I have always interpreted my empowerment to be able to act and live on the equal playing field of men. Yes as a woman, I have qualities much better than a man, and yet I find it empowering I have entitled myself to the same liberating activities of men. Equality is about choice. Men are tied down to certain roles they should play, but women are strictly confined to the role expectations they should fill. I have gained my equality by choosing how I want to live, what role I want to play. Others may say I drag the hopes of female empowerment through the mud, I disagree and so do several others even if they choose not to live my lifestyle.
While no, I do not run around in skimpy clothes, bikini tops and cut off shorts, or flash my chest to Girls Gone Wild cameras, history has shown I have charisma and a charm that many guys are drawn too. I have no need to reveal my body to others in public and yet I live a life where I, as well as those around me save for a select few (my parents), can completely embrace my sexuality. I feel no need to have sex to get attention or to make up for any lost part of my childhood, or validate my life. I am a sexual person and that is the life that I CHOOSE to lead.
Those against so called "promiscuity" have different morals and ethics than I do, yes, but that doesn't mean my lifestyle is wrong. Homosexuality is deemed inappropriate by many because their morals are different. Homosexuality can just as well be monogamous, but still viewed as wrong. So really I see no difference in my so called "promiscuous" lifestyle of heterosexuality and monogamous homosexuality. Its all in how the lifestyle is carried out.
For men who have no interest in me, thats their choice. No I do not believe all men worship me nor should they. I have no problem with that. I have no need for men's approval or validation in my life. Its about what I want, what I feel comfortable with in my life. And I love it. I'm educated, professional, and am comfortable with myself and my desires. How much more female empowerment do you need?
Feminism is not about following strict guidelines of what a feminist should be. Feeling comfortable with who you are, not being someone becuase everyone else thinks that is who you should be, is empowerment. Going to the clubs to dance on your friends is empowering, if you do it because thats what makes you happy, that is what you are comfortable with. It is not empowering to dance on your friends to get the attention of every guy in the club. If you do what you love, a guy notices, you find him worthy of your time and enjoyment, HAVE HIM! If you don't want him, if you don't want to have sex, if all you want to do is dance with/on your friends the rest of the night, DO IT without the consideration of what guys or other girls in the club think.
Some may disagree, but I think I embody feminism well, and the American women who fought for the rights I have today, who have allowed me the option to choose who I want to be, would be proud. Not necessarily because of my lifestyle, but because I am not letting their efforts go to waste. As I said before, I am educated, professional, I vote, and I am comfortable with myself and my desires. And I would not be any of that had it not been for my feminist predecessors. So Thank you women's rights activists and feminists. Thank you for paving the way so that I may enjoy the fruits of your labor.
