Women Are Not Equal.

Unpopular opinion: I don't agree with feminism. In college, I was told to read literary theories on feminism and read texts from first, second, and third-wave feminists. I was expected to agree with it. I educated myself -- ready to be convinced that radical feminism was the future; but I couldn't buy it. I refused to accept the argument that my gender is oppressed by the patriarchy that smothers us in gender role expectations and lives to objectify us in little black dresses that we choose to wear.

As I settle into my fourth week here in Annapolis, I can't help but feel slightly disappointed in the underlying theme of the small talk I make with every new friendly male and female face. It usually goes something like this:

"Welcome to the area! Do you know anyone here?"

"No, I moved here alone."

"No worries! It won't be too long until you meet a nice guy!"

This sentence is always followed by a wink and a dramatic hand gesture, meant to direct my eyes to the Naval Academy gates. I usually crack a small, polite smile and say like "haha, ya" ready to change (or end) the conversation. My first week here, I'd follow these statements with a nervous laugh and a, "oh, no need. I'm dating a firstie" knowing my chances of social acceptance were exponentially increased if I could prove some sort of, even the most minor, association with the Academy. I stopped saying this though because not only was it insinuating that my identity -- my success - was embedded in my (then) midshipman, but with each proud rebuttal, I reduced T's value to a title and a uniform and mine as a damsel in distress in need of saving by my own personal, public servant.

I never pictured myself writing this piece -- not from this angle, at least. It was sparked by a simple statement that T made on the phone a few weeks back; "Halle, women are not equal, they are far superior." Maybe a traditional female response would've been "aw, you're so sweet" or maybe even a resounding "f* ya we are!" but much like those articles I read, I could not be convinced of his statement. Now, I wasn't expecting him to be a misogynistic or whatever, but given that he's been placed in a career with a loose job description of being an authoritative male, I was surprised. We both have English degrees so our argumentative and analysis skills are well exercised. This conversation continued and I wasn't swayed on his argument, in fact, it only supported mine. In a society where men of all color and age are only increasingly oppressed by a feminist revolt, in his steadfast argument, I could only see a man that is far superior. I thought, are we letting men be men if we're challenging a strangers motive to hold the door or start a conversation? Are we disqualifying a mans primal, innate abilities to lead and supply because there's a never ending battle that a female can do just the same, but better? We are not superior in these aspects. Our primal skills as women are motherly instincts and protectiveness, and how, if we choose to have children, will we raise a man that views women as far superior if we are sacrificing our skills to fight a battle that cannot be won?

I think women should change their last name to their husbands. I believe, that while a woman can aid in the process, it is the man that is responsible for the final decision. I think women should have their doors held, their chairs pulled out, and their first date paid for. However, I also believe women have their right to education. I believe as a woman you should be able to say, "no, I don't see myself having children." Overall, I know that females of all ages can escape their own towers and build their own castles.