I like everyone to get along, and I don't like when people are upset with me. I wish I didn't care, but I do. Being this way often means that I avoid taking a stand on issues that I do have strong opinions about. I'll usually just keep it to myself in public forums and places. I'll quip to my husband but not a room full of people. I won't commit to a position despite almost constant reading about feminism, religion, health, politics, etc.
I was thinking yesterday that I won't commit to a position because I can see its imperfections (I was looking at the "women for Obama" facebook page). However, never committing to anything means I never stand for anything either. And I think that limits me.
I'd like to start revealing what I think more often. Something to think about. But in the meantime, I agree with the point this is making. The gender bias we're still dealing with in the Mormon church is absurd.
I like that you decided to first take a stand with something so important! I fully support you in this effort. :)
ReplyDeleteHere are my two cents on this wonderful topic: I like this, alot. My husband and I have frequently discussed how different their messages are given; how it often seems the men are hammered and pushed to (I’m paraphrasing) “do better, work harder,” and it seems the women are told you’re special, you’re good enough, it’s ok you’re not doing what you should… I think that regardless of gender, if something hard/tough–or good/happy!–needs to be shared, it should be direct, with no holds barred.
I loved this quote from Eliza R. Snow that Sister Beck shared in April 2010 conference, “…Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibility upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities.”
In general, I think that women need to work harder at not taking offense where no offense is meant, but if things need to change they need to change–not get mad that they’re told that what they’re doing is wrong. We shouldn’t be coddled.
I like this. Thanks, ashley.
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