I was fortunate enough to get to spend a week alone with my parents over spring break (a rarity for a middle child with two other siblings). One night we were sitting out on our deck and began talking about my grandma, one of our favorite topics. My grandma died when I was eight years old, but she was an amazing women, who all of my family was incredibly close to, so hearing my parents tell stories about her has always been something my sisters and I have truly enjoyed.
As my dad was telling stories about her and my grandpa's marriage, it began to dawn on me that my grandma was a feminist. I had never realized it before because she was a stay at home mom and quit her job as a secretary when she married my grandpa. Despite the fact that her type of feminism looked different than mine, I now realize that she took many huge stands for a women during the 1950s and 1960s. When my grandpa's mother gave my grandma a list of his favorite recipes and encouraged her to change the curtains in their house to make my grandpa more happy, my grandma refused. And despite the fact that she quit her job, she spent her entire life volunteering at nonprofit organizations and acting as a mediator for a social work group. As my dad put it, "she had no idea that what she was doing was feminism; she was just focusing on her happiness as well as her husband's".
Your grandma sounded like an incredible woman! I think when people think of their grandparents or older generations, it is really hard to wrap their heads around that feminism did exist but just with a different mindset. For example, I love whenever I see pictures of protesters or individuals rallying for gay rights with signs saying, "I've been gay for 93 years, but I must just be going through a phase" or something along those lines. Feminism has existed for centuries just in different ways, shapes, and forms. It sounds like your grandma was truly a feminist, and I'm envious that she had the opportunity to volunteer for non-profit organizations her entire life!
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like an amazing person! I totally love the idea of how she refused and thought about her happiness along with her husbands. She quite her job for marriage, but never let go off her happiness. I love the fact that she did what made her happy and maintained your grandpa's happiness as well. Women are not only do house chores, but can do more than that. She was a truly a feminist!
ReplyDeleteYour grandma is GREAT! I think its amazing hearing stories from past generations. It shows how today can compare to the past in so many ways and how we still need some improvements on things.
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