I am a feminist because. . .

On the first day of my first women's studies course my professor confronted the class with a question, "How many of you consider yourself a feminist?" I did not give it a second thought and raised my hand immediately. I figured that since this was a women's studies course the majority of people sitting around me would too claim their feminist title.

I could not have been more wrong. In a class of nearly 45, I was one of only seven or eight people who fully raised their hands. There were a couple maybes but the majority of the class seemed to be afraid of being associated as a feminist. When questioned on why they were so afraid of the F-word, they responded with the same old feminist stereotypes, "I'm not angry," "I don't hate men," and "I'm not a woman/lesbian."

Hearing these people combat the word only made me think about why I was a feminist (and proud of it I may add.) Although that was one of the first times I had claimed the name, I had always been a feminist. From a young age I often questioned why I was treated differently then the boys I knew and I wondered why I had to take responsibilities for my actions when boys were protected by simply stating, "Boys will be Boys."

After taking more women's studies courses and educating myself on feminist issues, I fully embraced my feminism. After leaving FMLA meetings or WS classes, I feel a deep sense of empowerment. I am inspired to take action and introduce more people to the idea that we should all be equal no matter what race, gender, sexual orientation, weight etc. We are all humans and we deserve an equal chance. For me, feminism is far beyond what my classmates thought. We are not about hating men or being unjustly angry (and I'm sure you know this) So here I am, once again Claiming the Name for Ms. Magazine, for myself and for all the people around me that I hope will soon be proud to Claim the Name.

I am a Feminist because. . .

I don't want my younger (female) cousins to have to defend their decisions

because of their sex.

I am a Feminist because. . .

I believe that women can be strong, independent and powerful

I am a Feminist because. . .

There are still women who do not have a voice

I am a Feminist because. . .

Being a female of mexican decent means I will make 59cents to every male's dollar

I am a Feminist because. . .

Thinking of all the Feminist who came before me inspires me to strive harder and remain active.

I am a Feminist because. . .

As a woman I should have rights over my body

I am a Feminist because. . .

Feminism is Awesome

Again, share your stories with us by submitting your video to msreclaimthename@gmail.com (read the guidelines here)

You can watch more videos at Ms.Magazine's YouTube page

Cross posted with permission from Ms. Magazine blog.

A Feminist Survey for Your Campus

FMF-Affiliate group, BNOW at UC Berkeley, uses this Feminist Survey to educate students about feminism and recruit new members. Take a look and think about tailoring one for your campus and club!

A quick survey…

I empower myself.

I care about the true meaning of diversity.

I believe in equal pay for men and women.

I’d like to be represented by a legal system that accurately represents the
people it governs.

It bothers me when I hear about another case of rape in my neighborhood.

I believe in a woman’s right to choose.

I appreciate it when people who live differently from me are able to see my
issues, and then work with me to improve them.

I see the value in nourishing my own personal identity, rather than in
nourishing what others would like to make of me.

I am proud of the fact that I am not easily labeled.

I see that the media doesn’t accurately represent all people, all lives, and all
bodies.

I realize that all forms of oppression are related.

I realize that if I really expect something to change, I need to actively work
toward changing it.

I would like to be part of a community of people who care about issues of
equality and work toward empowerment.

If you checked yes to most of these boxes, CONGRATULATIONS. YOU’RE A FEMINIST!

Join your fellow feminists through the
Berkeley National Organization for Women.

blogbnow.blogspot.com
now.berkeley@gmail.com

“People call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat.” - Rebecca West