Feminism, as are all 'isms', is a croc. Isms are inevitably generalisations that mask the endless variations of what they neatly collect under their wing.
It is sad, in my view, that so many women appear to believe that adopting male characteristics, habits, attitudes or behaviours is what they must do to attain equality of recognition with men. They do themselves no favours and, indeed, I'd suggest that in a sense they are denying the very validity that they wish to promote.
Surely, one of the wonders of life is the existence of another sex. Obviously, such is needed for non manipulated procreation and thus survival of the species. However, don't most people enjoy the company and often even simply admire the sight of their opposite sex?
Even those of non-heterosexual genders seem not disinclined to find attractions of one sort or another to those of their opposite sex. No, they may not want to be intimate with them but surely there are many more reasons why we are attracted to others than just intimacy or the desire for it.
I enjoy women to be women. I enjoy the female form, save when it is obese - I mean no offence to fat women but they just don't attract me, but then, neither do I enjoy the sight of overweight, fat or obese men.
I enjoy the way that women move,, the smoothness of their skin, the many ways in which they are able to style their hair, their depth of feeling and their mystery.
I love flowing gowns, an old style blouse, or boots and a short skirt. However, equally I enjoy tomboy types, women in overalls, women working at trade or similar roles that traditionally have been male. Indeed, those latter situations often accentuate feminine traits and appearance, perhaps because of the contrast between their person and their clothing, activity and surroundings.
I cannot understand why a woman wouldn't want to enjoy, even celebrate her femininity. Indeed, isn't there a contradiction between, on the one hand claiming that appearance has nothing to do with intellect, ability & competence, yet on the other denigrating feminine traits, dress or manner?
The reality is that we are who we are. Given real equity - and I dislike the continual use of 'equality', for it doesn't exist, for anyone - and given real freedom and given real empathy, providing that we are not harming others we ought all to be able to look, dress and act as we wish.
It is said that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and if that's true then there are as many beautiful people as there are people to appreciate them.
Yes, I like what for me are beautiful women. Yes, I like softness, gentleness, wonder and that female tenacity and strength that so often holds others together when their is calamity or disaster. I value strong women and I don't make the mistake of confusing femininity with fragility or weakness.
