More on feminism
It was surprising to read Melody Kemp's strong reaction to John Thomas' evaluation of feminism and femininity in The Jakarta Post of Aug. 18, 1994. It is of course her right to express her comments about matters and it is also John Thomas' right to express his. We have to respect other people's opinions no matter how strange or wrong they might sound. But what surprises me most is her statement addressed to the "celibate old man in Rome" and others like him who have the right to control women's bodies. I strongly believe that Melody Kemp is not a follower of that old man in Rome, but it does not mean that she can speak on behalf of non-Roman Catholic women.
It is a rule or regulation imposed by a highly respected religious organization with a recorded following of more than 580 million in 1973. The United Nations, a world body established and recognized by the nations of the world, may also impose regulations that have to be respected and obeyed by its member countries.
As a matter of fact, many nations, especially the more advanced ones, also exercise control on women's bodies; like birth control programs. What is Melody's comment on this? Both the celibate old man in Rome and the government of nations control women's bodies. Now which one should be justified? It is an easy question, but difficult to answer. We could discuss the matter for hours without achieving a satisfactory solution.
The controls can be both justified or unjustified depending on from what side one looks into the matter. To discuss this issue, one has to be serious, cool-headed and broad-minded in order to enter into a "lively talk and healthy debate".
I absolutely agree with the statement made by Dr. Tuty, professor of philosophy at University of Indonesia, which was cited by John Thomas; Indonesian feminists should aim at harmony and not Western feminism that is full of dogmas, conflicts and confrontations. As far as feminism and femininity are concerned, I agree that American and other feminists should be learning from Indonesian women.
Woman's role in world development does not need to be officially recognized, since history will record the truth. Needless to say, women are entitled to more rights and activities in many aspects of life like the right to participate in religious ceremonies or rituals and the right to be involved in social and political life. Such rights already exist in many developing and developed countries.
To be equal, women do not need to lift weights or other activities usually done by men, because they will lose their femininity and become man-like. I realize that feminism has always been a contradiction by definition, but I think we must put the matter in proportion.
Asian women in general have different perceptions and values of the so-called emancipation from that of Western women. The differences do not necessarily have to be conflict with each other. East is East, West is West. We have to acknowledge and respect the existing differences. Woman differs very much from man, but both are created to love and not to fight each other.
ALOYSIUS HARYONO
Jakarta