Hello, loyal readers!
After a semester off from a full immersion in feminist rhetoric, I’ve come to learn a few things. While in the midst of a supportive, academic environment, it was easy for me to voice my feminist politics. My first semester writing for ShoutOut! was marked by a period of intense personal growth, where I found confidence in my feminist politics, and even had the courage to post one some pretty bold topics, like writing about the sexting scandal at my old, Catholic high school. I felt empowered to share these ideas publicly, even on my personal social media pages. I took a feminist rhetoric course, where I learned to be empowered to speak my mind in the classroom, as well. All in all, I felt that I was armed with enough female empowerment and confidence in my feminist voice to take on my first summer in “corporate America.” What does it matter if I’m in the real world if I have all of this new found knowledge to carry with me?
Well, I was naive, to say the least. The real world is a much harsher environment, with tougher critics and less open minds. I felt it exceedingly difficult to be the strong-willed, sassy feminist that has always been my calling card while in the midst of trying to be a responsible, productive member of society. I felt sort of voiceless. Do I speak up if I get cat-called on my way to work? Should I really tell that guy who keeps making passes at me to f*** off, I’m not interested? Or should I just “go with the flow”, and not make enemies so early in the game.
…Yes, I admit it. I was starting to be a hypocrite. These were uncharted waters, and I wasn’t sure how to “practically” apply my feminism in such instances. I didn’t realize how much easier it is to be enabled to live your politics when your immediate surroundings are caring, supportive people. And anyway, I thought I was stronger than that. I certainly wasn’t prepared to feel spineless as I did a few times this summer, where I bit my lip where I should have stood up and said something.
Point is, if you feel like voicing your feminism is difficult, you’re not alone. And frankly, I underestimated the challenges. It’s not as easy as it sounds. But it can be done.
As I enter my last year of college, I join this semester at ShoutOut! with a more realistic perspective. I have nine months left before I’m permanently in the real world, and I refuse to water-down a fundamental stance just because it’s difficult. I had no idea what I was getting into before, but I realize it now. And next time, I will be prepared. It is with this more realistic point of view that I will contribute to the blog this semester. In doing so, I hope that I not only empower others, but I remind myself that we’re never alone. The sisterhood is always with us, even if ours is the only voice we hear.
ShoutOut! James Madison University 
Prepared for slogging uphill in a perpetual poop-storm of misogyny? Prepared for defending women who have internalized their misogyny and have the long knives out for you? Prepared to argue with clueless dudes that will categorize you as a shrill, strident (usually lesbian) man hater? Let’s not forget about the ‘progressive’ liberal dudes and ‘equalists’ who will not make even the slightest effort to examine society and their privilege (yet insist they are right. Because ‘Peen)?
This is not something you can “prepare for” in my opinion. It has been my experience that managing your spoons is much more important than being worried about fundamental stances or how well you can phrase an argument.
You are a finite resource and will burn out in the face of the crushing patriarchal soup we are forced to exist in without careful spoon management.
Good luck with your next semester.
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I can totally relate to most of what you posted here. I had an amazing introduction into feminism last semester, and I was SO READY to just go out and spread the word over the summer. It didn’t really work like that, and I was thrown back into my friend group of predominately males. It’s hard to defend what is right 24/7, especially in a hostile or condescending atmosphere. I tried my best, but I definitely bit my tongue a few times, just because I was too tired to fight with them about an off color comment, or negative language towards a group of people. I hope I can get to a place where I feel the same conviction as you!
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Such a great post! The jolt between the nurturing feminist semester and the corporate summer internship is a humbling juxtaposition. This post makes me think about the constancy of that negotiation of personal feminist beliefs–in the world. And, our feminist rhetorics class last semester was pretty great, if I say so myself:)
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Thanks! Alison, well-said…it IS a negotiation. And it’s not a sign of weakness, per se. It’s the reality check of being in an environment that won’t inherently nurture your academic ambitions/political values. You’re forced to find a balance It’s a bit disenchanting
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I appreciate that insight, hearmeroar12. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one fighting those battles! I’m hoping that as we engage more in feminist discourse, we can find an “outlet” to voice our opinions, yet still hold those convictions in the face of those who disagree (without being in-your-face about it). It’s a tough balance for sure
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