Feminist Vs. Robot

The Article in the "Fbomb blog, A Feminist Breakup written by Julie Z, particularly interested me.

This high school girl is a self-identified feminist who helps her friend through a tough breakup. Much like herself, the author's friend has strong feminist opinions. Julie is somewhat surprised at her friend's dramatic reaction to an ended relationship because her friend is a feminist; in her mind, feminists' lives don't revolve around or are severely impacted men. The author debates whether a person's feminist ideals or personality determines their reliance on men. 

In my opinion, I think it is perfectly normal for a high school girl to be emotionally distraught about a break up. I do not think that it is un-feminist to cry or want companionship. In my mind there is a big difference between revolving your world around a man and accepting changes in your life. 

Julie brings up an interesting point of how feminists are viewed as "emotionless robots"; they are expected to continually persevere for their rights and think entirely independent of male influences. I think that behind a person's strong values also lies a personality. How they react in certain situations is based on both their values and their personality traits. I think that Julie's friend is no less of a feminist after a hard-break up; it is just her demonstrating her natural reaction.

Comments

[Emilie B.]

I completely agree with you. It is sad to think that just because someone is protecting their rights, their ability to love someone is being questioned.

[Hanna G.]

I agree with you that everyone has some natural reaction to things that maybe does not always go along with their identity. Most people see feminists as emotionless but "feminist" is just a title that they've been given. There could be a completely different person underneath that.

[Rachel D.]

I don't think being a "feminist" means you can't rely on other people. This doesn't mean your life revolves around them. I think that everybody needs someone to lean on, and it doesn't matter if they're a boy or a girl. Your boyfriend or your girlfriend can be your best friend, and a breakup with your best friend can be really hard. I think this friend reacted naturally to a difficult breakup.