Thornbrugh: Where I found models of grassroots feminism

Column photo

By Caitlin Thornbrugh

Thursday, December 4, 2008

It was started by a few women at the grassroots level and has grown into buttons, posters, T-shirts, slogans, banners, clubs, legislation, magazines, books and educational programs. It comes in an array of sizes and shapes, and more importantly in a variety of different people. Feminism has evolved through many decades and in its beginning was not all-inclusive or perfect. It is not just about the white, middle class woman anymore.

I’ve taken the classes, researched and studied, but my understanding of feminism is still changing. I’ve never seen any of the following people sporting a T-shirt that screams FEMINIST across the chest, but each of these four people, in their own way, has contributed to the meaning behind the movement and has helped me understand what feminism means. You may have never heard of them, but it doesn’t negate the importance of their actions.

My Mom

She’s only 5 feet tall, but she has more gumption than anyone I know. My mother has always been a working mom, but that has never been a negative thing. She was the first person who helped me understand what the “glass ceiling” was. She has taught me what it means to work in an office dominated by men and that you can vote Republican and still be a feminist.

My Grandpa

Growing up in a generation of young men not known for being feminists, my grandpa has learned about women from his three sisters, three daughters and two granddaughters. Constantly supportive, he always asks questions and teaches as well as learns from us. Last week he asked me what “misogyny” meant, and then after looking it up he said, “I like philogyny better.” Philogyny is the love or liking of women as opposed to hatred. This reminded me that it is important to remember to focus on the positives and progress as well as recognizing the problems.

Milton Wendland

I could say something about all of the women’s studies professors I’ve had at KU, but Milton is one of the greatest. He has taught me, along with his other students, that men are part of the fight as well. One of my favorite memories from this semester is having class outside, and he was so engrossed in conversation with the class and his lecture, he yelled, “Vagina power!” while using exuberant hand gestures as a group of frat boys walked by.

Instead of assigning a final exam, our class did grassroots activism projects to help further the LGBT movement.

He has shown that men can teach women’s studies classes and be just as effective as women.

Claudia Freaney

Claudia has one characteristic that two years ago I would have considered an automatic removal from the feminist category: She’s a sorority girl.

But she happens to be one of the most down-to-earth feminists I know. She has restored my faith in sororities and helped me overcome my own projected stereotype. She is her own person inside and out of her house and hasn’t let a projected image overtake her personal opinions or identities. All college women, whether interested in the greek life or not, could learn from her example.

A grandfather, a professor, a working mom and a sorority girl all taught me something about feminism. These are just a few of the examples closest to me who have taught me just as much as any class, article or research could. They are not the top four feminists in the world, the country, or eastern Kansas, but their different ages, genders, occupations and religions that make up their worldviews demonstrate a movement that survives through example.

— — Thornbrugh is a Lenexa sophomore in women’s studies and creative writing.

Comments

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

Advertisement