Thursday, October 1, 2015

I Can Only Like You If You Are EXACTLY Like Me

(I couldn't find a cool cartoon or graphic about feminism and stereotypes that wasn't offensive or polarizing.
So instead, let me introduce you to our new puppy Griffin)

Important Caveat: This is not a post about the Presidential candidates, their views or feminism :-)

We like to pat ourselves on the back that we live in a society where you can be exactly who you want to be, can smash any stereotype, and can still do important and wonderful stuff for the world.  As a society we are all about empowering, unless you hold views that "we" don't agree with.

So it was with some amusement that I read a recent NY times article, Liberal Feminists Ponder Friends, Foes and Carly Fiorina.  The article interviews a number of folks that LOVE how Ms Fiorina held her own during the recent Republican Presidential debate, but are thrown into a complete tailspin because Ms Fiorina has conservative views on issues that liberal feminists care about.

If you read the article, it's clear that in order to really, truly be a feminist, you have to hold certain views on other issues.  I am a believer in equity for women, as I have said many times on this blog, diverse teams are stronger. But I am more conservative on other issues.  Does this mean I don't qualify as a supporter of equal opportunity?

This isn't the only time I have had a conundrum like this.  I chafe against the notion that I should believe or act certain ways just because of where I live, what I do for a living, or my family status.

Does this frustrate you too, or just me?

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