“Feminist” is a label I choose to wear not simply because it reflects many of my core values and politics, but also because by wearing that label I hope I am also playing a role in redefining it. I wrote this piece out of frustration for being caught in a perpetual dilemma–of calling myself a feminist but having a lot of problems with feminism. But, I think self-definition is powerful, and here is my attempt to redefine feminism for myself and for others.
ON FEMINISM
My feminism will listen
My feminism will recognize its history of exclusion and inclusion
My feminism will know that immigration and poverty are just as much “feminist issues” as sexual assault and reproductive justice
My feminism will fight for reproductive justice, not simply “choice”
My feminism will remember that the rhetoric of “choice” is laden with privilege and power, and that it will take more than “choice” to liberate women
My feminism is bored of conversations around intersectionality that do not challenge existing structures
My feminism will not silence
My feminism will not be incompatible with any part of my identity
My feminism will respect the feminism of my mother, and all the women who are strong in their own way without taking labels
My feminism will be anti-racist and anti-colonialist
My feminism will concern itself with interlocking structures of power without claiming to be a dominant site for all types of struggles; my feminism will not “swallow” the work of others
My feminism will be trans-positive
My feminism will be sex-positive
My feminism will not define what “empowerment” is, or what it looks like
My feminism will recognize all the ways in which we resist as legitimate
My feminism will not speak of a “third world woman” or simplify and victimize her experience
My feminism believes in solidarity and ally-ship
My feminism understands that “sisterhood” is tempting, but not innate, and must be worked at
My feminism knows that there is a time to work with the system, and a time to actively fight against it
My feminism will actively expose and deconstruct privilege
My feminism will embrace vulnerability as strength
My feminism will always be learning and growing
One Comment
This is the sort of thing I say in my head when I have my own frustrations with feminism. I can definitely relate. Great list!