Ditz

Issue date: 2/2/09 Section: Viewpoints

We need to understand that everyone has a different way of making their statement - for one woman it may be having her partner take her last name, but for another it may be instilling the values of strength and dignity in her children. For women in college, it could mean deciding to give up on men forever, or it could mean wearing a beautiful-but-low-cut dress to a dance. These actions should not be ranked as being more or less feminist, but rather embraced for showing the different and wonderful ways feminism can take form. And if you do take your partner's name, take time off of work to raise your child, or wear anything but turtlenecks to class, then you should not have to be made to feel like you've sold out in some way. I think that the only reason we should be ashamed is if we deny ourselves something we really want just for bragging rights.

I understand that it is necessary to be mindful of the pitfalls women often fall into when they have children or get married. But I don't think we should have to miss out on these joys because of the problems we may run into. In true feminist form I believe that women should be able to have equal opportunity to achieve everything they desire. And though these desires will be different for each woman, this should not be a point of degradation but instead a proud reflection of the amazing variety and complexity of women.

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