HS as a feminist statement
Mar 19, 2004 Feminism/Politics
Why my homeschooling is a feminist statement: Because my being at home and a feminist surprises some people that don’t know feminists are just people some of whom want to be at home and that we’re not all raging, man-hating, anti-baby harpies (although we can be that, too, ‘cuz feminism is all about choice so I support the rights of raging, man-hating, anti-baby harpy feminists, too. Rock on). Also, as a feminist family, we strongly encourage critical thinking and we think that Noah gets that best at home.
Now is it my primary reason for homeschooling? I couldn’t say. I’ve got the philosophical, women’s studies inspired feminism down, thanks to college classes, working for a rape crisis center and then my time in the trenches at the shelter and I could argue my reasons to homeschool Noah from that vantage point. But more powerful is the feminism I got at my mama’s knee, which underlies my most sacred convictions including my belief that Noah is best served by homeschooling.
Speaking of Noah, he’s back from digging through his zoobooks so now we’re going to go read. I’m taking the day off from the article I’m working on because I need some time for my ideas to gel.
March 19th, 2004 at 1:07 pm
being a feminist means following the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.
Meaning, you, as a female or male, should have the right to CHOOSE to stay home and raise your children instead of working.
-d
March 21st, 2004 at 1:54 am
So I guess I am a feminist
So much as I despise the assumptions people make when one proclaims feminism (the man-hating I-can-do-anything-a-man-can-do-better, ranting bitch) I suppose I am a feminist. Dawn had a recent entry on Homeschooling as a Feminist Statement, and I’m so w…
March 22nd, 2004 at 12:12 pm
Dawn, this so eloquent and also so funny. Thanks.
March 24th, 2004 at 7:46 am
One of my favorite encapsulations of feminism is the bumpersticker that says “Feminism is the radical notion that women are people.” While I prefer to avoid such simple statements in general, this one *does* explain what I mean when I say I’m a feminist.
You go, girl! And congratulations on having the resources to make your choice possible.