International Women's Day: How To Be A Woman

Truth be told, I had no idea it was International Women's Day until Google's homepage told me this morning. And usually I don't go for "this sort of stuff", but I am a woman and I thought I'd share a book I've read that really changed my views on "feminism".

“We need to reclaim the word 'feminism'. We need the word 'feminism' back real bad. When statistics come in saying that only 29% of American women would describe themselves as feminist - and only 42% of British women - I used to think, What do you think feminism IS, ladies? What part of 'liberation for women' is not for you? Is it freedom to vote? The right not to be owned by the man you marry? The campaign for equal pay? 'Vogue' by Madonna? Jeans? Did all that good shit GET ON YOUR NERVES? Or were you just DRUNK AT THE TIME OF THE SURVEY?” ― Caitlin Moran, How to Be a Woman

Caitlin Moran is a British broadcaster, TV presenter and columnist at The Times, and I'm pretty certain since this book has been published, she's gotten a whole lot more popular (check out this fansite, fuckyeahcaitlinmoran). I think I came across it as suggested reading on Amazon, or the like, and I was put off immediately. "Why on Earth do I need to know how to be a woman, I am a woman?! What is this feminism she's peddling?" And then I began reading an excerpt from a chapter entitled, "Why You Shouldn't Have Children". And although I'd very much like children, I have thought about it as an actual life decision rather than my whole purpose for existence. And it seems that Moran has a similar view... And with a click of the mouse I bought it, full price (that doesn't happen often!).

Moran's writing style is just how I'd imagine her speaking, with lots of CAPS, asides, and exclamations! The entire book is literally laugh out loud humorous. I'd be reading in the other room and my husband would say, "Are you reading that funny feminism book again?" Yes! Moran single-handedly turned me on a 180° course toward proudly being a feminist. Because up until I read it, I was ashamed of bawdy women making demands that frankly seemed outdated. And I'd like to think that it's just a product of me growing up in a time when I didn't have to struggle for equality, or that I never thought I couldn't be the CEO of a company, or that I never had to worry about my right to vote. Why do we need feminism if there is nothing left to fight for in this country? Moran brings up a great point from the get-go.

"a) Do you have a vagina? and
b) Do you want to be in charge of it?

If you said 'yes' to both, then congratulations! You're a feminist.” 

A compelling argument. She breaks down the book into Chapters of her own life, giving history and perspective from her experiences. Chapter titles include, "I Start Bleeding!", "I Become Furry!" and "I Don't Know What to Call My Breasts!" and so on. If anything, I could relate with her on a lot of topics, things that you probably wouldn't have talked to anyone else about as you went through it. And by the end of the book she became a feminist hero, and a person I'd love to share a pint or two with and go dancing.

 A few of my favorite quotes that just may get you to read...

"If I'm going to spunk £500 on a pair of designer shoes, it's going to be a pair that I can (a) dance to "Bad Romance" in and (b) will allow me to run away from a murderer, should one suddenly decide to give chase. That's the minimum I ask from my footwear. To be able to dance in it, and for it not to get me murdered."

"When a woman says, ‘I have nothing to wear!’, what she really means is, ‘There’s nothing here for who I’m supposed to be today."

"Now I believe that there are only four things a grown, modern woman should have: a pair of yellow shoes (they unexpectedly go with everything), a friend who will come and post bail at 4am, a fail safe pie recipe, and a proper muff. A big, hairy minge. A lovely furry moof that looks – when she sits, naked – as if she has a marmoset sitting in her lap. A tame marmoset, that she can send off to pickpocket things, should she so need it – like that trained monkey in Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Moranthology is currently on my reading list.