Tidal Waves: Confidence Through Solidarity
Sara Evans defines feminism as “The democratic mobilization of women to challenge inequality and to claim their civic right to be full participants in making changes and solving the problems of the twenty-first century will be essential for the foreseeable future� (Evans 2). In order for women to “be mobilized� to fulfill these callings, they need self-confidence, which draws strength from the energy of their allies.
Evans found this empowerment in her women’s liberation group. These women were strengthened by their relationships within the group, but they still had doubts and confusion about how they should live out their ideals. They were trying to reconcile their beliefs about raising children with the reality of living in a world of gender stereotypes and Barbies.
The liberation group by no means provided all the answers about feminism, but the sense of community and shared ideas was tremendously meaningful for these women. Likewise, they were hungry to connect with groups across the country through Xeroxed pamphlets. By recognizing the “shared dynamics that underlay [the feminist movement’s] immense and complex diversity,� (Evans 16), feminism becomes clearer and less daunting.
Just as Evans valued the connections with other women across the country, she recognized the need to connect with women in history as well. The title of the book, Tidal Waves, refers to the way feminism gains ground and then loses momentum throughout history. It also implies that there is great power in the movement when it is on the upswing. Evans wrote of “the rage we experienced about having been cut off from our own history in all its complexity� (Evans 5). Her frustration with not having a sense of roots in the movement led her to be a feminist historian. She noted similarities between the historical waves of feminist popularity or disinterest. Knowledge about the history of the movement is necessary for the next generation to make improvements. Also, calling attention to significant female contributions in history boosts the self-efficacy of women.
In Evans’ experience, she found strength by connecting with her liberation group and also by highlighting women’s history through her career. Evans benefited from solidarity both with fellow feminists and with the strong women who came before her. This solidarity gives one the strength and confidence to believe and participate in the next “tidal wave.�
Comments
People who has a goal to reach need to learn what is confidence, its importance, how to have and use it. Confidence is an essential factor needed to achieve one's goals.
Having self confidence makes a person believe in his/her own capabilities which leads her to her goal. It would make him/her pursue his/her goals and to never give up until it is reached.
Posted by: What is Confidence | June 13, 2007 10:40 AM
In this patriarchal society, women need to know how to be confident with themselves. Being a woman sometimes makes us feel inferior. It shouldn't be that way. We are only brought up in a society that is "ruled" by men. But in reality, we can also rule if we are confident enough.
Learn how to be confident and you can do what men can do. If other people think that you did wrong and it is better done by a man, don't feel sorry about it. They think it that way because they are used to perceive it being done by men. Believe in yourself, woman, because you can be successful if you really want to.
Posted by: How to be Confident | July 4, 2007 04:53 PM
Good communication skills is what feminists need in order to get mobilized. With their skills, they can bring together feminists, can influence and encourage the others to join them.
Once they're mobilized, they need to be more aggressive in working for a change. As we can see today, there is an improvement already. Women are more independent, achievers, and strong.
Posted by: Communication Skills | September 27, 2007 03:32 PM
To gain confidence, you must learn to be be positive all the time. To be positive helps you achieve your goals like gaining confidence.
The Sedona Method is a very effective way to feel, think, and be positive all the time through achieving emotional wellness. Many has testified about the effectivity of the sedona method. It is proven to have made people feel great and positive.
Posted by: sedona method | May 8, 2008 03:11 PM