I came across this article last week by Kimberly B. George while digging around The Ooze. In her first paragraph, George says that in the evangelical church, feminism is functionally equivalent to the “f-word”. I’m not sure that’s quite my experience, but I have to admit that I was a little bit hesitant to dive into this essay. What I found turned out to be one of the most powerful essay’s I’ve read in some time.
George managed to educate me without being condescending – an accomplishment which my fragile male ego greatly appreciated. While discussing some of the strength’s and failures of the feminist movement, George keys in on what I see as feminism greatest virtue. She says, “Yet one thing it has done remarkably well: feminism has brought into the light the ubiquitous interplay of power and gender, and has given us a new lens to see the harm that lives within our historical system”.
As someone who works with teenagers for a living, I am increasingly aware of the role I play in forming ideas in the minds of the people around me. I know that as a male and an authority figure (in at least a few people’s mind), I have to be extremely careful in my wielding of power and I am especially aware of this in relation to gender issues. George’s comments come at the right time for me, and remind me that I need to explore these issues much more deeply.
I’ll finish with a quote that when I read it made me want to cheer for people like Kimberly George who are doing God’s work, and made me want to weep for the mind-boggling level of evil that exists in our world.
I will continue to be a feminist- to speak for the rights of the world’s daughters- until African girls’ genitals are no longer mutilated to assure systems of marriage, economics, and virginity (6). When hundreds of thousands of women and girls are no longer trafficked into sexual slavery every year (7). When poverty is not disproportionately affecting women and girls because of lack of access to education and jobs. When violence at the hands of their partner is no longer a major cause of death and disability for women ages 16-44 around the world (8). When domestic violence is no longer hurting 1 in 4 women in America (9), statistics that have been reported equal in religious communities as secular (10). When teenage girls in America no longer are marketed to internalize an “ideal” body that is airbrushed, curveless, and hungry. When I no longer live in a culture where it is estimated that 1 in 5 women are raped (11). Because in 2007 such harm is still allowed against the world’s daughters, feminism still must have a voice. Will you join me and other feminists in advocating for human rights?
So, Kimberly, thanks for the letter. I needed it. TO CHRISTIAN MEN: Letter from a Feminist
I have to tell you, that as a writer, I can get so discouraged that my calling is making much of a difference, or if my words are bringing about life and hope. I have been particularly discouraged the past week (as I try to work on a book project about issues of gender and justice). One night, I was doing research on what kinds of communities are reading some of my online articles and how they are responding, and I found your blog posting the ooze article. Your honest words of reflection– and your gratitude- have been divinely sent this week to my discouraged heart. So, I want to deeply repay the thank you. kimberly