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Ecopinions:  forfeit femininity?  |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 22 2008 : 12:46:21 PM
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I guess this question has come to mind in light of Hillary Clinton's campaign, but it applies to all of us who strike out into the great, wide world. From entrepreneurs to backpackers, we modern women are staking claim to new territories. So, I wonder, do you think forfeiting femininity helps women achieve lofty goals - whether it be the presidency or mountain tops? Must we tame our curls, speak in baritone voices, wear "sensible" straight-cut suits, and stifle the lush & lovely traits that make us mothers, sisters, lovers, women? Does the adoption of male mannerisms make us more effective? Does it somehow secure our position as "feminists"?
Share your thoughts 
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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catscharm74
outbound
35 Posts
35 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2008 : 9:00:31 PM
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This is always a hard one..hmmm..well, I think, yes even in 2008, there is still a mystique associated with being a powerful woman, whether President of the US or President of her home, I think powerful, strong, intelligent woman are still frowned upon in many ways. It is hard to strike that balance because I think so much more is expected of women. For the most part, we are the caregivers to our children or family and can run a household in check like no one's business but when we try to apply that to a the working world, for some strange reason we are supposed to drop our feminine "quirks" to fit in. I believe in the womanly instinct and I think it has a powerful place in the world. Compassion, quick thinking, inventive, multi-skilled,- just a few of the words I can think of that describe most women I know. I think there is a double standard- dress provacitively, and you are talked about and labeled, dress conservately- you are talked about and labeled. I don't think there is a middle ground.
Cheers,
Heather |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2008 : 1:16:16 PM
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Seems to be the unfortunate truth. I was just reading today that Clinton's ratings sank when she tried putting on a kinder, gentler persona (I think that was around the time of her appearance on Saturday Night Live, but I'm pretty far removed from current political events). I guess, to me, it's a matter of creating your own ground to stand on - whether it's in the middle or someplace else. Women have a pretty good foothold these days, so I think it's time to stop rehashing "feminism" and be ourselves. To wear pink aprons and mudboots, to let our hair down and laugh out loud, to shamelessly reveal our curves--if we want to--and still retain charge of kitchen and country.
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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hikinmama
outthinking
5 Posts
Jen
Florida
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - Mar 31 2008 : 10:26:28 PM
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Jen,
I agree wholeheartedly. Sunglasses on, Curly-Q's in my hair, and mud between my toes...makes me no less ready to tackle the world. I think people long for sincerity. I know it's pretty easy to spot someone who is truely being themselves, I always want to be around them. True people who are comfortable in their own skin, and can sit quietly with their own thoughts...man or woman...shouldn't have to give up anything.
Jen
sweetheart to Harley
mama to 3 beautiful angels...^i^ ^i^ ^i^
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #151 |
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Carrie M
outthinking
3 Posts
Carrie
Argyle
NY
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - Apr 01 2008 : 5:35:18 PM
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Hi Girls-
I must agree with Jen (hikinmama) that I prefer to be with people who are what/who they are. When we try to be anything else it just seems fake and is a turn off. I just love being with sincere people! My midwife/ob/gyn is a wonderful woman who can both wrestle cows and spin yarn then knit it into a sweater. She is so real and so personable. She can take control of a delivery room then coo in the face of a newborn while pampering a new mom. She's wonderful!
I don't see how forfeiting our femininity would help us get any further if it means not being ourselves. What I see in Hillary Clinton is a woman who has grown cold and hard in the face of political pursuits (and a less than fulfilling marriage). I find her difficult to respect much less admire. She has become downright ugly in recent days. I think that detracts more than attracts--politically or personally!
Carrie
Living simply so others can simply live!
Sisterhood Member #147 |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 02 2008 : 12:16:53 PM
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I hear you, girls. Especially being in a new part of the country (again), I find myself on the lookout for like minds. I'll spot somebody across a parking lot and instantly feel a connection because they seem to project who they are effortlessly (unfortunately, there is nothing effortless about H. Clinton).
To quote Linus from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, I'd love "nothing but sincerity - as far as the eye can see!" 
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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Libbie
outstepping
157 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2008 : 10:03:05 PM
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I love this discussion. I so firmly believe that being "womanly" IS where our power, composure and sincerety lie. Certainly, we can succeed in whatever arena we choose, and isn't it wonderful to see a woman BE a real person, a WOMAN wherever she is? What I hear you all saying is that being ourselves is the way to go. It doesn't have much to do with "proving" anything to anyone. It has everything to do with teaching and showing our daughters and other women that what we are is beautiful, strong and valuable...
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2008 : 10:47:12 AM
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So, dare I ask -- what's your take on Hillary, Libbie?
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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Libbie
outstepping
157 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2008 : 11:43:24 AM
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Hmmmmm...I'm not sure. I want so very much to like and respect her, but I'm not really there yet. It's sort of like making yourself fall in love with an incompatible person. I WANT to vote for her, but I don't believe I will - there's just something Big missing. No promises, however.
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2008 : 09:26:37 AM
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Me too. I've pretty much decided to vote green, as "meaningless" as that may render my vote. I want to express my dissatisfaction with the current state of politics, and even though there are some key issues I disagree with (and I'm not sure they aren't all a bunch of dunderheads), green is closest to my comfort zone. Honestly, if Gore would run again, he'd have my vote - period.
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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Elizaray
outspoken
680 Posts
Elizaray
680 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 09:27:45 AM
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I think this is such an interesting topic. I was such a tomboy growing up, but recently have bought more skirts and dresses than pants! I feel more feminine and also- dare I say it- more in control when I where a skirt. It's amazing how people treat a woman in dress or a skirt as opposed to just wearing pants!
Elizaray |
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June Bug
outstepping
75 Posts
Traci
75 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 11:09:04 AM
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| I think it's ALL about being yourself, whatever that may be. Everything else could just be interpreted in any way to any person and really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. TRUST your intuition, like some of you have said, you can feel random connections with people because they are letting their light shine not because of what they are wearing that particular day. It's all just words anyway and why do we have to call it something for it to be real? If a woman has "adopted" male manerisms and she is more successful because of it, maybe the real truth is that she is a strong, well rounded woman who is in touch with her feminine and masculine sides. Just keep it real, get to know yourself, and let it all fly! (which is more than I can say for Hilary)Traci |
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Elizaray
outspoken
680 Posts
Elizaray
680 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 11:12:26 AM
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That's a great point Traci! I really do think it has to do with what we are all comfortable with. I love my skirts...but there is no way you are going to get the pants out of my closet as well! LOL
Elizaray |
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RuralFarmGirl
outbound
25 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2009 : 08:13:03 AM
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I think the best thing is to always bring yourself 100% to the game, I think that if you are a women that balances your "leather & Lace" then that is what you should always be. I think people are to smart and can recognize when someone is trying hard to be something they aren't whether it be the softer side or the tough side that is sometimes called for.I am the type of feminist that doesn't believe that my Power comes from being like a man, but rather by living life as a frontier women embracing all the attributes I was given. No one in my community would be shocked to see me in boots, skirt and apron and getting the job done :)
Sister-hood Coordinator for MaryJanesfarm
"Circumstances made us friends, MaryJanes made us Sisters"
www.farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com
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Alee
outstepping
104 Posts
104 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2009 : 07:27:20 AM
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| Rene- I think that is the key! I think each gender has it's strengths, but I don't want to be like a guy. I want to just be me and strive to be likethe amazing women that coped and overcame obstacles so that I could be here now in this generation! |
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RuralFarmGirl
outbound
25 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2009 : 07:34:43 AM
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Alee~ Well said!
Sister-hood Coordinator for MaryJanesfarm
"Circumstances made us friends, MaryJanes made us Sisters"
www.farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com
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mikesgirl
outbound
37 Posts
Sherri
Elma
Washington
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2009 : 08:55:47 AM
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| I used to wonder this same thing - until I met MaryJane. She is one of the most feminine women I've ever met or seen and look at what she's done with her life. |
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Ecopinions: forfeit femininity? |
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forfeit femininity?
