I have never claimed to be a feminist, nor do I really see any real issues in most arguments presented by feminists in this modern, American society. The idea that women are discriminated against in the United States to me seems so remote and archaic. Women can have any job they desire, marry anyone they choose, vote, and control their own bodies. I have always wondered to myself why feminists spend all of that time and effort into this trivial quest against a mythological "oppressive male dominated society" when they could be helping women in other cultures who really don't have the rights that we so often take for granted.
That being said, I believe that the real solution to overcoming gender bias in society is not by attacking any perceived stereotypes head on but rather by learning to embrace the real differences between men and women.
One of my personal favorite movies, and what most would consider the personification of the "typical female" stereotype is "Bridget Jones' Diary." The ditzy female lead in the movie, played by Renee Zellweger is overly emotional and binges on ice cream and cigarettes to deal with her problems. Many women resent this stereotype; that women are weak, emotional, and incapable. To me, criticizing these aspects of femininity actually fuels the negative stereotype.
While Bridget Jones may be a gross over-exaggeration of the female there is a grain of truth in every stereotype. Women just aren't like men. We are more emotional and yes, dare I say it, weaker. Say what you will but it is just a fact that women much more complications from hormones and in reality physically inferior to men. It is just a fact.
While that may seem harsh to some, to me I simply see it as an opportunity to change the mindset toward these characteristics. Why exactly are having emotions a negative quality for starters. Emotions fuel passion, both good and bad. They spawn creativity which is part of the reason more women are "right brained" than men. The female emotion is the very foundation of our society. If women had the emotional make up of men, maternal instincts and the ability to nurture would not be the same.
The sexes were not created equal, but they do compliment each other. Women may be weak, but sometimes true power lies in the ability to be weak, to be vulnerable. There may not be a single women in the NFL, but no man could ever have the ability to carry a child in their uterus. These "stereotypes" which we have been told time and time again to resist may not be the real enemy here.
Metaphorically, a man is like a rock; strong and solid, the foundation of the earth, but a woman is like the water. Although she is not as stable and at times all over the place, she sustains life and is in many ways even more powerful than the rock. The ability to adapt and change and give life is where her true power lies.
I am not saying that I condone a "Stepford Wives" form of society where women are sub servant but I do believe that the feminist movement in the United States is in many ways misguided. The real enemy here is ourselves, as is many other issues in contemporary society. All we really need is a fresh look.
