Hey everybody,
My name is Stefan Schiavone, and I am a feminist. This does
not mean that I believe women are superior to men. It does not mean that I
believe all men are pigs and are to blame for all of society’s problems. It
does not mean that I think women aren’t accountable for their actions. It
does not mean that I believe women shouldn’t have to earn their jobs and
paychecks through talent, dedication, and hard work. It doesn’t mean I think
women who choose to remain in the home to raise their children themselves are
sell-outs to traditional male-dominated society and are therefore unworthy of
the same esteem as those who join the workforce.
What it does mean however, is that I believe women are entitled (I use that word purposefully)
to a level of dignity, honor, opportunity, and respect that men would desire
for themselves. To those who say that you don’t need feminism because you can
vote, work, hold a public office, drive a car (etc…) you can thank feminists
for that.
When I say that I am a feminist, it means that I want my nieces
(I have six now) to grow up in a world where they are valued not because of their
outward appearance, but because of their honesty, integrity, compassion,
bravery, intelligence, perseverance, and creativity. I don’t want them to spend
even a second worrying about what a number on a scale says about them, because
it has nothing to do with what truly makes them beautiful. I am thankful that
they are surrounded by mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandmas, and grandpas
who teach them every day what it means to be a person of substance, of
conviction, and of faith. Oh yes, did I mention that I am a Christian as well?
I say all this not in spite of my faith, but because of it. I believe we are all created in the image of God,
and are equally loved, valued, and cherished by our creator. We, therefore,
should follow this example and do the same.
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