Radical feminism would be the philosophy that women are superior to men, or simply do not view men in any good light whatsoever. Some radical feminists discourage women from marrying, viewing it as deliterous for the woman.
I don't agree or adhere to those sentiments at all. That is the whole issue with who is better/stronger/smarter. Neither. As has been pointed out in so many threads, we are different. We should be treating each other equally. That is my point. I see no reason not to treat another adult as an equal.
No matter what my personal views on cheating are (based upon my experiences with my father), I know and understand that men and women cheat. I don't hold cheating spouses in high regard. But that has nothing to do with wanting equality.
I think marriage is wonderful. I much prefer having someone to love, to cuddle with, to plan with, to look forward to the future with, to think about growing old with, etc. than without. I married a wonderful man. I think the planets were in alignment when we met. He is a wonderful, kind, thoughtful man. Believe it or not, my boyfriend in college was a sweetheart also.
My father was a jerk. I heard that from my mother for years. I know he was not perfect, however, my mother made things at home difficult with all or nothing dictates. I simply could not believe that all men were jerks. My mom seemed bitter and unwilling to see the brightside to life and also unwilling to give a little in any relationship. I learned early that to give you get back. Mostly.
I was married to an abuser. That didn't stop me from trying again. Overall, my boyfriends were good guys. I have no reason to hate all men.
Equality means listening to my opinions and debating; not just saying "your an idiot, you don't know what you are talking about" simply because I am a woman. It means paying me equally for the same job; if I have the same qualifications. Equality means interviewing me for that job you thought only a man could do. Equality means letting me go to college if I want to. Even if I am going to end up "barefoot and pregnant". Whose to say I won't have to support those children in a few years?
I worked in a warehouse right out of college. I was the only female. The first female. I ended up being the union steward in a shop that was run by the carpenters union. I learned how to do the job, I busted my ass and I did the job as well as the men. I finally got equal pay. For the first and last time. After 3 1/2 years I ended up *moving up* into the office and using my *degree*. I would get paid less, but have more opportunites. Right. Wrong. I should have stayed in the shop. Between moving around the country for the last 15 years following my husbands career, I would have been much more employable as a carpenter!! I would have made alot more money also. Live and learn.
I think the mindset of people who have been in an org like the JWs leaves many lingering thoughts that are hard to break. Many of those have to do with women in subjection, women are not as important, etc. I hope the internet will open people's eyes to the world and let them see that we (women) are not out to take over the world. Just be fair and treat us the same.
