Happy Valentine's Day

Way back in the 20th Century, there was a wave of feminism that stressed strength and independence. Women shook off the notion of finding their identity solely through a relationship with a man. It was the heyday of renaming oneself and claiming the ancient power of womanhood before patriarchy reshaped society.

While winnowing out mementoes of the past quarter-century, I came across some reminders of those days. Not a lot of women practice feminism to the same degree any more, maybe because there is more egalitarianism today in the family and the workplace. Strong women tend to be more appreciated than feared, more accepted on their own terms.

Feminism itself could be oppressive. Admitting a fondness for Mick Jagger could get a woman in a lot of trouble with radical feminists. Boys and men were banned from marches and demonstrations. Old-fashioned courtesies like holding open a door were perceived as condescending insults. But as in all movements, the pendulum swung back toward the middle eventually. Today Michelle Obama can appear on the cover of Vogue without evoking screeds and screeches from flannel-shirt-clad "wimmin."

So wherever you are on the spectrum nowadays, have a happy Valentine's Day today. And feel free to celebrate Susan B. Anthony's birthday tomorrow!

--Bernice Paglia