As we conspicuously transported the long meeting table across the reception area, I hear Brant, one of our teache/tour guides exclaim, "Oh my goodness. Here here for the women's movement!" To that statement, Heather and I stared blankly at each other. We must have both been thinking did women use to not move office furniture? So after setting the table down, I went back to the reception area to give Brant an opportunity to elaborate on his previous comment. That's when Brant explained that we have no idea of how things have changed in the past 30 years, because when he was my age, women did not open doors, pay for dates, or even light their own cigarettes - which I think is an exaggeration. AND... two young ladies like us certainly would have NEVER thought to do that type of physical labour ourselves.
So I said, "Well, maybe women are expected to be more independent and capable nowadays, but there's also a greater expectation for men to contribute domestically such as with cooking and cleaning. That kind of evens things out right?" (You know me, trying not to blame the men). Of course that wasn't the end of it and we couldn't end our conversation without discussing pay equality and the glass ceiling. Blah blah blah...
Truth be known, I don't know if things are "even" and I don't dare to presume which gender is currently getting the short end of the stick. But I do know that I am deriving huge benefits from tough battles won not long ago. The right to vote, the right to higher education and having access to previously male dominated professions, the right to own property. All of these rights I have already taken full advantages of. Call me a feminist, but I love being in a society that no longer treats me as chattel and subservient to men, but allows me to thrive and to live to my fullest potential. And call me up if you ever need help moving a table, 'cause I'm a pro at that as well.
