Dear Hermione,
Forgive me for using your first name
but I am unsure as to whether you adopted the Weasley name, kept your
own, or if you and Ronald hyphenated both of your names.
I am unsure of how much you stay
current regarding Muggle news but, because both of your parents are
Muggles, I believe it is safe to assume you follow it somewhat
closely. Because of this I also assume you have heard the recent news
regarding Miss Emma Watson and that she has become a Goodwill
Ambassador for the UN.
I am unsure how how influenced she was
by portraying you for all of those years in the Harry Potter films. I
know her intelligence, passion, and her sense of independence are her
own but how perfect that even after that role has been completed,
even as she grows and becomes her own person, that she would become
someone whom I think you would be proud of.
How wonderful it is that Ms. Watson was
able to fill a role of someone who felt deeply about fairness and
equality, as you fought for for the House Elves, would grow up into
someone who is still fighting for fairness and equality. You must be
proud of her declaration of striving for gender equality, of her
being a “freedom fighter,” of sorts, just as you were.
I have now listened twice to her speech
given at the UN and can say I agree with, if not every word, than
close to every one. Despite this I will not label myself a
“Feminist.” A part of this is because of what she said, it has
become an uncomfortable word, but also because though I agree with
her, there are some Feminists that I merely get frustrated with. It
seems some argue not for equality but for being treated just the
same, that all women should be treated exactly as men are
stereotypically treated. But I believe not all women want that, nor
do all men. Yes, I believe they, men and women, should be treated
fairly and justly but, as Ms. Watson said, there is a spectrum.
According to Myers-Briggs personality
type tests I am an INFP and supposedly only 4% of United States are
this personality type. Among males it is even more rare. In college I
majored in Psychology and, in my classes, as my teachers talked about
typical thought patterns for men and women, I more often identified
with those assigned to women. Since then, this has typically been a
recurring trend.
I am a heterosexual male, strongly
attracted to the opposite sex. But I have no desire for power, have
little ambition to lead, do not care for promotion, I am horrible at
math but love art and writing, and am not motivated by money. I have
a strong dislike of sports, a part of this is because I am so
non-competitive and confrontational that I get frustrated with those
who are very competitive. In other words, I do not posses many of the
attributes associated with being a “manly man.” I feel compelled
to say I have fought Missouri wildfires with little fear, have been a
part of building houses and cabins, and, if someone helpless is hurt
then I can get angry and passionate against those who hurt them. I
know it's silly and a part of what Emma and HeforShe is fighting
against, but I feel like I needed to share those things so people
will know I am not a “sissy.”
I have been blessed, though I have
grown up and continue to be a part of a Christian sect that is very
traditional and conservative, to be supported for who I am. I have
accepted I am who I am and am comfortable in my own skin. That I am
nurturing, that I feel deeply, that I desire to serve instead of
lead. My parents have supported me as I first thought I wanted to be
an elementary teacher and then decided I believe my calling is to be
a Youth Services Librarian. They understand and accept that I would
turn down more money, a position with more potential for promotions,
in favor of a somewhat low-paying job in which I will be happy and
will feel I am making a positive difference.
Sorry to go on a tangent, but I say all
that to illustrate that we are all different. Yes, I stand behind and
support the Feminist cause of equality. I think it is stupidity to
not pay two individuals doing the same work, the same pay. I believe
women have the same potential for greatness and excellence as men. I
know that many women are smarter than I, that they can make better
engineers, architects, and rocket scientists than I could ever be.
Some of the best, calmest, most level headed, strongest leaders I
have served under were women. So, yes, I believe we are equal but I
still maintain we are different, we are all different. I am glad Ms.
Watson is promoting this along with her call for equality and that
she realizes that is not a war of man against women but rather a war
for humanity to feel, to be strong, to be gentle, to be brave, to
strive and be the best you can be whether man or woman and give the
support and tools for others to do the same.
Thank you for your service to humanity.
Sincerely,
Jared White
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