Smith: Interview Assignment

“One view of Feminism”
Debbie Dlugolenski, 51, grew up in Wellington, Missouri as a child, but now resides in Conyers, Georgia. Personally, as a middle class African American female who identifies with the Democratic Party, Dlugolenski and I have many dissimilar characteristics. Dlugolenski is a Caucasian female roughly thirty years my elder who identifies with the Republican Party and the goals of the feminist movement. These differences are the reasons that I thought Dlugolenski would be an interesting candidate to interview. Our racial, political, economic and social differences will help myself and others interpret the feminist movement. This interpretation is portrayed through the eyes of an individual who has experienced and lived through the second and currently the third wave movements. Her insight can also help make predictions of the future trends for women and the feminist movement.
Dlugolenski defines feminism as the fight for women to attain equal rights and social, political, and economical opportunities. Although she identifies with the goals of the feminist movement, she does not like the term “feminist” and certainly does not consider herself an activist. She believes the term feminist is a word that separates the sexes rather than unites them. “I have heard the term “women are people, and I think that this is a better approach,” stated Dlugolenski. She believes that unfairly, unfortunately, and all too often the term feminism is too closely linked to the word lesbianism. This is one of the problems that remind me of some of the literature from the first wave authors. The fact that many people associate these negative connotations with feminism is not surprising. These feelings of backlash are expressed in Susan Faludi’s “Blame it on Feminism,” in which she places the blame of many of the problems we as women encounter on the feminist movement. Dlugolenski feels strongly that sexual orientation and feminism should be kept separately. Her attitude about feminism is very similar to that of women of the third wave movement. These women identify as feminist, however, they are much less active than members of the first and second wave movements.
The second wave feminism movement started in the early 1960’s, thus Dlugolenski lived through all of that movement and much of the third wave as well. One of the main goals of the second wave feminist was attaining equality for women in the workplace. This brings to mind Betty Friedan’s “The Problem That has no Name.” In this piece the housewife syndrome is addressed and explained. This piece assured women they were not limited to being just housewives and led many women to vocalize their right to choose whether or not they wanted to work in the workforce.
According to Dlugolenski, she has worked very hard to get where she is today. She is now a senior leader at a state agency. With approximately thirty male staff members that report to her, she only reports to one male who is above her in rank. Years ago, this is an achievement that women would have never envisioned. Dlugolenski appreciates that her work is valued and the fact that she holds her position strictly because of her abilities. “I feel as if I have had to be more educated, a harder worker, and be more competent than males to accomplish all that I have,” she stated. However, her success would not have been possible if women such as, Betty Friedan did not speak out about these inequalities and Kathie Sarachild who wrote “Consciousness Raising.” Dlugolenski has never taken a women’s studies class and has never taken the time to research these women, but she says she is very thankful for their achievements and their high degree of success. “It is also very important to learn about the achievements of these women so our gender can continue to excel,” she stated. In my opinion, these women symbolize true success and serve as role models for women of every race, class, and ethnic background in our society.
One very important point mentioned by Dlugolenski in the interview was when she said, “Even though the feminist movement afforded women with more rights and opportunities, with that came more responsibilities. Today’s women juggle multiple and sometimes contradictory roles, such as, raising kids, working, managing money and much more. The female role has expanded dramatically both at home and at work; however, with little to no change in the male role and responsibilities.” I suspect this is because it seems as though there is still pressure for women to be the primary care giver and for men to be the primary bread winner. This leads to the fact that Dlugolenski is divorced and is now a single mother of two teenagers. “In my personal life, my ex-husband did not share in the family or home responsibilities despite that I always worked or went to school,” she said. Dlugolenski believes that the male perception is that women will work and work and work at home. Personally I feel that this is a false misconception held by many. The true roles and contributions of women have been overlooked and undervalued for far too long.
The third wave feminists’ movement started in the early 1990’s and is characterized by a sex- positive attitude concerning women’s sexuality and the idea of reclaiming derogatory terms. However, the third wave is a much less active movement that expresses many of their ideas through the internet in a series of online blogs. Dlugolenski feels that the internet is a powerful tool in reaching out. However, I have to ask myself is it enough? She also feels that the third wave is less about activism and transformation. “What happened in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s was transformational to women’s equality,” she stated. I personally think that what the future holds for the feminist movement is uncertain. However, Dlugolenski thinks that the movement will grow weaker and as women increasingly juggle more roles, the movement will focus more on social supports, such as, childcare at the workplace, and family leave.
When I asked about reaching true equality she stated that she felt there would always be social, political, and cultural differences between the sexes, which do not always have to be seen as negative. She stated that the differences then become about tolerance and appreciating, even celebrating the differences, while ensuring fairness and opportunity simultaneously. She says we are all different and it is human nature for people to look at differences and therefore treat others differently because of them. Dlugolenski’s statements remind me of Audre Lorde’s opinion about difference that she confronts in her piece “Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference.” In the piece Lorde declares that difference itself is not bad, but when people ignore, destroy, and copy these differences is when the problems begin. Although much more can still be accomplished, I personally believe that the feminist movement has made huge strides in affording women the opportunities they deserve. Dlugolenski explains that momentum is on our side, but we are not there yet. The most moving part of the interview was reached when Dlugolenski stated that, “Despite all of the hard work, the challenges, and the inequity, I am glad I was born a woman. If it was easy I would not appreciate where I am or what I have achieved today. It is still and always will be a challenge to grow up as a female, but we can make it.”
The feminist movement has opened the door for all women for which I am extremely thankful. Women’s success such as, Dlugolenski’s great achievements and others are prime examples of what the feminist movement has done for women and how it will continue to play a critical part in every aspect of the life’s of women in the future. Hopefully her strong will and empowerment will encourage more women to overcome the adversities and excel despite unforeseen obstacles due to gender.