My post is similar to Tuesday's post, which was excellent by the way. Before resting the topic I just want to approach this one last aspect of the issue of women, feminism and the LDS culture.
One of my teachers once said, "Thank goodness for feminism." She explained how so many of the privileges and rights that we have today came from feminism. Women spoke up and voiced that men weren't being fair in what they stated was "liberty and justice for all." While there were many men who were good and kind, obviously there was a legitimacy to their cause as they faced a significant amount of persecution and hostility from men as they asked for the vote and liberties that know enable us to own land without question and to receive an education without as much difficulty.
Today there are extremists who seem to speak for everyone, and while there are radicals who take sexual freedom too far, there are feminists who fight against pornography and the degradation of women. Some might argue that pornography or liberty don't fall under the category of feminism, but why should they be separated?
And why should motherhood be separated from feminism? If we exclude motherhood and femininity from feminism, then we are creating an environment of "us" vs. "them," which alienates us from each other. I feel that fighting against radical feminists creates a harmful dichotomy that prevents us from working together to help things improve. Being in the world but not of the world, doesn't mean that we cut ourselves off from the world and others who have diverse perspectives.
I don't agree with many of the ideas of the Ordain Women campaign, but I don't think that there should be such tension and hostility towards the women who do believe in that cause. I understand the passion and frustration that comes from people acting in a way that we don't agree with, but we need to be careful that we don't begin to feel or act in hatred towards Heavenly Father's children, who in reality, are searching for truth. We can civilly and lovingly share our concerns and ideas without becoming irate, and I think there will be many solutions found when we approach difficult situations with that attitude.
I keep thinking about Moroni 7, because I really do believe that the way to find peace is to practice faith, hope, charity and the pure love of Christ. As President Monson has said at the close of the past few conferences, "May your homes be filled with love and courtesy and with the Spirit of the Lord . . . May we show increased kindness toward one another, and may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord".
This post was mostly a thought exploration, I apologize if any of the points seem underdeveloped, but I hope that the point comes across and that you can find something in it that is beneficial.
This post was mostly a thought exploration, I apologize if any of the points seem underdeveloped, but I hope that the point comes across and that you can find something in it that is beneficial.
Illustration and Article by Normandie Luscher
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