Radical Femininity
So, I threw out this women's retreat idea to about 50 of our women leaders at NCC to get their reactions/feedback. It's definitely been a mixed bag. I tossed out the theme--
Radical Femininity
No pink. No fluff. No crap. Just Jesus.
Reactions have been varied. So far, 2/3 of the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. They love the combination of "radical" with "femininity." Personally, I really like it because it makes you stop in your tracks and go, "huh?" because it sounds so close to "radical feminism" and yet the meaning is so completely different. It challenges stereotypes on both ends of the spectrum. Some of them answered they weren't interested in women's retreats, but then they saw the theme and it made them interested in coming.
The other 1/3 haven't been as excited. Some are offended by the "no pink." Some don't like the word "crap." Some don't like "radical femininity" because it sounds too much like "radical femininism," despite the meaning difference.
I want it to be edgy and maybe even a little uncomfortable for people. And we want to challenge stereotypes. Ideas? Thoughts? What would make you come to a women's retreat?
posted by Heather Z @ 10:56 AM
8 comments
Sacred Roads: Exploring the Historic Paths of Discipleship
8 Comments:
i'm obviously not a woman, but i love the idea- and the name.
way to push the envelope and strip it down (hmm maybe that is the wrong verb for a women's retreat) well you knew what i meant.
i have talked to a lot of girls who shudder at the sound of 'women's retreat.' but i know that one led by you and attended by ncc-ers would rock.
hope it works out...
:)
*hasler
I like the concept, and though I understand your meaning behind "no pink"; instead how about no frou-frou, no fluff, no crap, just Jesus. I know you are not a pink person, but that may offend others. (And you dont want the Susan G Komen foundation after you - to them, pink symbolizes a strong determination to fight cancer). Just my personal thoughts. :o)
Okay, Hasler, I know you'd love to come, and I'm sure your presence there would be the primary draw for women to come, but... :)
Thanks for the comments, John. Appreciate your support!
Any women out there have any thoughts?
Hey Laura- we were posting at the same time. Good thoughts about the fight against cancer. I don't have anything against pink-- I'm actually wearing it today. It's just that it doesn't define feminity.
Some other suggestions I've heard:
No Drama. (I like that one!)
Jesus hates high heels (I like that too!)
and since I will be a full time mommy, maybe your little niece and I could come.
What about Redical Femininity: no frou- frou, no fluff, no filler, Just Jesus.
For me I know you and know your heart and know what you mean so it doesn't bother me either way but sound wise if you have 2 F's the alliteration of a 3rd F works nicely. Nothing profound just style things.
To me, that tagline sounds like a typical postmodern retreat. My personal reaction is that I'm only somewhat interested. I don't want to criticize here without creating though, so:
What is truly radical about femininity is that it is equally the image of God. Our society loses that by treating masculinity as the standard. Putting femininism aside, a woman still cannot truly claim her womanhood without understanding how the image of God comprehends femininity. So what about a tagline more along the lines of Radical Femininity: recovering the Female Imago Dei? OK, so I know that wouldn't fly at NCC. But I think it's along the lines of what you're thinking of, perhaps?
I like the tag line. Because I know and love you I get it and understand the no pink thing. I like the no drama thing too. Not sure about Jesus hating high heels :) I don't wear them, but that seems a bit like saying what Jesus does and doesn't like.
And a women's retreat? I can't say I've ever really gone on one. Well no I did go on one last year. But it was a silent retreat with a bunch of women so I'm not sure that counts. But I could be convinced to come. I think :)
Post a Comment
<< Home