Well, dearest readers, it’s that time of year again. That time when we’re all pulling out our hair, sleeping in the library, and amping ourselves up on countless pots of coffee and five-hour energies. That’s right, it’s finals week here at JMU, and with the end of the semester comes the end of this batch of writers for “ShoutOut! JMU”. I thought I’d end with a personal message about why I consider myself a feminist, and why I think all people who care about equality should call themselves a feminist (this isn’t the last post, though, just my last official one! Keep coming back!)
I guess I’ve been at this too long to remember how negative the connotation is when you call yourself a feminist, because I can’t see why people would hesitate to call themselves feminists if they truly believe in gender equality (after all, haven’t we personally debunked many of the myths surrounding feminism?). Because when it comes down to it, that’s all that feminism is: the believe in equality between the sexes. No, seriously. Here’s the Merriam-Webster definition. I encourage you to take the time to educate yourselves on the issues. Here are some great sites to start with:
Or you can pick up a book by modern feminist authors like Jessica Valenti or Inga Muscio, or classic feminist works by bell hooks, Gloria Steinem, Maya Angelou, Isabelle Allende, Alice Walker…the list goes on.
As we’ve said before, there are little things you can do at home, everyday, to encourage equality and help your fellow person. One of my favorite aspects of feminism is that we’re all capable of changing society for the better, it’s just a matter of choosing to. I’m a feminist because I don’t believe that the sex, gender, race, sexual orientation, or size of a person should have any holding on their value as a human being. I’m not saying you have to be a feminist, but I am saying it’s always something to consider.
Ta ta for now, readers!
BlondeRedhead
ShoutOut! James Madison University 