Girlhood and Feminism

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It seems like if you use the word feminist to describe yourself today, you are going to get an earful of mixed opinions. All too often people relate the word with a negative meaning and picture a group of women from the 1950’s and 60’s. This is not saying this group of women had a negative impact; it is just that viewpoints among women and girls today are different than that time period. Women from the second wave obviously made huge strides for women, and Harris made a good point by saying “these girls of yesteryear were protected rather than challenged, and restricted rather than encouraged (p.60).” This is a good comparison of the differences between girls today and girls from decades ago. So if the women and times have changed so much, can’t the idea of feminism?

Younger feminists today do not necessarily like to be called by such a title, even though they stand for a lot of the same ideas. Women from the third wave are building on the progress of the past and making it easier for girls to participate in feminists’ activities without being scared to stand up for herself or being part of the stereotypes that come along with it. Girls that believe in taking a stand should not feel ashamed of being “girlie” either; that should be part of the fun.

“I think activism is about the belief in change and vision of a better society/environment. It can occur on any level…(Young Femininity, p. 209).” This is a great quote for girls; activism does not necessarily have to be marching around to show your belief or protest against an issue you feel strongly about, but do something that proves a point to yourself. Too many people assume that is all that feminists do. Girls have a much louder voice than we did 50 or 60 years ago, let someone hear it.


This is a web site from the American Psychological Association on “A new look at adolescent girls: Strengths and stresses.
http://www.apa.org/pi/cyf/adolesgirls.html#tas

Comments

Kari said…
I like what you said about girls having a louder voice than they did 50 years ago. Its a shame that most of them use it to demand more hannah montana and hotties like the jonahs bros. How can we get them to use their voices for a cause? I think part of it is its just so hard to find you voice at such a young age.
September 21, 2008 at 7:11 PM
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