Forty years ago, during the second wave of American feminism, society saw a slew of women inspired by a newfound sense of emancipation to deviate from societal norms of beauty and femininity—hundreds of females chose not to shave their legs, not to wear bras, not to dedicate their lives to raising families, and to be more assertive and aggressive. Thus, these women decided to engage in behaviors usually reserved for men. In 2007, however, not only is the percentage of females again choosing to be domestic caregivers on the rise, but the number of women who are embracing traditional standards of gendered physical appearance is also increasing. According to the currently dominant feminist ideology, “postmodern feminism,” females should embrace their distinctly feminine sexiness by donning high heels and miniskirts, wearing makeup, etc., and potentially utilize this attribute to exert control over men.
These two opposing viewpoints are progressive in different ways; yet, both are similarly problematic because they suggest that “maleness” is the ultimate model for female identity. Inadvertently, both traditional and postmodern feminist ideologies suggest that traditional male behavior and appearance are social norms against which women must develop their own personal standards of living.
Is there, then, another formula for female empowerment that doesn’t revolve around men, traditional perceptions of maleness, or the male gaze?
Of course, there is no definite answer to this question. However, in my twenty years of observation, I have come to determine that the females I define as being “powerful” are also extraordinarily confident people. Women such as Hillary Clinton, Amelia Earheart, Sojourner Truth, Maria Shriver, and Rosa Parks are and were able to inspire change and influence people because they possess/ed unshakable faith in their capabilities, talents, and goals. Even seemingly ordinary women—those not renowned for achievements like piloting, authorship, or political involvement—can influence those close to them by exuding self-assurance and finding strength in themselves. For instance, I attended a presentation of student feminist art a few months ago at my university and, there, met a young woman who had taken several black and white photographs of her mother, a breast cancer survivor who had endured a double mastectomy. The photos featured a topless middle-aged woman staring resolutely into the camera lens, seemingly challenging the viewer to find beauty in the two crescent-shaped scars that smiled where her breasts had once been. These images were moving, but even more memorable were the gushing statements of admiration the female student made about her mother. “My mom is the strongest woman I know,” the young woman stated proudly, and went on to explain that she found her mother’s exceptionally positive attitude throughout her battle with cancer inspirational. This mother, through her confident determination to survive a frightening and debilitating disease, taught her daughter the meaning of power.
Is female empowerment simply having control over others (mainly men)? Or is it embracing traditionally feminine behavior and beauty standards after redefining their meaning? I would argue that leaning towards one extreme or the other, both of which battle the perceived power of maleness, is not a truly effective way to obtain power; rather, female empowerment rests in a woman’s ability to find confidence within herself. Whether a woman chooses to be a full-time wife and mother or a corporate CEO, if she is self-assured regarding her skills and lifestyle decisions, she will not only find meaning and happiness in her life, but will also inspire those around her—both men and women—to be proud of their choices, abilities, and ambitions.
