on feminism

L'Etoile by Egar Degas

Since this morning I began to ponder on "The personal is political," which can be considered as the catchphrase of the feminist movement. I thought that my current break time was opportune to let my brain pass gas (lol). Feminism can be expressed and advocated in various ways--through one's lifestyle or through blatant protest.  My interpretation of feminism is precisely "the personal is political." Oftentimes, feminism tends to highlight the double standards that separate men from women. I tend to focus on feminism as the enhancement and celebration of other women apart from myself. 

Let's face it--women are inherently competitive with each other. That is something I've always recognized. My take on feminism is to enhance other women--to be the anti-crab mentality advocate. I read the recent issue of Fashion magazine with Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau on the cover. The issue celebrates feminism and how it can be achieved by uplifting fellow women--espousing "common goodness" as Gregoire-Trudeau stated.  

Women are definitely more hormonal than men--physiologically speaking. And the combination of external environment, personal predicaments, etc. molds the modern day hormonal woman. I know that, because I have PCOS and have a hormonal imbalance. I've always practised "mind over matter" and probably almost mastered a homeostatic emotional state. Like removing my consciousness and laying it outside myself as an objective observer while I make sense of the specimen that is--myself. I know, it's a ridiculous thing to imagine but I find it to be an effective coping mechanism. 

Of course, there are extreme provocations that can cause me to implode/explode (whichever spontaneously occurs) and my husband has been a solid support. I had to ask him again last night what he sees in me and he would just laugh. I now brand him as a feminist...with a weird taste in women. Exhibit A: yours truly.

I also think that a woman who is also a feminist is considerate of everyone. Everyone wants to be valued. Whether it be family, friends, acquaintances, strangers... Manifesting an air of "yes, you matter and I will listen to you" is very empowering. When you value others, you feel a sense of fulfillment. When that happens, you enhance your life. You enhance your womanhood.