I have been independent and living that type of life isn’t something
I ever wanted. I always dreamed of having a career and family and there is
nothing wrong with that. I don’t love my children any less. Because of my
teachings as a child, I have raised my boys to see women as strong and capable.
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| My hard working mother |
Growing up, I had great parents. My dad was hard working and
very loving. My mother was hard working and strong. Having her as a role model
is one of the reasons I have developed this view of women. My mom was never a
sit down and knit kind of mom. She was always out using a weed eater and lawn
mower right along with the men in our neighborhood. My mom never hesitated when
something needed done that was “man’s work”, she got it done. I remember my mom
working and being an equal partner with my father. Seeing this as a young girl
was profound and helped me to grow up knowing that I could do the same things a
man could do.
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| My hard working father |
Skip ahead several years into adulthood, I landed myself in
a marriage with a man who did not hold the same view, he saw himself as
greater. No matter how much I did, I was never as good as a man. I don’t
completely blame him; his father and millions of other men for hundreds of
years have believed the same thing. I am not complaining because honestly this
is how it is for a lot of women. I think throughout history we have fought and
will continue to fight the patriarchal society we live in. We have come a long
way, but we are naive to think we are viewed as equal. In America, we are
luckier than some other countries, but that doesn’t mean we should be satisfied
with our place.
So, with today being International Women’s Day I want to
honor all women, everywhere. No matter your age, where you live, relationship
status, or sexual orientation; you are incredible! You are born with amazing
strength and grace and the ability to persevere. You are worthy of celebration
and love.
