If you’re looking for a Harlequin romance, look elsewhere. This passion goes deeper.
My post on Monday about my own struggles with being a mother and carrying out the legacy of feminism seem to have struck a chord with you, readers, and I have to tell you, it makes me feel good. I am so glad–so relieved–to know I’m not the only one asking these questions, fretting, hoping, trying to change things. As a teacher who sometimes feels like the only person in my classroom concerned that women will be respected for their intelligence, strength, and talents instead of their cleavage (I’m pointing at you, Giada de Laurentis), I thank you, my readers, for showing me I’m not alone.
I’m not going to tell you that feminism is the radical notion that women are people. (They are, by the way.) Whose major and trivial concerns are just as important as men’s. (Cause, yeah!) Who vote, who care about their society, who want to make an impact. I don’t need to remind my readers of those things.
I’m just going to show you this beautiful, amazing video of Chilean novelist Isabel Allende talking about storytelling, poetry, passion, and feminism. She tells it with grace and more humor than one might expect. She will give you chills.
“Feminism has never been sexy, but let me assure you, that it has never stopped me from flirting; I have seldom suffered from lack of men.” –Isabel Allende
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So true and yet I think back to “I Just Don’t Know How She Does It” and Momo’s comment about Jill’s passing “…what a waste to end up doing nothing with your life.” There’s got to be a balance somewhere.
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That part about Jill’s death struck a chord with me too! I was on the subway and bawling my eyes out as Kate was reading the “instructions” that Jill left her husband, and then her really powerful observations about the quality of Jill’s motherhood in comparison to hers. It’s poignant, beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
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Bravo for Allende!!!: a strong woman and writer saying what is needed to be said.
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