Efeminate???

Wow, what a week!  I have really enjoyed the readings.  So far, I find that I most identify with Existential Feminism.  I think Simon de Beauvoir's exploration of man as the self and woman as the other to be fascinating.  Beauvoir argued that women have historically been considered deviant or abnormal. Aspiring toward the male ideal as other feminists have recommended, Mary Wollstonecraft - I'm looking at you, just serves to limit women's success by perpetuating the view that we are lacking in some way. Beauvoir believed that for feminism to move forward, this assumption must be set aside and I am inclined to agree.

Another resonating feature of Existential Feminism, a la Beauvoir, is the capability of choice.  Women have the ability to choose to elevate themselves and choose their own freedom.  I find this to be refreshing after reading in previous chapters which traits I need to adopt and which traits I need to banish forever.  Radical Feminism seems just as oppressive as our current patriarchal society, if not more so.  While I respect the attempted analysis of feminine vs. masculine traits, I disagree with radical-libertarian feminists in their efforts to rid the world of femininity.  Reproduction is our main weakness??  Come on.  I disagree with radical-cultural feminists in their acceptance of only feminine traits.  These both radical and yet opposing views seem to be very polarizing and restrictive.  I think people should have the right to express whatever traits they want and be treated equally regardless of their choice.

In other news, I've been thinking a lot lately about the word "emasculate."

e·mas·cu·late/iˈmaskyəˌlāt/

Verb:

Make (a person, idea, or piece of legislation) weaker or less effective. Deprive (a man) of his male role or identity: "he feels emasculated because he cannot control his sons' behavior"

The word "emasculate" implies that you are taking power away from someone.  For it to be taken away implies that you have held power at some point.  Is there an equal word that signifies the same removal of power for women?   

There is no word in our language for taking power from a woman because she typically doesn't hold any in our society.  

I am interested in hearing your thoughts on this...

One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.

     - Simone de Beauvoir