Macho Jesus

The readings for my Feminist Theories class is giving me some much-needed background on feminism. Most of the students are so much further along in their studies of feminism than I am, but I am excited to learn from everyone. In learning about Classical Liberal Feminism, and Radical Feminism (both Libertarian and Cultural), I  find myself both agreeing and disagreeing with so many different concepts. I have wanted to find a particular theory or niche that fit my own ideas...but I'm not sure how possible that is. As I understand it, that is probably a good thing. While I love to embrace and define my own labels to empower myself, I do not like the limiting nature of them.

Prior to enrolling in this class, if I were asked to describe one reason I consider myself a Feminist I would say that I hate gender roles. Gender stereotypes are very intimately tied with this, but specifically, it is gender roles that upset me. In fact, as of late I've noticed that as a segway into a question or comment my husband might have about my opinions, he'll poke my arm and say, "So, you're all about not having gender roles...so what do you think about this..."

So, of course, right away, I take to this idea I'm reading that Radical Libertarian Feminists have as the solution to the gender role problem: androgyny. That's right, I identify with the radicals. They reason that if it is harmful for men and women to feel pressured to only, or primarily, express their gender-specific characteristics, than we should "permit" and encourage them to exhibit a full range of characteristics. I think in a large sense we do expect and desire androgyny, as we encourage both our little girls and boys to be cooperative ("play nice") and independent ("why don't you do it yourself?") We desire everyone to be kind and respectful, and brave and assertive, don't we? I genuinely think most of us do, but the truth is there are messages coming from every direction that enforce specific and limiting gender roles and stereotypes all the same. Many of these messages are subtle, others are deliberately overt. Often times, they are welcomed.

During the lecture I attended on God and gender, Dr. Shaw mentioned that theology often reinforces gender roles and stereotypes, despite the discrimination and difficulties members face in trying to conform. She even mentioned a bizarre trend to make Christianity appeal more to men, since there are fewer men that are active in the faith. She called this the "Macho Jesus" trend. I thought it was pretty hilarious, so I had to look this up to see what I could find. Apparently, the paintings of artist Stephen Sawyer are a large part of the Macho Jesus campaign. I guess they depict what Sawyer feels Jesus might look like in today's world.

Apparently, Jesus would be a boxer??!!

Hmm, I struggle to see how the compassionate life and portrait of Jesus is more off-putting than imagining Jesus giving someone a black eye. Just...seriously??

As I see it, Jesus is actually the supreme role model for an androgynous character. He was strong, commanding, courageous, blunt, and unyielding (generally traits associated with the Masculine), while he was also full of love, compassion, meekness, forgiveness, and had a deep desire to heal and nurture (generally traits associated with the Feminine). This is the kind of character each Christian, male and female, should be developing, not a culturally painted portrait that conforms to a small picture of masculinity or femininity.

However, as much as I feel swayed by androgyny, I still believe that there are at least far-reaching biological, if not social differences between women and men. Liberal Cultural Feminists oppose androgyny for this reason, and furthermore believe that the problem lies in the fact that feminine traits are simply valued less in our society, and this needs to change. I believe that both of these ideas are true. I think that all good characteristics should receive equal value by society. Even if one sex may tend to exhibit a particular trait in more abundance than the other, this should not limit the set of characteristics a person decides to value as part of her or his own individual identity. Furthermore, society should not criticize an individual's choice, or right to choose.

Do you feel limited by the gender roles and stereotypes you've been exposed to, and what has been your response to those feelings?      

Breaking the Chain

Today I attended a lecture on campus titled, "Examining the Maleness of God and Other Patriarchal Traditions from a Feminist Perspective," by Dr. Susan Shaw. This subject has been of quite a bit of interest to me lately as I've been reflecting on my religious views through the lens of feminism. I wrote a lot of information down, but the lecture didn't really impress me very much. There were a few ideas that got me thinking, though.

Shaw mentioned briefly something called the hierarchical binary that exists in (Western) theology, where two related terms with opposite meanings are compared, and classed according to superiority. The most prominent in my mind being  the comparison of spirit/body (or in nonreligious discussions, mind/body).

In considering the spirit/body or mind/body binary, I thought about some of our (Western) history in religion and philosophy. In religious texts, we receive instruction to nurture and strengthen our spiritual nature, and control our bodily desires (as they stand directly opposed to our spirit). Similarly, the Age of the Enlightenment in the 18th century was all about the superiority of reason over any other human trait. Both what is understood to be the spirit and our power to reason were, essentially, immaterial. As a result, cultivating a connection with our bodies and with nature were not as important as our spiritual well-being, and our intellect. In consequence, individuals who were not as privileged to participate in the dominant religious and intellectual pursuits of the times, and who were more focused on the demands of physical, and domestic labor, were most likely seen as less important to the function of society as a whole.

I mentioned the book A Lesson Before Dying in a recent post, that involves the necessity of defining what makes someone a man (or woman). In a critical evaluation of the novel, our class talked about what is called the Great Chain of Being. It was basically a metaphor for a pattern created to determine the value of each life. Supposedly, being at the bottom of the Chain necessitated being the most susceptible to corruption. Spirit ruled matter; human ruled animal; god ruled human, and so on. In short, life was ordered according to its godlike similarities. Those individuals who were seen as more in touch with nature, emotion, femininity, or impulse, were seen as less divine in nature. This view rationalized the subjugation of racial minorities, and women.

I still believe that many modernly-conceived notions of feminine traits would be viewed as inferior when compared to related  notions of male traits (such as in a binary model). I also believe that men still hold more authority in the religious and intellectual realms than women. It is still going to take a lot more strength and awareness to break this archaic Great Chain of Being and view humanity as equals. For me, breaking the Chain also includes the consistent acknowledgement that there is equality in the Divine, and that directly beside God, My Father is God, My Mother.

In what other ways might insistently over-focusing on 'spirit' or 'reason' be a detrimental life view?  

Descending into the Labyrinth

This post is taken from my journal entry, written on Nov. 2, 2011. As opposed to the image of the angry feminist stereotype, here it is pretty apparent that I was feeling lonely and fearful, but determined. I think that being able to share my thoughts and have a community that welcomes their expression is already so helpful for me. Thanks for reading. 

Something is beginning. Something of great significance. For some time now my passion and intellect have focused on the perspectives and life experiences of Feminist women. Their strength, courage, and pain is fascinating to me. It rattles cages inside me and enlivens me. It surfaces pain and deep desire for bravery and civil disobedience to awaken inside me, and heal me. I am on a Feminist journey. I am willing to encounter and conquer the probable incidents of loneliness, confusion, betrayal, and opposition that will occur. I am afraid. But I know I must go on, and go confidently. I have myself to become.

I am currently reading the experiences of Sue Munk Kidd in her book, The Dance of the Dissident Daughter. She describes a few metaphors for her awakening to the Divine Feminine. The comparison that best appeals to me and my journey is the myth of Ariadne. She was the daughter of King Minos, the king of Crete. King Minos was pretty tyrannical and evil. He had a labyrinth beneath his palace that housed a monster (half-man, half-bull) called the Minotaur. Ariadne was placed in charge of this labyrinth. Every 9 years, the king demanded that seven young men and seven young women of Athens be sent down into the labyrinth to feed to the Minotaur (as punishment for the death of his son). The hero, Theseus, decides to end this injustice, and kill the Minotaur. Ariadne, very much in love, desires to help him.

Ariadne gives Theseus thread to weave through the labyrinth in order for him to easily find his way out after slaying the monster. In exchange, Ariadne wants to go with Theseus, and leave behind her father's kingdom and her current life. After their goal is accomplished they do sail away together, and then Theseus abandons Ariadne on the island Naxos.

Kidd compares King Minos to the institution of patriarchy. The Minotaur, believed anciently to be the spirit of King Minos himself, is described this way:

"In the female psyche the Minotaur represents negative, uncivilized (beastly), masculine power - that part of the old king driven underground. In other words, the Minotaur is the bullish, bullying, bulldozing force of patriarchy internalized in the cellar of a women's psyche. It is a presence that works invisibly, hampering, limiting, driving, even destroying a women's inner and outer life."

Theseus represents the external source a woman uses to escape patriarchy, and destroy the harm it has caused her internally. Ironically, many times, Kidd asserts, this role in a women's life goes to a man. Perhaps many women don't realize that they are expecting or hoping for others to face the Minotaur for them. I can see that in myself. I want the courage to go in myself, face the monsters inside that have crippled me, and come back out a new woman.

Sue Monk Kidd relates that an ancient Feminist ritual for women was to carry thread through a labyrinth, and then once they reached the center, they would used the thread to guide their way out. In this ritual, the labyrinth represented a woman's womb, and the thread represented life-giving sustenance (like an umbilical cord). The center of the labyrinth represented death, and coming out again represented rebirth.

For me, I can anticipate that my journey will feel like going through a deep labyrinth. It will be confusing, it will turn me in different directions, and its mystery will lure me on. I will carry my life-giving thread with me (my agency, will, and morality). I will destroy the parts of myself that seek to deceive and eat me alive. I will die, and I will be reborn.

Sara's Feminist Awakening (to the Goblin King): "You have no power over me!" Yeah, and all the crazy clocks break.

I'm not certain how long or how dramatic this journey will be, but I'm up for it. I've already begun. Something is certainly beginning. Last night I couldn't sleep, so I decided to listen to a song I knew would give me comfort and courage. This song is called Ariadne. I especially like the part of the chorus urging Ariadne to look to herself to find the strength she needs:

No time to cry so wake up, Ariadne                                                                                        It doesn't have to be this way                                                                                              You define what you believe                                                                                              Take hold of your destiny                                                                                   Remember...what's inside

What songs, poems, stories, or movies inspire you to be a more confident and independent person?

What does it take to be a woman?

Last week I began reading A Lesson Before Dying. It is written from the perspective of a well-educated black man in 1948. The first chapter begins with the trial of another black man in his community, who is not as well-educated. In fact, the defense attorney uses the notion that the defendant is a fool to attempt to get a non-guilty verdict. Actually, he says he is more than a fool, he cannot even be considered a man. Still further, he argues that you may as well send a hog to the electric chair...

I was pretty stunned reading this portion of the book. I understood that comments such as these were probably voiced often at the time, but in court? As a defense? I find the whole idea pretty disturbing.

As part of our discussion in class, we were asked to respond to the question, "What does it take to be a man?"  One classmate made a detailed list (essentially, qualities that she admired in her father). Others provided a more encompassing and philosophical definition. I found myself tempted to define a man in completely biological terms, mostly just to irritate people, but I restrained myself, and jotted down a few other basic ideas.

I appreciated the discussion. I believe it is important to look at how we view our humanity (and gender). Is it something that we inherently have, or something that we may aspire to develop? What are your thoughts?

What does it take to be a man? A woman? Is there a difference?

On a side note, I think that one of the best scenes in Mulan is during the song, "I'll Make a Man Out of You." Of course, gotta couple it with this spectacular scene as well to appreciate it fully.
  

I am a Feminist

I love being able to embrace the Feminist label. I struggle to understand the animosity and hesitation that many people seem to feel in hearing and saying the word, 'feminist.' To me, feminism is simply all about equal opportunity and respect for men and women. As I see perceptions, attitudes, and practices that do not encompass equal treatment and opportunities for the sexes, it makes me wonder, and wish to see a change. In turn, I also feel strongly for equality of all people, and am compelled towards the fight for social justice for all. I'm sure I could spend several lifetimes working to understand people who are different from me and to develop the kind of empathetic and courageous character I desire. In reality, there is not a lot of time in this life, and there are many things to do. Perhaps the fact only makes this battle all the more urgent. I believe it is. Personally, I suddenly feel a deep desire and duty (a calling, if you will) to start my own journey for world change in embracing my new Feminist self.

This blog is intended as a way to share my journey. Part of this experience actually involves taking part in a Feminist Theories course at USU, where the class has been asked to record our reflections from our readings through an online blog. I also will use this blog to reflect on other thoughts and insights from additional course readings (and life!) that relate to feminism. You may also notice that instead of leaving 'Comments' on my blog, I am suggesting that you leave 'Feminist Thoughts.' That is because I hope for my readers to feel comfortable and confident with the Feminist label. I also will ask a question at the end of each post. I want to use my posts to share ideas, create a discussion, and to provide a voice for my readers.

Lastly, I'll let you in on some more informative labels that I embrace and identify with. I am a Wife, Woman, Teacher, Student, Friend, Sister, Daughter, Mormon, Democrat, Evolutionist, Environmentalist, Free Thinker, Reader, Writer, Philosopher, Animal Lover, and an Artist.

What labels do you embrace, and what are your reactions to the word, "Feminist?"