Secondly, it's Remembrance Sunday today. I kind of think that today, it doesn't matter whether you're a pacifist, or what side your relatives fought on: we should value each life equally. My grandad had a pretty complicated life early on and was conscripted into the German army, so I'm always a bit hesitant to discuss the war, but yeah, I just think it's respectful to remember everyone. I'm not altogether sure if that made sense :S
To lighten up this blog a little today, I'm also going to talk about something that's been bothering me lately, and that's people's views to women in society. So, basically, I'm going to talk about feminism. This should be fun.
I recently read a book by Caitlin Moran about feminism and after reading it, I just thought to myself, I get this. I am this.
Because there seems to be this huge stigma about feminism and this idea that a feminist believes that a women are better than man/ women hate other women if they act like women, etc., etc.
But it's not.
Feminism is about wanting equality, and, above all, respect, really. And if that's something I can talk about, believe me, I can talk about it for hours.
Despite all my oddities and quirks, I am really, essentially, pretty much the stereotype of a girl. I like having nice nails, reading stupidly expensive glossy magazines, wearing make-up to cover how horrific my skin actually is, breaking my ankles in high heels and spending most of my bank balance on clothes. I really do like that. But here's the thing: I am not just that. I can hold my own in a debate any day, I'm damn good at solving a problem, and I could go on, but I'm sounding like a narcissist.
The other day, I thought to myself "But am I still a feminist if I go out and get drunk and get chatted up by men? Surely not." But, well, I was wrong.
I don't get dressed up just to look nice for men, and neither do I go out with the intention of meeting people. I go out to be with my friends, and I buy most of my own drinks, not least because of drink-spike scares. I am still a feminist. Wearing a short dress isn't going to change that.
However, feminism is still something that's really, really important. Realising that gave me the courage to report someone next door to my workplace who'd been touching me up and harassing me with constant sexual innuendos. Because that's not part of the job. I am entitled to the same level of respect that my male co-workers get, and more than entitled to challenge that kind of behaviour.
(So sue me, we didn't exactly get far with the 'lightening up' idea. Oh well! PS, Wilma failed her MOT :'( )
Mathilde, xo
Mathilde, xo








