I was being interviewed the other day by a young woman writing an alumni profile for Edinboro University. She hesitated, at one point, and then said " I don't want you to be offended but how do you feel about being referred to as a feminist?" Offended? Not in the least! In fact, the more I thought about this, the more flattered I became. My conversation with this delightful young woman drew me back to many of my favorite reads on the topic. I spent this morning pouring over a variety of texts such as "Women Who Run With the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D. (1995) and "The Female Advantage" by Sally Helgesen (1995). Carol Gilligan's
"In a Different Voice" (2003), also re-captured my attention. Along with many women today, I am trying to understand our position in today's society and to change it. The more I read and the more I listen to women, I believe we have accepted and even internalized the negative image of being female that has been forced upon us since we were children. If being a feminist means that I am uncomfortable with this and see the necessity for change, then, YES, let's shout if from the rooftops. I AM A FEMINIST!
