Experimentations of a Teenage Feminist's Mom

I can't believe this day has finally come . . . Today is the one-year anniversary of Experimentations of a Teenage Feminist!

Originally I planned to write a long, sappy memoir about my "feminist awakening," but then I thought it'd be much more interesting to ask my mom what she's thought about this past year, and my passion for feminism.

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting my mom, she's one of the kindest, hardest-working, and most selfless people on the face of the earth. She's been in the door industry for 25 years and deals with everything from rough openings, to jambs, to stiles and rails (yeah, I don't know what the heck those are either); she's notorious for telling corny jokes that she swears her co-workers think are funny; and, like me, she's addicted to Asian dramas. 

Seriously. Jerry Yan, if you're reading this, please send my mom an autograph. That would pretty much catapult me into "Favorite Child" status for life.

ANYWAY — I could spend the better part of your precious "internet browsing time" gushing about all the reasons why I love my mom (and there are many), but let's get right to the good stuff.

Ladies and gentlemen, Experimentations of a Teenage Feminist's Mom:

I have to admit that this is a little bit out of my comfort zone, but when my daughter, Danielle, asked me to write a little blurb in honor of the one year anniversary of her blog Experimentations of a Teenage Feminist, how could I refuse? I mean, she's all about speaking one's mind, being real, and not being afraid to step outside of your comfort zone when it comes to the things you believe in, right? So here goes! (I hope I do her proud!) 

I have no doubt that Danielle was born a feminist/humanist. I've always been proud of her. She's a genuinely good person, with a big heart who works hard and excels at everything she puts her mind to. She has always had empathy for other people and is a strong believer in the "golden rule." It's no secret around our house that she has zero tolerance for jerks, idiots, or injustice of any type, and that she is ever in support of the under dog. It's only been in the past few years, though, that I've seen her passion for feminism grow. 

I had never considered myself a feminist. To be honest, before Danielle started sharing her views on feminism with me, I never really gave it much thought. Shamefully, I think I was one of those small-minded people who thought that feminists were "men-haters." But from day one of Experimentations of a Teenage Feminist, I could see the passion that Danielle put into her posts, and it was contagious. Thankfully, I wasn't so small-minded that I couldn't listen to reason. 

With Danielle, there is no hidden agenda. What you see is what you get. Or in the case of her blog, what you read, is exactly the way she speaks. I think that's what I love so much about reading her posts . . . She's just her being her, speaking her mind in a way that isn't preachy, while touching on subjects and feelings that most of us can relate to, whether we choose to admit it or not. 

I've learned a lot from her . . . I'm much more informed on feminism than I've ever been in my life, and although I can't promise that I will be as outgoing (or brave) as Danielle is, I think that I can finally say that I, too, am a feminist.

- Deeona Burch 

I attribute all of my social graces to this woman. Love ya, Mom.

Feminist Bloggers Needed for Research Project

Written By Jessalynn Keller

Attention all teenage feminist bloggers! My name is Jessalynn Keller and I'm a PhD student in feminist media studies at the University of Texas. I'm currently working on a project tentatively titled Dropping the F-Bomb: Girls Blogging Feminism about teens who consider themselves to be "feminist bloggers," and I'm looking for girls to interview for the project. I am looking to hear about your experience being a young feminist, using online media to develop your feminist identity, and the practice of blogging as feminist activism. 

If you are a girl between the ages of 12 and 20 (I'm looking for people from all over the world!) and are interested in finding out more about the project, please email me at: jessalynn.keller@gmail.com! I will happily provide you with further details and answer any questions. 

The time commitment for this project will be minimal: about 15 minutes to answer questions sent to you via email. Your participation will allow me to successfully document the exciting feminist work that is happening online and will show that girls are powerful and political!

New Feminist Blog in Town: "Blossoming Badass"

Get it? Blossoming Badass? Yeah, it's clever.

If you'd like me to advertise your feminist blog in an upcoming post, shoot me an email!

I'm always excited when somebody emails me saying they're the proud owner of a new feminist blog. Blogging is such an amazing way to meet new people and "expand your horizons" (whatever the heck that means), and I would highly encourage all of my feminist friends and readers to start one!

Today we're hearing from Alexa, author of a new blog called Blossoming Badass:

Danielle: What inspired you to start a feminist blog?

Alexa: I've enjoyed frequenting feminist blogs since I started high school, my favorite being The F-Bomb. I frequently rant to friends and family about feminism, try to incorporate it into my school writing, and even write pieces on it for myself. I submitted a few of those to The F-Bomb and was pleased with the work I'd done and response I'd received, so I decided to start my own blog!

D: Why did you decide to call it "Blossoming Badass"?

A: I wanted a blog with a catchy, intriguing title that I thought described me. I wanted to encompass a feminist-type attitude too; although I know there isn't one type of feminist, badassness seems to be a trend. (I also have a thing for alliterations.)

D: What topics do you plan to cover?

A: I plan to cover topics mostly pertaining to feminism, particularly body image, self esteem, and the media. I'll also cover reproductive rights, how people (especially girls) interact, and high school in general.

D: Have you always been a feminist, or is it a relatively new thing for you? What about feminism appeals to you so much?

A: When I was younger, I didn't have any feminist influences, nor the confidence to be a fervid feminist. I've been a devout feminist, though, since a school project on suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton in fourth grade and having a teacher who was a very confident, outspoken feminist (although I didn't understand this at the time.) The next year, beginning to read New Moon Girls magazine was a major catalyst. I didn't meet any adult feminists until four years later. Feminism appeals to me because it's for equality, and it has so many subsets that can appeal to slightly differing audiences. Something about it just gives me a thrill, and it makes me feel that I can, as cliche as it sounds, change the world.

Screenshot!

D: Who do you hope to target with your blog?

A: I hope to target young women, particularly high school students who may not have previously associated with feminism . . . Feminist, body-positive blogs were what really pulled me out of constant negative self-image, [so] I want to help others like their bodies as well.

D: What advice do you have for other teens who're just discovering feminism? What do you wish more teens would know about feminism?

A: I advise other teens to look at all of the awesome blogs and books for young feminists! With the Internet, feminism is more prominent than ever. I wish more teens knew how applicable feminism is to our daily lives. All of the things that plague us each day - the pressure for girls to be perfect, struggling with the virgin/whore dichotomy, hesitancy to express oneself - these are all issues addressed by feminism!

D: Would you encourage other teen feminists to start blogs of their own? And if so, why?

A: I think that blogs are an awesome outlet for teen feminists who may not have another forum for their opinions. If someone didn't want to start his/her own blog, commenting on others (there are super ones in my blogroll!) and submitting posts can be a great way to get involved.