The last few years have been confusing for everyone. It seems like there is a gender-based power struggle everywhere; for instance – cases of gender violence are increasing against both women and men, gender-based roles are becoming obsolete, and the popularity of the concept of gender fluidity is rising. Many are repelled by the F word (in a whisper: Fem**ism). It can be concluded that, at least, there are competing interests from both sides.
When I opened up to a fellow bookworm about my dilemma, he lent me a book titled, ‘A Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates. I dived into it right away. And just like most impactful inspirational moments, this book caught me off guard, and it soon transpired into my moment of lift.
This book is a collection of the most unbelievable accounts of Melinda’s personal experiences as a co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and as a person. Wherein she candidly shared learnings from her philanthropic work, her ignorance, vulnerability, efforts and emotions.
The book’s central thesis is improving our communities by loving and respecting each other and, in other words, letting everyone, irrespective of their gender, make decisions for themselves, including diversity in our community, and never letting anyone feel like an outsider. It’s that simple. That is empowerment, which is synonymously also called Feminism.
On the flip side, there have also been numerous cases wherein some women are egregiously abusing the power and trust vested in them through communities and laws and are focused on disempowering others by flasely accusing men (enter “Karen”), in the pretext of Feminism, which is creating fear, hatred and spreading myths about what Feminism really is.
And since Feminism is a relatively newer concept, we need guidance and a simplified view to educate ourselves on this matter. To help us think, understand and respond to these abusers. And who could be a better person to teach us other than the one who has herself been learning and empowering others for more than twenty years!
This book teaches us that Feminism is creating a power balance amongst all the sound minded adults in our society, this sweeping social restructuring needs to be brought with grace and love, otherwise despite best intentions, it will leave us with anything but goodwill.
The compelling stories in this book are bound to soften your views on how you perceive things and educate you. And if one continues to resist, s/he will eventually be swept away by this force, because, people are beginning to understand the benefits of Feminism.
Going back to my lack of understanding and confusion before I read this book, I feel, now I can differentiate between the notion of Feminism and the real Feminism; and for that I have two people to thank, firstly Douglas for lending me this wonderful book and secondly, Melinda Gates for being who she is. And now I can’t wait to practice what I have learnt, for the rest of my life.
PS: I have understood the context of the song, ‘I ain’t sorry’ by Beyoncé, but I still don’t like it. But I really like some of her other songs.
Share this with someone who is confused about Feminism.
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Merci beaucoup et à bientôt ❤
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