Feminism

So I'm in a course this semester entitled "Women Writers." It's a brand new course and never been taught before. Sounds a bit feminist, right? That's what people automatically assume. It's really about female authors and what they've faced in their writing careers. Today we finally broached the subject of feminism, and I'm super glad we did. The class was starting to feel like a feminist meeting every Tuesday and Thursday morning. My professor clarified the difference between the connotative meaning of the word feminism, and the denotative meaning; she also made it clear that feminist ideals were not at the core of the class. I have never identified myself as a feminist. Don't get me wrong, I do believe that women should have equal opportunities as men, and they should be treated with respect. Promoting this just hasn't been my life goal. Also, the word feminism has some bad connotations, especially in the South. Feminists aren't really bra-burning men-haters; they just want women to be considered equal to men in politics, religion, and society. It really is disappointing to see how women are still treated as though they were inferior to men here in the 21st century. One of the reasons I'm not a feminist is because I believe the Bible has made it clear that women should be submissive to their husbands and their husbands should respect them in turn; however, many people misunderstand submission. Submission is not allowing yourself to be a part of a physically or vocally abusive relationship, and it's not letting yourself be run all over. Men and women were designed to complement each other, and I think that's been lost in society today. Also, men and women are inherently different. The two sexes are just naturally better at some jobs than others. Men are generally better at governing because they are authoritative and rational. Women are nurturing and sympathetic, so they make good care-takers. This doesn't mean that the two can't cross into the other's area. I believe that women should be given equal opportunities, but they shouldn't be looked down upon if they choose to be a housewife rather than a business woman. I don't think our society truly appreciates the value of a woman and all that she is capable of doing.