Are You A Feminist?

Ah, the dreaded question. The word conjures up negative connotations. And, let's face it, it sounds harsh. But, feminist is not a dirty word or a bad thing. Unless you want to turn back the hands of time, caring about women and other people who are oppressed is the way to go.

Today's feminism is all about empowerment- and not just of women but of all disenfranchised folks. Ending violence against women continues to be a central theme- and also an understanding of the interconnectivity of all oppressions, in which the so-called isms (ie classism, heterosexism, racism) combine to make some of us more vulnerable to oppression than others.

Why care about women and other people who are marginalized? I tend to think we are all important and equally worthy of being in the world just as we are, without the threat of violence.

According to a report hot off the presses from the World Health Organization, more than one in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual abuse. The report goes on to suggest why: "The authors describe a number of factors that likely contribute to high levels of violence against women, including economic factors, social norms that support male dominance over women, cultural acceptance of violence against women, and gender inequality in access to wages and education." Interconnectivity of oppressions. 

Why am I writing about this? Contemporary feminism is a wellness based do-it-yourself approach to happiness. As far as counseling goes, an empowering approach is key- regardless of what you call it! You are the expert of your own life and you'll know if it's helping.

Here are a few fun and empowering reads in case you're hungry for more (and my apologies for the formatting errors- blogger seems to be acting up):

Deal with It! A Whole New Approach to Your Body, Brain, and Life as a gURL

By Esther Drill, Rebecca Odes, and Heather McDonald

→ A better way to learn about the birds and the bees.

Cunt: A Declaration of Independence
By Inga Muscio
→ Candid, funny, and fresh views on traditional feminist issues.

Our Bodies Ourselves

By the Boston Women’s Health Collective

→ Classic text from the second wave of the women’s movement- all about women’s health.

Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman's Guide to Why Feminism Matters

By Jessica Valenti

→ Making feminism cool, again.

BUST Magazine

→ “With an attitude that is fierce, funny, and proud to be female... BUSTing stereotypes about women since 1993.”

The Gender Book

www.thegenderbook.com

→ This e-book is free to download (at the moment)!

Whatever you do, have fun!