What do feminist think about the conservative women out in the midwest?

Question

Are they trapped by religious beliefs from man's laws, not god's laws? Is being ladylike a trait weakness in today's world? Do they still stand by their man?

Answer 1

Speaking as a woman in the Midwest, I don't feel trapped by anything. I don't really care what feminists think of me. I am my own person. I just don't happen to agree with the entire feminist agenda. I would rather make decisions based on specific issues, rather than just follow blindly what the feminists dictate. If that's wrong in your eyes, tough. I think the real "trapped" people are the ones who don't think for themselves. And yes, I stand "by" my man, but not behind him.

Answer 2

I am from the midwest. I am conservative but am no way trapped by anything. Having class and acting with good manners is never a weakness. It is a weapon.

KA1277- I have 200 college hours and make a great living as do the rest of the women in my family.

Answer 3

Having lived in the midwest, I've known many such conservative women. They by no means strike me as unintelligent or weak and most are simply doing what they believe to be right. In a way, it takes a lot of strength to face the world and justify your beliefs when they are not mainstream anymore. In this way, they are strong. I don't get the impression that conservative women feel particularly oppressed. They have been raised a certain way and are comfortable in holding a certain role in the family. To be a true feminist, I believe one has to support a woman's right not only to be a powerful force in the world, but also to choose traditional values if she wants...to be herself. To make a woman feel ashamed because she wants to be traditional and/or be a housewife, is to oppress her in a different way.
It is true that some women in conservative households feel oppressed because of the church, though. A powerful woman who voices her opinions and tries to exercise authority is sometimes avoided by other women in the church, and is sometimes criticized by clergy members. My mother is very conservative, but still a strong woman who voices her opinions, and she faces this struggle, as do I. Ultimately, those women who do feel trapped feel pressure from those they see as holding religious authority...Sometimes, it appears to be a form of peer pressure. Like "if you're not doing things the way we say, then you're obviously not doing God's will." This is a frightening prospect for some women and so the pressure exerted by religious authorities causes them to go back into their place. Still, some women do not struggle with this.
Also, I might mention that the doctrine of feminine submission can be interpreted on a cultural/era basis, meaning that in a society where men and women have equal education and standing, it is not necessary. And whereas the Bible makes a moral statement about such things as fornication and adultery...it makes no such "moral statement" about feminine submission. This doctrine is something that is for the most part blown largely out of proportion by a church that was patriarchal in nature for so long.
As for being ladylike...If some interpret it as a sign of weakness, they shouldn't. It takes a lot of strength to be a strong woman...and just as much to be both strong and feminine. There isn't anything wrong with paying attention to ettiquite, or having more feminine mannerisms if that is who you are as a person. No one should judge another person for just being who they are. I wouldn't want someone to think I'm a raging moron just because I wear pants all the time and don't wear makeup. You see...It just doesn't make any sense. So no, being ladylike isn't weakness. It's individuality.
And as for "standing by your man"...women in the midwest seem to give a fair amount of support to their spouses. For the most part, except among more conservative homeschoolers, I don't notice many differences between midwestern marital relationships and those of other normal relationships.
One final thing I should mention is that it's not like the midwest is an entirely different culture. Populations of larger, more urban centers, such as Madison and Springfield, are actually considerably more liberal in their views. The conservative population on the other hand, can be found in the suburbs, and is also concentrated in rural areas, and among homeschoolers.

Answer 4

What do you mean "Stand by your man"? Do you mean providing emotional support, providing help when needed and generally doing the things two people do for each other when they love one another? then yes, feminists certainly stand by their men, all the ones I know, anyway. As for conservative women, I'm sure they are very diverse and different as well, but I feel bad for anyone who feels they are restricted from following their dreams, or becoming the person they want to be, or doing the things they want to do in life, because of their gender.

I really don't see why you can't be "lady like" and be a feminist as well.

Answer 5

I think many of them are dumb as dirt.
Others may be smart, but confined to the roles that someone else (often religion) has assigned them, and perhaps they are even happy in their roles. They don’t question the reasons behind what they do, they just do it. Like sheep.
I live in the midwest, and I am continually amazed at the frequency with which my “radical” thinking is met with responses like..” I never thought of it that way…” or “how does your husband feel about that?” As if I need his permission to have my own thoughts!

There is nothing wrong with being ladylike. I support a woman’s choice to engage in all the traditional trappings of femininity, so long as it is her choice, and not an expectation thrust upon her.

Answer 6

You have quite a distorted view of the Midwest.

Answer 7

bad

Answer 8

I don't know... all I know is that it sucks to be a feminist. sorry to feminist people, but that's my opinion. men and women should know their own place, and not try to be in each other's places.

Answer 9

I agree with Tang; men should know their place and women should know their place, of course Levity you know my point of view on the matter.