Ever since childhood, I've always thought of females as equals. I've
constantly believed that everyone has the same potential at success in all
areas of life -- regardless of their race, sex, creed, or sexual
orientation. Culturally I'm very liberal, and naturally, I'm a feminist.
But unlike many of today's modern feminists, I don't believe in forcing my
progressive values on everyone else.
Many Americans today assume that anti-discrimination regulations, pay-equity
laws, sexual-harassment restrictions, and government welfare programs are
absolutely necessary for women to achieve equality. Without them, they
assert, we'd still be living in the Dark Ages.
But nonetheless, what good does it do for someone's self-esteem when
politicians portray her as a "lesser" individual who needs state assistance
to become equal? How does it affect a woman's personal sense of sovereignty
when she must depend upon big government in order to be successful?
Historically, regimes have been the worst suppressors of the inalienable
rights of women. Over a century ago, the law forbade them from voting,
owning property, holding certain jobs, and using birth control. Has
government suddenly become the good guy, now that it pampers women instead
of restraining them?
In a free market, employers want the most productive work force. The way to
obtain this is by hiring the most qualified candidates, treating them with
dignity, maintaining a positive workplace environment, and building a good
reputation. Even if every business in town discriminates, it would take
only one entrepreneur to stop doing so, and immediately she would gain a
competitive edge over her rivals.
Some readers may cite the fact that women make 75 cents for every dollar a
man makes. But when age, education, and work experience are considered, the
wage gap is smaller. Furthermore, women ages 27 to 33 who have never had
children earn 98 cents for each male's buck. Clearly, we must account for
many factors -- including the probability of someone leaving to raise a
family -- before suggesting anything about pernicious pay discrimination.
Next comes the issue of nonviolent sexual harassment. If the social
environment in a workplace makes somebody feel uncomfortable, she should
inform her supervisor, and possibly that person's boss. If no one fixes the
problem, then it's time to start searching for a better employer. Simply
being a jerk should never be against the law.
In contrast, discrimination must never be allowed in government or military
positions, or in any subsidized program. Bigotry is unprofessional,
uneconomical, and is just plain wrong.
But what justification do we have to tell private companies how to run their
businesses? If they aren't committing fraud, physical force, or damages to
anyone's property or physical well-being, wouldn't we be forcing our values
on them? Isn't this what Pat Robertson and Pat Buchanan try to do to
everyone in America?
When we attempt to control the peaceful decisions of others, it usually
creates more problems than it solves. Free speech may be violated.
Companies may be required to employ less qualified candidates. Some people
may have more difficulty finding jobs. And I'm sure most of us remember the
lawsuit against Hooters Restaurant for refusing to hire drag queens as
waiters!
Individual liberty and free enterprise are feminism's best friends. They
make employers choose between their prejudice and their pocketbooks. They
allow women to start their own businesses, and give everyone the opportunity
to pursue their dreams.
Today there may be a few companies who would discriminate willingly if
allowed to do so, but that doesn't mean all of them would. If some owners
want to be idiots, we ought to let them reap as they sow. They could face
boycotts and tainted reputations. Besides, why would you ever want to work
for someone if he doesn't want you there?
Lastly, welfare traps women into poverty. It discourages them from finding
work as soon as possible, and keeps them from moving up the proverbial
ladder. Handouts make women dependent, passive, obedient, and
irresponsible. Male chauvinists, if anything, should be the ones supporting
such government folly -- not aspiring feminists!
Women are strong. They have what it takes to succeed in every area of life.
Many of them are better at overcoming adversity than men.
For the first time in history, governments need to start treating women and
minorities like their white male counterparts. They deserve just as much
confidence and respect as anyone else.
As Ayn Rand said, "The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those
who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities."
We cannot continue to behave like the "Pat Pack" by attempting to force our
desires on others. We cannot keep abandoning our own feminist principles by
whining to "Big Daddy" about life not being fair.
Let's forget about being victims and look forward to the future instead.
Let's take our lives back into our own hands and make the most of them.
Maybe then we will encounter our true selves, and perhaps then we also will
rediscover genuine feminism.
