Feminism: Viewpoints from 2 generations

[Veronica]

We Should All Be Feminists

What feminism means to me: Advocating for equality of genders

In this digital age with vast information at the tip of our fingers, the new generation seems to be more politically active & aware. I hope it wouldn't be too far off to say that majority of young girls support the equality of genders. It would be the majority opinion, to which naturally people would follow. Yet, how many people can contest why they believe in this?

"A man is as likely as a woman to be intelligent, innovative, creative."

Adichie highlights an important thought in her essay: In this world we're in, the more intelligent, knowledgeable, creative etc is the better qualified person to lead. Whereas in old times, physical strength was emphasised for survival. So why are males still pictured as the superior race?

Adichie uses personal and incredibly powerful examples to support her ideas as to why we should act to correct the misogynistic values in society. I think one of the issues she raises in her essay that spoke to me was that one of Adichie's friends wouldn't speak up against her boss because she didn't want to seem aggressive. It seems to be a common idea that women cannot be angry, aggressive or tough, whilst men would be excused or praised for such behaviour. I strongly encourage women to be more outspoken, and not accept mistreatment in any situation (unless they may be in physical danger).

I hope that by raising this issue and debating it with people who have different views can bring us closer to fairer society. Remember to listen to what other people have to say and try to understand their reasoning. Don't just disregard them as dumb or uneducated. Talk to them. Explain your view on the issue, and listen to their views with respect. We can only move forward if we talk about it.

[Veronica]

My mums take on this essay:

In Hong Kong, it is a common sight to see both parents working. Living in a city with a high cost of living, majority of the families cannot live on the income of one parent. Henceforth, it is a norm for women to work too. In Nigeria (where Adichie grew up), perhaps things were different. The responsibility and expectation of women are probably very different to what it is in Hong Kong. So maybe there isn't as strong of a need to advocate for women's rights here as to in Nigeria. However, there are some issues to which I can wholeheartedly agree: that is the subject of housewives.

In my mother's generation, it was a woman's responsibility to clean, raise the kids, cook etc. This mindset flowed into my generation, in which our parents and husbands expected us to do all these things. If the house wasn't clean to the guests' standards, it would be blamed on the wife; if the children were not raised well mannered, it would be blamed on the wife. Yet, the husband is also part of the family. He is fully capable of helping clean, cook, and raise the children. It should be a shared responsibility, instead of it being solely a woman's job. Instead, thousands of women had to give up their job aspirations to take care of the family. What a shame. How much further our society could have developed if bright women did not have to give up their careers.

On the topic of housework, Adichie highlights the issue that women do the cooking as part of their housework duties, yet all the famous chef's in the world are men. I think that is because cooking is seen as a chore to women, whilst men think of it as a career.

A point I disagree with Adichie is her take on the importance of clothing. Adichie says that she is not taken as seriously if she was to wear a girly skirt instead of a manly suit. I think that it doesn't matter what you wear as long as you are confident and have a strong argument. You can win respect with the things you say, rather than how you dress.

Veronica: I disagree with my mum when she says this. I think clothing does play a role in respect. I took the example of a Chinese teacher who went to class in a suit instead of a dress (which most female teachers preferred). She was taken more seriously and the students in her class were definitely way more obedient. Compared to a teacher who shows up in skirts and casual tops, the suit teacher would be better respected. Although, I do agree that if your argument is well structured and delivered you will be respected but outfits do play a role.