I’ve mentioned before I’m not a conventional Feminist. Well, according to women studies major and Miss America contestant Nancy Redd, I’m a 3rd wave feminist. Too bad my grandmothers aren’t around to find out. I knew I was at least 2nd generation since my mother, with two boys, made sure her sons never knew there was a distinction between man’s and women’s work (she also breast fed at a time when, in the words of my children’s pediatrician, doing so was a political statement). Anyway, I’m in complete agreement with Ms. Redd when she says “This is what third-wave feminism is all about: Be a career woman, be a stay-at-home mom, be Miss America” — and I’m confident that my daughter will live that future.

The author of the piece, Ms. Nesoff, disagrees: “Redd missed the point. She shed a quarter of the 158 pounds on her 5-foot-5 frame to compete for the crown, conforming, in the process, to current notions of beauty. Perhaps what’s being reclaimed by feminists who embrace beauty pageants and impractical shoes is not feminism itself but femininity. … Perhaps some women want to ignore the inequality that persists in our society by coating it in pink frosting. They can strap on those Jimmy Choos and pretend that there is no glass ceiling or rape or sexual harassment.”

Methinks Ms. Nesoff misses the point. The old style feminists seem to see equality only in terms of making women as manly as possible – thus the gripe about reclaiming feminity and conformity to current notions of beauty. Who wants to exchange the patriarchy for the matriarchy, especially if the matriarchy is trying to out patriarch the patriarchy? If a woman wants to wear impractical shoes to look good, isn’t that her decision? If a woman wants to wear work boots, eschew makeup, forgo current notions of sex appeal, have a career in construction, swill beer, and cuss like a sailor, more power to her – but again, shouldn’t that be her choice? Or she can strap on those Jimmy Choos and deal with glass ceilings, rape, and sexual harassment in her own unique style like the rest of us who aren’t demanding that others conform to our theories but who are trying to make the world a better place through our own actions.

Thanks to Dodd at Ipse Dixit for the link.

Tanya has an opinion, too.