My (last name) Feminist Manifesto

When it comes to the topic of feminism, most feminists will readily argue that

equality is the end goal for the movement. Where this argument usually ends, however, is on

the question of the definition of the word and how it plays out in reality. Whereas some are

convinced that the interpretation of equality means that all people are equal in value but not

necessarily that all characteristics are the same between men and women, others maintain that

all forms of gender roles are fundamentally oppressing. Still, these beliefs are only including

the power dynamic between women and men, but I would argue that feminism should

encompass other forms of oppression as well. As I have grown to an independent, confident

young woman throughout several years of contemplating my feminist identity by embracing

the ideas of other women, I have formed my own perception of equality and the pathway

towards justice. During my journey I have also found my own worth and the value of other

people. Thus, feminism, for me, is the idea that all people should have equal power to shape

their own life; I act out of this definition by not judging people and supporting the women and

people of other oppressed groups around me.

I would not have known about feminism if it was not for the many feminists out

there presenting their feminist ideas in different ways. My first significant encounter with

feminism was through one Swedish feminist s blog (Lady Dahmer), where she shared her

views about the injustices she had observed. Since then, I have elaborated on her as well as

others ideas, and also found other sources of feminist thoughts. For example, even though the

patriarchy oppresses me I am a privileged woman, and I have realized that I need to recognize

not only the oppression that I am experiencing, but also the oppression that I reinforce

subconsciously, such as racism. Therefore, I have recently been more active in recognizing

other perspectives that are different from my own. Jarune Uwujaren and Jamie Utt explain

that intersectional feminism is anti-oppression by definition which in my opinion is how

feminism must be acted out. That is, feminism must acknowledge the hierarchy of all

privileges and address this issue bravely. Furthermore, they express how an intersectional

feminism, contrary to common belief, is inclusive, and not divisive, in its recognition of the

different kinds of oppressions. Those with privileges, such as I, must take responsibility and

speak out for those who are not able to or are not heard, instead of only placing significance

on the oppression they themselves are facing. As a result, which is a conclusion I have drawn

in part from influence of Lady Dahmer, a feminism that is being more concerned about how

men will perceive the movement than caring about advancement of human rights is missing

the target, which is freeing the oppressed. Therefore women, and other minorities, should

focus on their own liberation, instead of pleasing men and their egos. As they strive towards

this goal through an intersectional feminism, they will provide more opportunities for

themselves as well as others.

A consequence of my above explained feminism is a non-judgmental approach

to the lives and perspectives of minorities. Susan Muaddi Darraj, a Muslim feminist, offers an

illustration of when this method was not used appropriately when she explains the hypocrisy

she experienced from her American peers. They claimed to be for equality but condemned

only the traditions of other cultures while they failed to recognize the oppression of in their

own (302). Therefore, Muaddi Darraj was shamed by the American feminists, instead of them

providing support to her (298). Since they could not recognize the hierarchy that society has

for different types of people, they were unable to objectively asses the situation and recognize

their own privileges. In other words, as the example explains, it is unfair to place judgement

on other people. First, one never knows the whole story and therefore cannot provide

reasonings for why a certain act was wrong. Second, how much one experiences oppression

varies for different people, so a privileged person cannot know how other people are limited

in their lives. Most importantly though is that judgment does not contribute to a world where
people are free to make their own choices, instead it limits people, especially when the

judgement is placed on a subordinate group by a member of the dominant group, such as a

white feminist on an Arab feminist.

While it is important to embrace other peoples opinions, I believe it is even

more important to respond after one has acknowledged that a problem exists. It follows, then,

that I need to persistently take action against what I believe is wrong. My future goal is to be a

part of the solution, however small of a change my reaction may create. First, when I have

completed my education, I want to work with sustainable energy, because the environmental

change will affect those without resources much more than those who can afford to escape to

a safer location. This is a huge inequality issue and will prevent people from living the life

they desire. As I become more knowledgeable about materials science, I will strive to create

alternative methods of transforming energy to electricity without creating green-house gases.

Secondly, I will in my life support those in my vicinity whom I love, because this will show

them that they are valuable and that they should aim for their dreams. For example, I can

explain that they are not worthy of any judgement, but worthy of all that they desire. My last

point, however, is that I need to step out of my comfort zone and also provide support to the

people who might not find it elsewhere. Naturally, I do not know where I will during the rest

of my life, but I can make the promise that wherever I am living, I will serve the community

around me. That could be, for example, volunteering with organizations that provide support

to refugees or homeless people. Through my support and non-judgmental approach in this

organization, these people could be given more opportunity and thus have more power to

shape their own lives.

For real change to happen, in my opinion, politics must be involved. People are

comfortable and do not want to change their behaviors, which is why policy making is

essential in the creation of a more fair world. Through an intersectional lens, injustice will be
given acknowledgement and, more importantly, finally granted resistance by the politicians.

As the oppression of women and other marginalized groups is dismissed, they will be

provided with opportunities that previously have been denied them in this patriarchal society

that we live in. For example, policies against domestic violence that are then prioritized by the

police and the court system will keep women safe, so that they can focus on their future

instead of surviving the moment. Politicians must actively work for the advancement of

human rights to overcome the barriers that prevent liberation for many oppressed people.

It is crucial in regard to the inequality of different groups of people that

feminists care for others. In my opinion, many feminists have talked about the importance of

the well-being of all people, but rarely been active in the process towards real change. At this

point in my life, I am also one of those, and I am of two minds about my actions in college.

On the on hand, I concede that everyone can always provide support to others, especially as

an energetic and passionate college student. On the other hand, I would argue that as I focus

on my studies and develop skills that can be applied to my feminist mission in the future, both

in the sustainable energy field and in my personal life, I can benefit more people in the end.

As I advance myself in a field with very few women, I can simultaneously pave the way for

other women as well as effectively work, professionally and personally, to provide more

opportunities for those who are oppressed. As I have grown into my feminist identity, I have

learned that I am valuable, and that injustice is everywhere. A more important outcome from

my intersectional feminism is that I know that oppression comes in many forms and that I

must actively work against them if I want to be proud of myself. These realizations have great

significance for me because they give me an incentive to work harder in my academics, so

that I can contribute to a solution in the future regarding the environmental crisis, and in my

personal life, so that I can spread my awareness of the human value to everyone.
 Work Cited

Blomberg, Natashja. Lady Dahmer. www.ladydahmer.nu. Accessed 27 Nov. 2017.

Muaddi Darraj, Susan. Its Not an Oxymoron: The Search for an Arab Feminism, Colonize
This! Young Women of Color on Todays Feminism, edited by Daisy Hernandez and
Bushra Rehman, Seal Press, 2002, pp. 295-311

Uwujaren, Jarune and Utt, Jamie. Why Our Feminism Must Be Intersectional (And 3 Ways
to Practice It). Everyday Feminism, 11 Jan. 2015,
www.everydayfeminism.com/2015/01/why-our-feminism-must-be-intersectional.
Accessed 18 Aug. 2017.