Ok well this has got me thinking about my Father. This is a bit of rant ... sorry!
I think he was key in me thinking about feminism. Although I remember my mother and father talking about how backyard the 50's were for women (especially with regards to mental health) I used to debate with him alot, especially about feminism.
He was quite a staunch roman catholic, he came from a large family and had a large family, but he was very modern in his thinking in so many ways. For example, he just accepted homosexuality.
My mother was often sick, my father worked very hard outside and inside the home. He would have cooked most of the meals, done most of the housework. So I suppose I never thought that I would ever do the bulk of domestic work, as so many other women I know do.
He actively discouraged me away from rubbish TV shows, and when you think of it many films portray woman badly, when I was young. However, I could watch adult tv shows that were of a better quality in my early teens - i.e Hill Street Blues and we would discuss them. I could see quality films.
I also recall that I wanted barbies and all that pink stuff but I did not get it, we seemed to have endless books, I had to save up and buy my own barbie crap - my parents would not buy it for me - no way!
He would also discuss advertising - which looking back was really important - otherwise I am sure I would have got sucked in badly, especially with fashion magazines.
Oh and although strict I knew I could always call him up, no matter what state, and he would come and get me as a teenager - no questions asked and I think that stance meant I never felt scared out at night, as other women do.
I do remember from him I learn of Billy Jean and the
tennis match, and that is a very early memory and I really think that sparked my interest in feminism.
As an amateur coach, I remember he was really supportive of female athletes. So Martina Naratova was seen as someone cool, but I was also aware of the rubbish media attention she got for being a sports woman. I can only remember having positive female role models being discussed. I think I had a positive body image as a result.
I remember only wanting to go out with someone who would be respectful of women. I remember him talking about the Equal Pay Act, with me being astounded that women still do not earn equal pay.
I remember having massive discussions about the Catholic Church and Germaine Greer. Oh and I am sure I bought the beauty myth after talking to him!
I think in some ways I may have such an equal relationship with my husband because of the discussions I had with my father.
My husband is so equal and cool. He never ever utters anything sexist, never ever.