the impression i got when i first saw it is that she is having a discouraging moment, yknow? i know that, as an international studies major, i sometimes get in deep funks about how maybe i just can't change the world after all. it passes as i regain my focus, so perhaps the same thing was going on when making that postcard?
I have trouble with the marrying a rich man part, but I understand it's someting you would have to do if you wanted to be a full-time mom. I'm wondering how many people think it's anti-feminist to choose to parent fulltime?
this is a good point. not all education is toward the end of A Career or As Much Money As Possible, although we tend to associate all of those out of habit.
In my mind, education *is* just training for a career. I love learning, and I take so much from it, but I can't justify getting an education and not using it to make money.
Before I sound even more capitalist and evil, let me explain. My boyfriend and I have a combined student loan debt of over $80,000. If we just got our degrees and didn't use them to attain decent positions, we'd be financially screwed for life.
I don’t find statements like these to be so much about a woman’s right to choose her own path in life, but about the lack of perspective on the class issues involved.
In my experience anyone who does things like the card demonstrates is immensely privileged, and utterly unaware of it. There are a lot of underprivileged people out there who would do wonders by a degree of some sort, and the career paths it could open. There are a lot of people who will only dream of sitting in the spot she has taken.
I know that university shouldn’t be about simply finding a career, but about learning; that’s what university is for, after all. However, if one is not working for a degree, one can learn at home, as easily as they can at university. If you can afford tuition, you can certainly afford books and other resources to learn from, on your own
( ... )
My initial reaction was similar, but then I looked at it from a different point of view.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a full time mother. It's not anti-feminist to have this desire. I think the shame in it all is that when you look down the road it seems like the only way to make that choice responsibly is to have a partner that can financially support you. If you decided you want to be a parent and NOT have a wealthy partner you are derided for "living off the system" and not pulling your own weight.
For the record, feminist theory has helped me be a better mother.
Comments 36
Reply
Reply
Reply
She doesn't need to marry anyone or even be with a man, but I understand where this mindset comes from.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Reply
Before I sound even more capitalist and evil, let me explain. My boyfriend and I have a combined student loan debt of over $80,000. If we just got our degrees and didn't use them to attain decent positions, we'd be financially screwed for life.
Reply
Reply
i mean, duh, right? duh
Reply
In my experience anyone who does things like the card demonstrates is immensely privileged, and utterly unaware of it. There are a lot of underprivileged people out there who would do wonders by a degree of some sort, and the career paths it could open. There are a lot of people who will only dream of sitting in the spot she has taken.
I know that university shouldn’t be about simply finding a career, but about learning; that’s what university is for, after all. However, if one is not working for a degree, one can learn at home, as easily as they can at university. If you can afford tuition, you can certainly afford books and other resources to learn from, on your own ( ... )
Reply
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a full time mother. It's not anti-feminist to have this desire. I think the shame in it all is that when you look down the road it seems like the only way to make that choice responsibly is to have a partner that can financially support you. If you decided you want to be a parent and NOT have a wealthy partner you are derided for "living off the system" and not pulling your own weight.
For the record, feminist theory has helped me be a better mother.
Reply
Leave a comment