Get Your Smart On
What Is So Good About Becoming A Feminist? I invite you to find out for yourselves.
Jumping in where Becoming-Feminist leaves off, I want to convince you, dear reader, to join us in reading and discussing feminist philosophy by showing you all the wonderful things that will come your way as a result of doing this sometimes difficult work. I’m going to go about it in an experimental way, enlisting the voices of many feminist philosophers below. Let me know how it goes!
“There is a stubborn power in recognizing and naming the structures of power that lie beneath the surface. It reveals what was hidden, allows it to become known, and forces us to confront it head-on.” **—Nancy Hartsock, **The Feminist Standpoint Revisited
If you've ever had that feeling that something isn't quite right, or maybe you do know something is wrong or unfair, but you don't know how to talk about it with others and explain yourself, maybe this frustrates you, feminist theory gives us the language and multiple frameworks to name those unsettling dynamics we experience but can't always define. As you read and discuss feminist works, you’ll start to recognize patterns in the world around you—and within yourself—and gain clarity on what’s going on beneath the surface of the status quo. Hartsock’s words highlight the power of identifying unseen forces in our lives, encouraging us to see the "off" feeling as a starting point for greater clarity.
Adrienne** **Rich emphasizes the importance of language as a tool of resistance, suggesting that feminist theory offers new ways to articulate, challenge, and hold ground:
“To resist and survive, we need to create languages of our own. In learning to speak our own truths, we learn to push against the silences forced upon us.” **—Adrienne Rich, **On Lies, Secrets, and Silence
These are more than just words—they’re empowering concepts that help you express your experiences and defend your needs. This confidence can help you navigate challenging situations with self-assurance and grace. You’ll gain the vocabulary and intellectual tools that help you articulate your beliefs and put good boundaries into place.
As you read, you’ll notice reflections of your own life and struggles within these texts. Feminist theory often serves as a mirror, validating what you’ve experienced and helping you recognize that your feelings are legitimate. This “epistemic validation” can be healing, reminding you that you're not alone and that your experiences matter.
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” **—Simone de Beauvoir, **The Second Sex
Society can sometimes filter or distort women’s experiences, but feminist philosophy encourages you to reconnect with your authentic self. Beauvoir’s powerful reminder urges us to stand firmly in our own truths, honoring our unique voices even if they disrupt expectations.
“To tell the truth is to become beautiful, to begin to love yourself, value yourself. And that’s political, in its most profound way.” **—June Jordan, **Civil Wars
Engaging with these ideas helps you shed societal expectations and live more fully as who you truly are. Over time, you’ll feel more grounded in your own truth and better able to express yourself honestly. Jordan reminds us that discovering and valuing our own truth is a deeply political act, affirming the inner power we all hold.
“In every oppressive structure, there is a cycle of grief and anger. But it is only by working through these emotions that we can find the clarity and resolve to transform.” **—Maria Lugones, **Pilgrimages/Peregrinajes
Confronting certain truths about society’s treatment of women can be painful, but it’s also freeing. Our goal in this group isn’t to get stuck in grief; it’s to move through it and find empowerment on the other side. Lugones reminds us that grief is not an end but a passage through which we can find the strength to create new possibilities for ourselves and others. By understanding these dynamics, you’ll learn how to center women’s experiences, including your own, and make choices that uplift and empower you.
“If you look deeply into your own existence, you will find within you a power that transcends mere survival and opens up the potential for true freedom.” **—bell hooks, **Feminism is for Everybody
bell hooks emphasizes that our own lives contain reservoirs of power and possibility that, when recognized, allow us to live with freedom and purpose. Feminist theory teaches that power isn’t just in the hands of a few; we all possess it in different forms. You’ll learn to see where your own power lies, whether personal, social, or professional. Understanding these dynamics can help you make positive changes within your life and beyond, giving you confidence to take meaningful action.
“To empathize and to learn to care about the sufferings of others—even those who are different from us—is one of the great capacities of our humanity, a gift we owe each other.” **—Alison Jaggar, **Love and Knowledge
Patriarchal culture often pits women against each other, but our group is about breaking down those barriers and fostering sisterhood. Jaggar’s words emphasize that feminist theory fosters the ability to connect across differences, cultivating compassion that strengthens our humanity and unity. Here, you’ll find a place to connect, build empathy, and learn to see the strength in each other’s experiences. This sense of kinship and support will be there to ground you as you step more fully into your journey.
“Solidarity is not the same as support. To be in solidarity is to recognize that we are in this together, and to commit ourselves to a shared struggle.” **—Sara Ahmed, **Living a Feminist Life
Beyond compassion, the group provides a lasting sense of community. As we read and talk together, we build a space of mutual understanding, where you’re surrounded by others who genuinely care about your growth and well-being. Feminist theory is about more than just ideas; it’s about creating a support system to help each of us be strong, independent, and resilient. Ahmed captures the essence of solidarity as more than just camaraderie, but a commitment to shared goals and mutual empowerment.
“We stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and our words are part of an unbroken conversation. Speaking out becomes both a way of honoring them and adding to their legacy.” **—Chandra Talpade Mohanty, **Feminism Without Borders
By joining us, you’ll become part of a larger, ongoing conversation that stretches back for generations. Mohanty’s words connect feminist discourse to a lasting legacy, reminding us that each of our voices is an essential part of this historical conversation. Engaging with feminist theory gives you the chance to shape this evolving dialogue about what it means to be a woman today. And your perspective adds something unique to this story, one that only you can contribute.
“To be empowered means to help others come to understand the ways they, too, can break free from oppressive structures and reclaim their lives.” **—Patricia Hill Collins, **Black Feminist Thought
As you learn and grow, you’ll find that you’re in a position to support the women around you—friends, family, and even future generations. Feminist theory isn’t just about self-discovery; it’s also about creating a fairer world for all women. Collins emphasizes that true empowerment includes helping others find their own strength, reinforcing that advocacy is a vital part of personal and collective liberation. Your journey can help uplift others, adding meaning and connection to your life in powerful ways.
“We are the ones we have been waiting for.” **—June Jordan, **Poem for South African Women
Here you have it, ten reasons for reading feminist works and becoming a feminist:
If you want to join the feminist theory and consciousness raising group that I’m organizing, send me a message with a little bit about yourself, what you most desire from feminist community, and what you’ll bring to the group.
Note: All genders welcome, you only need to be willing to see yourself in and through women’s experiences and writings.
As always,
To Be Continued...