Yes... I AM a feminist.

I have to say... my definition of feminism is both "advocate of women's rights" and "concerned with women's wellbeing".

The word "feminist" conjures up certain images in most men and a lot of women's minds (bra burning, short hair and no skirt wearing, of the masculine persuasion and homosexual orientation)...
I get funny looks when I profess that I am a feminist.

Now, being black, that's a double whammy, because my sisters and I are ALREADY burdened with the "superwoman" myth. We are "too loud, too rude, too independent etc..." compared to women of other descent.

Well I'm not. I don't HATE men, I don't even dislike them,in fact, I like them quite a lot! Some of my best friends are... lol.
I am a poet and a writer, something of a photographer and philoshopher. Definately a deeply spiritual person.
I cry, I laugh and I get upset.
Yes I am independant: I live alone and pay for my own bills (with mum and dad's help of course!). But I am a HOPELESS romantic... simply HOPELESS.
I enjoy the company of my male friends, and my one on one discussions with my sisters.
I am polite and considerate, educated and ALWAYS keen to learn new stuff.
I like guys opening doors giving up seats and pulling out chairs for me.
In relationships, I like being the "baby". But I know when to support my partner. When I get hurt, tears roll down my cheeks, I am not afraid of that. Sometimes I even cry when I watch movies, or watch the news, or when I am VERY happy.
I have NEVER had a physical fight at school. The time I did have a fight, in my adult life, was to defend myself against someone who was being brutish.

The list to prove that I am not "unaproachable" or whatever "they" will have me believe I am because of my skin colour, goes on. The list to prove that I am a woman in everyway, (which includes tender and mild), probably doesn't.

Now... I AM interested in the welfare of women worldwide. I DO think most women STILL get a bad rap.
I believe in femininity, and that women are generally better at certain things than men. I believe the reverse is also true, so you won't find me lobbying for certain things like "Anything you can do I can better in broken heels" or "women should not be viewed as whores if they are as promiscuous as men" (our bodies are gems, I am a firm believer that we DON'T have to emulate men in that manner) BUT I do think women should be able to choose what they want to do for themselves and not be knocked back down because of culture or RELIGION, or the simple fact that "that's not what women are supposed to do".
If I want to be the breadwinner what's wrong with that??! But if I want to be a housewife, no-one should come and call me a sell out, let ME choose MY life's patterns.
I do not want to be judged for my decisions, based on what is expected of me by anybody.
It should be the same for all women out there. It isn't, and I intend to help however I can.

I'm tired (no really) of being bullied and laughed at, debated with or not even listened to, simply because I am a FEMINIST. Men can be feminists too. (Refer to my definition).

I am soft and strong, and there is NOTHING wrong with that.
PS:
I like Basketball AND Gerberra daisies,
I like babies,
I like Top Gear,
I love my red lipstick!
I like poetry AND politics
I like my trainers and jeans
I want to be hugged, held and pampered...
(Yes indeed)
I like her sensuality,
I like his.
I LOVE my raucous laughter
I love epics AND life drama.
I am both soft and strong...
And there is NOTHING wrong with that.