Third Generation Feminist

Being a third generation feminist requires responsibility to grow freedom for all.

In 2015 as the tension and dived heated up in our country, I realized I had taken some of my freedoms for granted. Two generations before me fought for the right to vote, fought for the ability to own a credit and a home without a man.

My mother, a single working mom, subscribed to Ms. magazine. She never burned her bra but she did voice her frustrations. She lived in a town where most women were married and acquiesced to their husbands lead. She wouldn’t have it. She saw my grandmother raise 9 children with a husband who had all the authority but not the responsibility. He left when he was tired of listening to the kids.

My own father left two days after I was born telling my mother to find another man to raise me as his own. He wanted no authority and zero responsibility.

As a gift, I took my mother to Kalamazoo to see @gloriasteinem speak. We both relished in her wisdom.

When one woman questioned “conservative women” who vote and speak as their husband’s direct, Steinem told us you cannot know what it is like to survive in her home. You cannot know what she gives up for security. When we judge we separate.

Another woman attacked Beyoncé for perpetuating the exploitation of beauty, sex, body of women. Steinem replied, when I was at her concert Beyoncé said, “While we are here in this time together we are safe.” I believe eluding to the fact that many women are abused, neglected amd battered by their partners. Steinem let every woman in that audience know that while we each deserve freedom, we cannot know where another woman is in her journey.

I have attended many lectures, seminars and readings but this was the first time I saw a female leader shine. A baby began to cry in the audience. And Gloria asked where is this mother? Stay, do not leave the babies cries are not a distraction. They are the very reason we are here. I was blown away by her compassion. And I’m solid like an oak tree, but in that moment Gloria had turned me into a flexible bamboo swaying gently to her rhythm.

Although Steinem got the lions share of coverage of the feminist movement she openly admits this was first and foremost led by black women especially her speaking partner, friend, and guide, @flokennedy
We are still grappling with the intersection and race and sex and sexuality, any time a group is marginalized it’s possible to put them against each other.

Later I learned about the issues facing women around the world through the teachings of @ayaanhirsii and the reality of female genital mutilation. It was horrific and devastating to accept that all female bodies are not protected.

Today as International Women’s Day proceeds, let it not exclude men and all those who are feminists. My son is growing up in this divide and while he can be taught about his privilege, he also doesn’t want to be bashed as the patriarchy he’s been handed. There is a wonderful book that help us integrate these movements. @christinahoffsommers #thewaragainstboys

#giftsthatchangeus #ticketstoatalk #gloriasteinem #flokennedy #christinasommers
#internationalwomensday #beyonce

Being a third generation feminist requires responsibility to grow freedom for all.

In 2015 as the tension and dived heated up in our country, I realized I had taken some of my freedoms for granted. Two generations before me fought for the right to vote, fought for the ability to own a credit and a home without a man.

My mother, a single working mom, subscribed to Ms. magazine. She never burned her bra but she did voice her frustrations. She lived in a town where most women were married and acquiesced to their husbands lead. She wouldn’t have it. She saw my grandmother raise 9 children with a husband who had all the authority but not the responsibility. He left when he was tired of listening to the kids.

My own father left two days after I was born telling my mother to find another man to raise me as his own. He wanted no authority and zero responsibility.

As a gift, I took my mother to Kalamazoo to see @gloriasteinem speak. We both relished in her wisdom.

When one woman questioned “conservative women” who vote and speak as their husband’s direct, Steinem told us you cannot know what it is like to survive in her home. You cannot know what she gives up for security. When we judge we separate.

Another woman attacked Beyoncé for perpetuating the exploitation of beauty, sex, body of women. Steinem replied, when I was at her concert Beyoncé said, “While we are here in this time together we are safe.” I believe eluding to the fact that many women are abused, neglected amd battered by their partners. Steinem let every woman in that audience know that while we each deserve freedom, we cannot know where another woman is in her journey.

I have attended many lectures, seminars and readings but this was the first time I saw a female leader shine. A baby began to cry in the audience. And Gloria asked where is this mother? Stay, do not leave the babies cries are not a distraction. They are the very reason we are here. I was blown away by her compassion. And I’m solid like an oak tree, but in that moment Gloria had turned me into a flexible bamboo swaying gently to her rhythm.

Although Steinem got the lions share of coverage of the feminist movement she openly admits this was first and foremost led by black women especially her speaking partner, friend, and guide, @flokennedy
We are still grappling with the intersection and race and sex and sexuality, any time a group is marginalized it’s possible to put them against each other.

Later I learned about the issues facing women around the world through the teachings of @ayaanhirsii and the reality of female genital mutilation. It was horrific and devastating to accept that all female bodies are not protected.

Today as International Women’s Day proceeds, let it not exclude men and all those who are feminists. My son is growing up in this divide and while he can be taught about his privilege, he also doesn’t want to be bashed as the patriarchy he’s been handed. There is a wonderful book that help us integrate these movements. @christinahoffsommers #thewaragainstboys

#giftsthatchangeus #ticketstoatalk #gloriasteinem #flokennedy #christinasommers
#internationalwomensday #beyonce