Friday, August 27, 2010

what does a young feminist look like? do they need to have a look?

No, I don't think they need to have a look or that there is "a look," but rather, many looks. I'm not sure there are any specific requirements to being a feminist (in my mind) other than trying to be sensitive to gender norms, striving towards gender equality in all forms (language, politics, economy, etc.), and simply being aware that you will always have more to learn. While the last bit can be said about anything in life, I've found that it is extremely important in feminism - particularly because of all the intricacies involved in feminism. It's a movement that really attempts to include more than exclude, and in order to do that we have to continually hone our sensitivities and be aware of our biases as well as be open to criticism. We have to be willing to continually transform ourselves so that we can create more safe places with equal playing fields. I know, for myself, I have a lot more to learn about feminism and women's history - but I could also say that about a lot of other feminists, not because they aren't well read, but because there are so many variants to be considered and voices to be heard, that it'd be naive to pretend that there is ONE look to feminism. And I think that's perhaps what feminism is - being aware of how many oppressed voices there are that need to be heard, and trying to be sensitive to all of them so that they may be heard. It reminds me of a quote that I (of course) cannot fully remember nor find on google, that basically says: do not help me just to help me or because it makes you feel better about yourself, I do not want that kind of help; but if you are here to help me because your liberation is linked with mine, then come stand beside me and we will fight together. And I think that is something that should always be remembered.

Ask me anything

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