How Do You Want Me?

This book was released in the 1800s and I think it's one of the best
feminist-centric novels in that era. But of course, it caused quite a
stir when it was released. 😆

'Do you love me?'

'Should I bend down and let you have me as you want?'

'Or, would you prefer that I lie on my back while you take me?'

~

There are two things about the act of submission that need to be understood;

1.   Submitting to please, to seduce, to give and to get

2. Submitting because being submissive is the only way to go

The former speaks of power; the power to get what one wants in the act-of-giving. The latter refers to a lack of choice to change one's situation and so, the only way to go is to submit.

Now, to women:

This power I speak about doesn't just reside in between your legs. However, I must say that it starts there. This capability to enchant, to cause men to be helpless even when we're beneath them, is God-given or so that's what I think. 

This birth-right also comes with a disclaimer - you may hold power for as long as they do not seek another. In the quest to remain in this fugacious power, many will resort to destructive measures that can be self-downgrading and downright stupid.

From my own observation, we are strong as we are built until scabbard meets hilt. This boils down to the misogynistic environment in which we are living in. An environment filled with chauvinists (men and women) that promote the objectification of women, body-shaming, slut-shaming and guilt-tripping when any strong-willed woman decides to take a stand, for herself and her belief. We are taught to value beauty in women first, and all else comes second. We are judged by our colour, breast size, the flawlessness of our skin etc. We were raised to be shallow in the presence of beauty.

Hence many feminists are thought of as raving lunatics going against the patriarchy just because they want to be recognised as independent individuals with talent, ambition, and intelligence, and not looks. Fuck looks. 

I strongly believe that being able to think independently, make rational decisions and to embrace ourselves in all our shapes and sizes are the cornerstones to being a powerful woman because everything starts with the mind. If you believe that you are weak, that you shall be. If you believe that you can't live without a man, then you shan't live. 

Feminism is not about being like men. It's not about two genders being equal, but it's about embracing the uniqueness that comes with being a woman - from the monthly periods to raising children, building a career, running a household and whatever else that we do. Only when we learn to embrace what we are can we be powerful. Respect? Start with yourself.

It all goes back to what you are willing to submit yourself to? 

Are you willing to submit and play the doll in the house and forgo all your ambitions because it's the easiest thing to do and because you 'think' you don't have a choice? 

Or, do you want to be the goddess who when she submits herself to a cause, a person - she does it because she's confident of herself, her choices and that by doing what she does, she's making a difference, no matter how small that difference is?

Your choice, sister. 

Still The Most Stubborn Woman

SFK