Is Celebrating Solitude Really An Anti-Feminist Act?

Smith argues that Davis’ video is “anti-feminist” and “retrograde,” as, in his view, it paints women as weak and in need of instruction as to how to handle their loneliness. Smith goes so far as to assert that the clip “seems to be from a time before the feminism of the 1960s, before the sexual revolution: It reflects a world of women knitting and playing instruments and feeling lonely, a place of purely old-fashionedly feminine interests, where women don’t have economics or chemistry or warfare to keep them busy or distract them in any way.”

But here’s the problem with Smith’s argument: there’s nothing gender-specific about Davis’ poem. At no time does she imply that her words are aimed at women, but rather at anyone dealing with loneliness and the challenge of becoming comfortable with oneself while being alone. The video is a bit twee, and quite reminiscent of the work of SARK (who does tend to focus specifically on women), but I’m not sure I buy Smith’s argument that the entire piece—and the reaction that has followed—is in some way a detriment to feminism.

In a way, Davis’ piece points out that there’s nothing to feel bad about in being alone, despite society’s overwhelming push to marry people off, and that enjoying your solitude can be a wonderful thing. It is more a statement on self-nurturing and not depending on others to help you lead your life—to love yourself without having to be validated by the love of someone else. I don’t think Davis is implying that women need to be pushed to do such things, nor do I think her piece was meant for women’s eyes only—anyone, regardless of gender, who suddenly finds themselves isolated, be it through a breakup, a move, or a death, can most likely understand where Davis is coming from.

So what say you commenters? Is Davis’ piece “anti-feminist” as Smith claims? Or is it just a statement on the power of being alone?

YouTube Video About Being Alone Is Anti-Feminist, Retrograde [Globe And Mail]