Everyday Feminist (and I’m a Mormon)

Intro (possibly): Feminism. How does this word make you feel? Does it make you feel threatened? Inspired? Annoyed? Wary? Empowered? Are you compelled to learn more or do you want to stay as far away from it as you possibly can? Considering the size and diversity of this global movement, it’s easy to lump the whole enchilada into one big, ugly, man-hating mess. I know I did that, for years.

Possible points:

• I love and sustain the leaders of the Church, but I’ve wondered (plenty of times), why aren’t there more women up there on the stands?
• 2 + 2 = 4, but 3 + 1 = 4
  • “Equal” doesn’t have to mean “the same.”
  • Men and women have different roles.
• What are our roles?
  • Women “nurture,” men “preside” – that tends to freak people out.
  • “Preside” means be in the position of authority in a meeting or gathering. It doesn’t mean the father is the sole contributor in the family, or that he has the final word.
  • Father’s hold the family together like bread in a sandwich, and the mother is is the peanut butter. Then you add bananas and honey and chocolate chips to make the sandwich even more delicious.
  • Nowhere does the Church preach that a woman’s role is to be a slave to man. In fact, in a recent talk by President Nelson, he states (as others have before him) that men and women should be equal partners.
• Unfortunately, this world has a gross history of men, who are, generally speaking, the physically stronger sex, taking advantage of women and treating us like we’re weaker and less intelligent.
  • And plenty of women have taken part in this mentality as well! (Note the 1963 book “Fascinating Womanhood,” which literally advises girls to keep their opinions to themselves for fear of damaging their spouse’s fragile masculinity.)
• If we’re threatened by the priesthood, we’re all misinterpreting its purpose. Men should NEVER claim that the Priesthood gives them the authority to do whatever they want in a familial setting.
• I am appalled by girls who come to college as a means of passing the time until they can get married. Education is just as important for women as it is for men. You may not end up being the primary breadwinner for your family, but if you think that being a mom is a free pass, think again.
  • My friend once confided in me that she wanted to develop her talents and pursue a career, but she was torn because being a mom would give her a chance to “read.” Really? Read?
  • As D&C 88 instructs, “seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” Nowhere does it specify that this only goes for men.
  • I am dedicated to developing my talents, to taking advantage of whatever opportunities come my way, and to progressing individually as well as in my relationships.
• “Independent” doesn’t automatically mean “career woman,” just as being devoted to one’s family doesn’t mean that someone is not independent.
  • You don’t have to be good at everything, but the Lord has given us talents for a reason, and I can promise you they reach far beyond doing someone else’s laundry. We are a family-centered people, and we should be, but don’t see your personal endeavors as unimportant or unnecessary.