* To anyone who does not know Simone de Beauvoir, she is a french-born writer, intellectual, existentialist philosopher, political activist, feminist, and social theorist.*
Dear Madame Beauvoir,
I am Urielle Umutoni, a college student at Middle Tennessee State University in America. I am writing to you because I was introduced to exploring philosophy and found you. I have attempted to write this letter 5 times now. The more research I do, the more fascinated I am by your stance on life and outlook.
Did you know that your text The Second Sex will be the foundation book for the feminist movement? What was your thought process that led to writing this piece of work? I have read about your past and your journey, so I am curious about what moment brought upon this The Second Sex? I quote, " One is not born a woman. One becomes one." you bring this statement to light in your text, but I would have to say it shines bright in this day. My reason for this is the fight for rights for transgender people and others in the LGBTQ+ community. This community is for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender, Queer, and anyone else close to their description. They have brought the fight of breaking down institutional gender roles and gender identity.
In a 1975 interview, you said that quote is the basis of all of your many theories, and the meaning is simple" " being a woman is not a natural fact. It's the result of a certain history. No biological or psychological destiny defines a woman as such. She's the product of a history of civilization..." This way of thinking is very foreign to many people due to the social construct that has been established many years ago.
In an earlier (1959) interview, you stated that having children can be important for women, but to reduce women to just having children is not fair because women are humans who can do more than have children. For example, you used Beatrix Beck, a writer, journalist, researcher, a single mother, and described her as self-sufficient. I have to say this is the interview I fell for you and your works because you continued to justify the male interviewer of a woman's capabilities.
If you were still alive today, I believe you would still be fighting for feminism. I believe you would be upset about the slow progress that has been. However, you would be impressed by the outspoken the younger generation is. I would like to say thank you for the impact that you have left on this world.
Sincèrement,
Urielle Umutoni
The grand total of posts this semester is 12.
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