Feminism is a collection of movements aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, and social rights for women.
Mormon The word Mormons most often refers to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints because of their belief in the Book of Mormon, though members often refer to themselves as Latter-day Saints or sometimes just Saints.
Housewife is a term used to describe a married woman whose main occupation is running or operating the family’s home—caring for and educating her children, cooking and storing food, buying goods the family needs in day to day life, cleaning or maintaining parts of the home, making clothes for the family, etc.
How do these three worlds combine?
Give a listen. We’ve been saving a seat for you.
~The Cultural Hall
http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org/
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I think there were some interesting points in this podcast, and I enjoyed hearing Lisa’s story, but there was one thing that bothered me. It seemed that whenever Lisa was discussing people who thought the same way she did, she would use words like “smart” and “intelligent” and then when she spoke about those who didn’t share her ideas, she would use words like “stereotypical” and “typical.” I don’t know if she intended on sounding condescending, but it came off that way.
Also, I have to admit that I was offended when she referred to the church as “old” with “old traditions,” like men performing priesthood ordinances, that needed to be “fixed.” That’s a precarious mindset for someone who sustains the leaders of the church to have and it’s a dangerous one to teach your children.
I agree with Megan, completely.
While it’s true that Relief Society and Young Women’s presidency don’t have offices in our church buildings, Lisa failed to mention that the High Priests, Elders Quorum and Young Men’s presidencies also do not have designated offices and have to meet in whatever room they can.
In fact, the Relief Society room normally the nicest room in a church. So saying the rooms were obviously designed by men, for men is kind of ridiculous. Also, for the record, not all men like playing basketball, and implying so is kind of sexist. 🙂
That’s an excellent point.
Luke, implying all men like basketball isn’t sexist in the same way that designing an entire fleet of buildings to accommodate the young men and priesthood holders recreation. When this common design popped up in buildings everywhere, young women weren’t encouraged or invited to use the courts. To imply otherwise is a little naive.
I appreciate how often Lisa said, “I don’t know” or “I haven’t figured that out yet.” She didn’t pretend to have all the answers, but honestly shared her thoughts and experiences. She seems to be earnestly and humbly striving to understand and learn. Excellent interview.
This was an excellent interview. I feel like there’s an inexhaustible amount of learning I yet need about women. Feminism has always interested me.
One concerning thing, which I’ve heard from many of the more liberal church members was echoed by Lisa. It’s the idea that the Holy Ghost or Light of Christ, will lead people to differing “truths”. To me it seems obvious that the extension of this belief is accepting a changeable, fallible, god. If there’s something Latter-day Saints could agree on, I think it’s an unchanging God.
I’m a huge fan of FMH, so imagine my excitement when Ritchie T included Lisa as a guest. As a devoted husband, I question why anyone wouldn’t be a feminist. The whole point of feminism is equality, so if you really love your wives and daughters, you should look for ways to encourage change for the better. I count myself among the ranks of feminists, and am proud to do so. My daughter will thank me later.
I agree with Megan completely. While it is dangerous to have extreme beliefs in just about everything it is also a bit condescending to a ‘typical’ or ‘stereotypical’ mormons to think that we are somehow wrong for not questioning the safety and wisdom of ‘old’ or ‘traditional’ things. I have a hard time thinking that baptism or temple ordinances are going to be someday ‘old fashioned’ and irrelevant.
A listener commented, quite angrily, I think, about why Lisa was misguided in her attitude at the beginning of the Kurt Bestor podcast. I found this list of where some women may feel unequal in the church, and I think it’s worth a read for people who have a hard time relating to feminism in the church.
http://www.ldswave.org/?p=402
Interesting listen. I’ve never thought of the Cultural Hall as being created for Men’s Basketball. I looked at it from a finance point of view: It’s affordable to put in some hoops and a stage than to do a full-on recreation center.
Also, I always thought I was a feminist, or at least half of one. But after listening here, I don’t think I am at all. Ha! Turns out this thought-to-be-feminist is not really one at all!