There seems to be this widespread notion that feminism is a stance held by man-hating
dykes who are against
motherhood,
femininity, and - gasp! - stay-at-home moms. While there are a few of these in existence, most
feminists hold a different point of view.
For me, as for many feminists, feminism grows out of a more
comprehensive belief that all people are equal - regardless of
sex,
race,
political or
religious belief,
sexual preference, etc. Along with this belief comes the idea that everyone is entitled to the freedom of
self-determination. Thus, everyone has the
right to be a
CEO, an
athlete, or a stay-at-home parent (note that "right" does not imply "ability"). I, as a feminist, do not discriminate against other women who have decided to have a litter of kids and stay at home. If that is what they want to do, more power to them. If feminists choose to belittle the choices of other women, they defeat the purpose of feminism: giving every woman the right to control her own
destiny.