OBAMA '09: This is what a feminist looks like. This is what a feminist sounds like.

In light of the Obama Inauguration, and Sonia's recent Smash The Glass post, I'm going to take a step back from feminist ideology in the creative world and move over into the realm of politics.

According to Elanor Smeal's article, "Is Obama What a Feminist Looks Like?" featured in the Huffington Post,

When the chair of the Feminist Majority Foundation board, Peg Yorkin, and I met Barack Obama, he immediately offered "I am a feminist." And better yet, he ran on the strongest platform for women's rights of any major party in American history. Feminist Karen Kornbluh, the platform's principle author, ensured women's rights, opportunities, advancement, and issues were addressed throughout the historic document.

It's not everyday that a man is featured on the cover of a feminist magazine, and as you can guess, this has struck up a lot of controversy. As you can see in the image above, Obama is in a Superman stance, with a shirt that reads, "This is what a feminist looks like." Many feminists believe that this image is problematic because it's suggesting that women are looking toward a male superhero in order to "save feminism," when women are capable of taking care of themselves.

Here is a CNN video showing how Ms. Magazine has been criticized, and also a defense from the editor.


In my opinion? These "feminists" need stop thinking that feminism is an exclusivity club, and realize that feminism is about PEOPLE who believe in women's rights. The Americans haven't broken the presidential "glass ceiling" quite yet, but I do not see this cover as anti-feminist in the least. I don't believe this cover is in any way showing that feminism needs to be rescued by a man, and it would be completely irrelevant if they showed a photo of Clinton or Palin (as the video suggests) on the cover of the "Inauguration Special." Also, NOT ALL WOMEN ARE FEMINISTS! *Cough* PALIN *cough*
I think the American feminists should be excited and happy that they are being represented by someone who exercises their rights and freedoms, regardless of gender or sex.

Going back to my first introductory post.
FEMINISM = EQUALITY
The fact that feminism is being represented by a MAN in this photo reinforces the progression of feminism. Isn't progression what we want? Don't we want our rights to be viewed as equal by all?

Apparently some people have forgotten.

It's important to remember that feminism is no longer a group of organizations or leaders. It's the expectations that parents have for their daughters, and their sons, too. It's the way we talk about and treat one another. It's who makes the money and who makes the compromises and who makes the dinner. It's a state of mind. It's the way we live now. - Anna Quindlen

She's so very...I don't care

"We Don't Need Another Wave" by: Cristy C. Road

Feminists are not bra-burning nutcases, birkenstock-wearing fascists or "man hating, job stealing, god defying lesbians."
The "idea" of feminism is often misconstrued as the hatred of men, amongst a slew of other things. So first and for most, I should clarify what exactly feminism is.

Feminism: The belief in the right of women to have social, economic and political equality with men.

There you have it. Feminism = equality.
Easy.

You'd think that after nearly a century of progressive feminist thought, society's apathetic view of women would have shifted it's gears, but we're still stuck within in a male-dominated culture that needs to WAKE UP and take a look at all the rad females who are changing our world. WAKE-UP-GRRL is dedicated to all the women musicians, writers, zinesters, photographers, cinematographers, artists, crafters, designers, publishers, whatever! You name it.
Some you've heard of... some you have not. They're all doing their part in keeping "grrl culture" and "DIY ethics" alive and strong in our society and deserve to be recognized.
Everything from girl related issues, to feminist perspectives and most importantly, an homage to all the strong, fierce, artistic women of today.

As for myself, my name is Cristina, and I'm a third year English student at the University of Windsor. I'm involved with CJAM's Women's Radio Collective, write for The Lance, and am VP of Generation Magazine and The Art's Society... so needless to say, I've been heavily involved within Windsor's art community for the past however many years. I've noticed that there is a lack of women representation not only in our city, but within the whole scope of art/music/etc. Myself and a few friends put on an annual music festival, Smash the Glass, here in Windsor that showcases all of our lovely lady talent and put an end to all apathy toward women artists!
But...more on that later.

Welcome to WAKE-UP-GRRL! An homage to feminism and the arts.
- Cristina

"You don't have to be anti-man to be pro-woman." - Jane Galvin Lewis