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2009

I Promise I Won't Say 'Herstory': New Conversations Among Feminists

Jannelle Ruswick

Alycia Sellie CUNY Graduate Center

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I Promise I Won’t Say “Herstory”: New Conversations among Feminists by Jannelle Ruswick & Alycia Sellie

Jessica Valenti, FULL FRONTAL FEMINISM: A YOUNG WOMAN’S GUIDE TO WHY FEMINISM MATTERS. Berkeley, CA: Seal, 2007. 271p. pap., $15.95, ISBN 978-1580052016.

Deborah Siegel, SISTERHOOD, INTERRUPTED: FROM RADICAL WOMEN TO GRRLS GONE WILD. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007. 224p. bibl. index. pap., $14.95, ISBN 978-1403982049.

Anita Harris, ed., NEXT WAVE CULTURES: FEMINISM, SUBCULTURES, ACTIVISM. New York: Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group, 2008. 283p. bibl. index. pap., $34.95, ISBN 978-0415957106.

[We] decided to write a paper in conversation with each other. — Chilla Burlbeck & Anita Harris, Next Wave Cultures, p.221

In the introduction to “Femi- debates that are presented in the works rounding girls who have “gone wild.” nism, Youth Politics and Generational reviewed here. What follows is excerpt- However, in an interview on Alternet. Change,” their chapter in Next Wave ed from our conversations. org, Valenti stated, “It was a book I Cultures, Chilla Burlbeck and Anita wish I had when I was in high school.”1 Harris discuss their individual inter- Full Frontal Feminism: A Young The book seems to have been written pretations of “data sets” about young Woman’s Guide to Why Feminism Mat- for urban, sarcastic, and witty female women, using their own geographic, ters sells itself as a primer on feminism, adolescents — women who are teen- cultural, and theoretical frameworks. discussing topics deemed pertinent aged Valenti clones. The consequence Discovering their collaborative man- to Generation Y. The book has two of such a limited audience is that wom- ner of writing was delightful for us as objectives: to get young women to en who do not fit this demographic are we began our process of reading and embrace feminism as a hip movement likely to be turned off by the sex and reflecting forFeminist Collections. Al- vital to their wellbeing and to provide beer talk. I say this as a woman who though we aren’t sure how Harris and a refresher course for out-of-the-closet grew up in the Midwest; the frequent Burlbeck communicated, our corre- feminists. mentions of getting drunk and having spondence was dictated by geography. Alycia: I enjoyed reading Full sex would have scared me as a teen. I Separated by hundreds of miles, we Frontal Feminism on the train. It was wonder if reading this in high school corresponded by email and discussed easy to put down and pick up again, would have turned me off from my these works in real time via instant and I flew through it. Overall, the tone emerging feminism. messaging. As reviewers, we share of the work felt like an informal con- Alycia: I think I would have been many commonalities. We are both aca- versation with a cool older sister who intrigued but intimidated to read demic librarians. We’re twenty-seven was trying to convince you why it’s Full Frontal Feminism as a teenager. years old. We are from the Midwest. important to be a feminist. Valenti puts a lot of personal beliefs Perhaps most importantly, we identify Jannelle: Full Frontal Feminism into the book, and this could be a as feminists. was a pleasant read, but I had difficulty turn-off for some, as much as it may In spite of our similarities, we determining the audience. At first I make it voyeuristically interesting for hope that our conversation will pres- thought the book was for college-aged others. I think this book was written ent varied reactions to the works that women, because in Chapter 2, Valenti as an expression of Valenti’s personal we have both read. We also hope that argues that it is “O.K.” to have consen- experiences as a feminist rather than of as young feminists, we can present a sual inebriated sex as long as the reader the totality of women’s experiences of perspective that is sometimes missing is aware of the myriad of issues sur- in discussions about the generational

Feminist Collections (v.30, no.1, Winter 2009) Page  Book Reviews feminism. While I read, I kept ques- she says, “Clearly, this case is fucked Jannelle: I didn’t intend to ap- tioning whether Valenti was making up in a thousand ways” (p. 29). I proach it as if I were reading a blog, space for others, where I fit into her know the ways in which the example is but in the end I felt the book was more conception of feminism, and whether “fucked up,” but will a young woman of a “Best of Feministing” anthol- young women would be able to relate new to feminism? The “Um, no” and ogy than a full book. What worries to this presented perspective. I’m not “Just saying” conclusions got tiring and me about the lack of depth is that sure I have many conclusions, but I felt like excuses to avoid explanation. when Valenti does provide analysis, think Valenti realizes that feminism can Alycia: These phrases, plus the the research is shoddy. For example, be intimidating to the audience she is swearing in some areas and the fake she quotes the famous Joycelyn Elders writing for (closeted feminists), and so swearing in others (“friggin”), as well statement about masturbation be- she is using herself as an example of a as the lack of depth, were problems ing a topic for sex education. When healthy, happy feminist. for me personally as a reader, but I I checked the notes for the chapter, I Jannelle: To give Valenti credit, also recognized immediately that I discovered that she used the website she repeatedly emphasizes that Rotten.com as her source. This most of the things she says in her particular quote may be accurate book are her personal feelings, and despite the unreliable source, but that the reader needs to determine it left me worried that Valenti her own opinions on the subject. wasn’t exercising due diligence in I wish Valenti (or the publishers) her research. A teen may not care would have marketed the book to do further research, but I think differently; perhaps as a memoir authors have an obligation to pro- of a young feminist instead of as a vide verifiable information from “Feminism 101” guide. reliable sources. Alycia: I couldn’t agree more Alycia: The tone of Valenti’s about the framing of the work. writing is most successful in the Full Frontal Feminism is a great last chapter of the book (“Get to representation of what Valenti is It”), where readers are invited to experiencing as a feminist writer get involved by listing feminist today, but the book does not pres- goals that are simple to accom- ent a comprehensive history of plish. Her examples are brash, and feminism by any means. She leans laden with her own personality, to the left, and so the book does and yet still do-it-yourself: “Don’t too; for instance, she lists “Don’t diet. Fuck them and their bullshit have sex with Republicans” (p.30) beauty standards. Eating can be as a personal rule in Chapter 2, a powerful act when the world “Feminists Do It Better (and wants you to disappear” (p.244). Other Sex Tips).” Although other I like the participatory aspects of topics are highlighted (reproduc- the book that invite ladies in, and tive rights, relationships, politics, the fact that the end of the work and pop culture are a few), I think Val- was not the intended audience for the doesn’t leave a hole that merely makes enti frames all issues within the scope book. The writing was definitely remi- us ask Where do we go next? without of- of identity politics. niscent of a mainstream magazine or fering any suggestions. Valenti is great Jannelle: I found her writing lack- news article and lacking in thorough at making readers realize that feminism ing in analysis. If one of the goals of research. I was also aware that Valenti is what they will make of it. the book is to educate young women co-founded and writes for the popular Following this, I was left wonder- about “why feminism matters” (sub- feminist blog Feministing.com. Thus, I ing whether Full Frontal Feminism will title), I’d expect to see a more thorough think that on some level I approached be effective at convincing young people examination of issues. For example, in this book as if I were reading a series that identifying as feminists is impor- a paragraph about statutory rape charg- of blog entries, so I wasn’t surprised by tant. In this book, Valenti is the cool, es in Nebraska that were avoided by the tone of the writing or its random- swearing older sister trying to convince the couple getting married in Kansas, ness.

Page  Feminist Collections (v.30, no.1, Winter 2009) Book Reviews you why you need to join the club and I had the opportunity to hear feminists. Despite being a book essen- pay attention. But will it work? Deborah Siegel talk at the “Women, tially about feminist infighting, it was Jannelle: I think that if a teen Action and the Media” conference in surprising how inspired I felt by read- loves her swearing older sister, then yes. Boston last year, where she led a panel ing this history, and how connected I However, I do not believe that is the of feminist writers who all shared tips felt to many of the differing struggles. subset of teens that needs convincing about publishing. Siegel stressed that I also appreciate that Seigel includes that feminism is cool. As an academic it is possible to be an academic and to discussions (although limited) of race, librarian, I would recommend this publish well-researched books that can class, and orientation. book to my students with some hesita- reach a general audience. I think this The only criticism that I have is tion. I think there are better-written framework is at the heart of Sisterhood that I think there could have been and better-researched books available Interrupted. more written about the fringes of Third for young budding feminists to read. Jannelle: I also enjoyed Sisterhood Wave feminism in the “Daughters” Valenti has said she didn’t want a wom- Interrupted. I have a women’s studies section — more about the riot grrrl, en’s symbol on the cover because, “let’s background, but this book contained GLBT, and trans issues that I see at the face it, no young woman is going to information I did not have, specifically core of the Third Wave. I felt that the pick up a book with the woman’s sym- the history of the formation of groups first section did deal with more radical bol with a fist on it.”2 It is ironic that such as NOW. While the book may be groups within the Second Wave, but Sisterhood Interrupted has two women’s advanced reading for a teen, the writ- such coverage decreased as the book symbols on the cover, yet it achieves ing is totally accessible to college-aged progressed chronologically. I thought Valenti’s goals more successfully than students and older. In an interview on that the depiction of the Third Wave Full Frontal Feminism does. Alternet.com, Siegel said, “I wrote the was more mainstream than I know it book I wanted my younger cousin, my to be, but then again, that could reflect In Sisterhood Interrupted, Debo- mother, and my great aunt to read: my own experience. rah Siegel describes the conflicts and a road map to the feminist past for a Jannelle: I finishedSisterhood conversations that have challenged and younger generation and a guidebook to Interrupted feeling a stronger connec- divided feminists from the 1960s to the present for women who have been tion to the women who came before today. Her book has two sections: the calling for change for years.”4 I ap- me. I liked that Siegel showed how the first, labeled “Mothers,” tells stories of preciate that she was aware of her women battling sexism and patriar- audience and wrote accordingly. I chy in the Second Wave; the second, also think this book fills a gap in “Daughters,” talks about the genera- feminist literature. I haven’t seen tions after the Second Wave and the such an accessible book discussing women who struggle to convince their feminist infighting before. peers that there are continuing reasons Alycia: Siegel explains how why feminism is important and that a controversial topic will divide, there is still a need to fight for equality. shift, and alter feminist circles. Alycia: I really enjoyed Sisterhood There are a few chapters that fo- Interrupted. I was amazed by the radi- cus on specific feminists (Gloria calism of Second Wave feminist history Steinem, Betty Friedan, and Katie and by how much I learned from this Roiphe, among others), but I never book. Siegel has said that she “read felt that there were sets of rival- scads of manifestos, memos, letters, rous individuals or groups whose memoirs, magazine issues, archives, conflicts lasted throughout the news reports, bestselling books, anthol- whole book or the whole historical ogies and pretty much every written period; the characters fluctuated source I could get hold of to examine and evolved with the changes of what those women most invested in the eras. Siegel writes about the defining feminism in the public eye root causes and beliefs that led to have argued and argued about across the formations of separate groups, the decades.”3 all of whom were all working as

Feminist Collections (v.30, no.1, Winter 2009) Page  Book Reviews slogan “The personal is the political” view teenage women about their at- My favorite was “Connecting the Dots: continues to have meaning for women titudes and beliefs about sex, and “The Riot Grrrls, Ladyfests and the Interna- of all ages, races, and classes. Not only Empowered Fe-Fe’s.” The Fe-Fes are a tional Grrrl Zine Network,” by Kristen did the book make me feel more con- group of differently abled, low-income Schilt and Elke Zobl, which presented nected to older women; it made me teenage women of color in Chicago a side of Third Wave feminism that I feel connected to women my age who who have been empowered to create had felt was missing from the other are living a different experience than films about their lives. two works (the more punk, riot grrrl, I am. I think Siegel was successful in Alycia: The pieces inNext Wave do-it-yourself side). portraying the beginning of the Third Cultures are a fusion of Women’s Finally, another topic stressed Wave as a “swirl of intense, ironic, and Studies and Subculture Studies — a in Harris’s introduction was the idea often painful contradictions around field I hadn’t heard of before read- — or the fear — that today’s younger issues of progress, promotion, and ing this book. In her introduction, women are less politically engaged as power” (p.139). However, I’d agree Harris explains that there has been a a group than young women were in that she largely ignored the fringe void in the area of Subculture Studies, the past. Harris addresses the shared (which I would argue is the core of wherein gender was not specifically or worry among older generations about the forward movement of the Third intentionally addressed. This book is the future of feminism, based on the Wave), but I don’t think describing perceived lethargy of younger genera- the fringe was her objective. I also tions. I found that this worry over the don’t think she would have been lack of engagement, and the desire to able to address it within this book shape new feminisms to come, was to our satisfaction if she had tried. what united the three works we read; I feel like this book exists to break these issues were explored in a variety down walls among all women, not of ways in Next Wave Cultures as well as to define who those women are. in Sisterhood Interrupted and Full Fron- I am really glad I read Sisterhood tal Feminism. Interrupted before I read Next Wave Jannelle: I think that is the over- Cultures. arching theme of the three books: exploring the myth that young women Next Wave Cultures picks are not engaged. Next Wave Cultures up where Sisterhood Interrupted was able to debunk the myth both ends by detailing current attitudes, anecdotally and empirically. Of all activities, identities, and goals of the books, Next Wave Cultures was the women living within subcultures of must successful at highlighting the the Third Wave movement. Edited “others” that the first two books largely by Anita Harris, Next Wave Cul- ignored. tures is divided into three sections: Alycia: After having read these “Infiltrating Masculine Domains,” three works as a team and discussed “Creating Spaces,” and “New Ac- them here, we are happy to report that tivisms.” we have not created another feminist Jannelle: Next Wave Cultures infight for Deborah Siegel’s next book. was written with an academic audi- attempting to fill that void, and many Jannelle and I have largely agreed in ence in mind, and as a result it can be of the studies spoke to the emerging reaction to the works presented above, a bit drier than the works of Siegel and crossover in the fields. and similarly struggled with or clearly Valenti. The book has a good mix of The research compiled inNext defined the audience we felt would be empirical studies and personal stories. Wave Cultures covers topics that neither appropriate readers for these works. I liked both styles, and I thought the of the other books would have had the After I had finished reading these book balanced the two well. Highlights opportunity to cover: topics outside books, but before our discussions com- include “Rescuing a Theory of Ado- of mainstream feminist history, such menced, I happened to read a stunning lescent Excess,” in which authors Sara as female surfers, Gangstressism, girls portrayal of this moment in feminist McClelland and Michelle Fine inter- with disabilities, and culture jamming. history. I felt it really expressed where

Page 10 Feminist Collections (v.30, no.1, Winter 2009) Book Reviews we are right now in the crossroads of that so many other women are willing We hope more books by young women where we have been and what is to to share the struggles and their histories will be published that reach as broad a come. In the “Letter from the Editors” with me. spectrum of women as these three do. introduction to Make/Shift magazine, Jannelle: I work with young Issue 4, Jessica Hoffman and Daria women every day at my university. Notes Yudacufski present a struggle.5 They These women are aspiring mathemati- discuss what it means to be publishing cians, engineers, biologists, and chem- 1. Laura Barcella, “Full Frontal Femi- a magazine with the word feminism on ists, pursuing careers that desperately nism,” an interview with Jessica Val- the cover when women of color in the need strong women to fight for pay enti, on Alternet.org, posted April 24, feminist blogosphere have condemned equity and against discrimination. 2007; http://www.alternet.org/sto- feminism as exclusively white and Without books speaking directly to ry/50843/ (accessed 01/23/2009). middle-class. They discuss the conver- young women about feminism, we sations they have had among them- may see that the Generation Y women 2. Emma Pearse, “Riot in her Head: selves as media contributors on the believe that feminism ended with the Jessica Valenti,” in New York Magazine, subject, and they are very clear that not mythical bra burnings. Each of the April 29, 2007; http://nymag.com/ everyone on their staff is in agreement three books we reviewed has a place in arts/books/features/31256/ (accessed on any segment of what is happening empowering Generation Y women to 01/23/2009). now or what has happened. What they become Generation Y feminists. Full convey most clearly is that they are not Frontal Feminism, despite its hiccups, 3. Celina, “Deborah Siegel: Sisterhood sure what will happen next — for their serves as a witty personal experience Interrupted,” on Feministing.com, magazine; for their sisters of color; for with feminism to get a young woman’s posted June 30, 2007; http://www. feminism. feet wet. Sisterhood Interrupted pro- feministing.com/archives/007289. What was most important to me vides pro-feminism women who may html (accessed 01/19/2009). in that piece was the conversation that not have an academic background in was held inside of it. I am very pained women’s studies with an easy-to-read, 4. Courtney E. Martin, “Why Femi- about the strife that currently exists concise history of the feminist move- nists Fight with Each Other,” on Alter- within the movement, and about the ment and commentary on the future of net.org, posted June 12, 2007; http:// idea that feminism might be something feminism. Finally, Next Wave Cultures www.alternet.org/story/53844/ (ac- that is obtainable or identifiable only brings the discussion of women’s every- cessed 01/23/2009). for some. I am happy that they have day activism into the scholarly realm, recorded this moment so plainly in its with studies and stories showing that 5. Jessica Hoffmann & Daria Yudacuf- confusion, its discord, and its hope for young women continue to believe that ski, “Letter from the Editors,” in Make/ solidarity. the personal is political and are on the Shift no.4 (Fall/Winter 2008/2009), As I reviewed these works, this streets working for change. p.5. piece by Hoffmann and Yudacufski Having the chance to read and stuck in my mind, and I thought about review these books with Alycia rein- [Jannelle Ruswick is the psychology and how this conversation, happening af- vigorated my feminism. It’s easy to get social sciences librarian and instruction ter these three books were published, wrapped up in day-to-day functions coordinator for the Illinois Institute of may frame the next wave of books to and lose track of current feminist ac- Technology. She is also an adjunct faculty be written about feminism. I am very tions that I can get involved in or that member in the Humanities Department, glad that each of the books reviewed I can create. Anytime I read a book by where she teaches a course on autobiog- here has been able to record a moment a young feminist, I feel a renewed sense raphies. Alycia Sellie lives in Brooklyn, in time and a perception of feminism. of empowerment and strength to chal- where she is the public services coordina- I am certain that younger women will lenge and change the world. The con- tor at Pratt Institute. She likes to knit think about these topics in ways that versations I had with Alycia to write and bike, and she plans to help organize will seem wholly foreign to me, but I this piece will not end here. They rep- a zine fest in New York in the next year.] know that what unites all of us is the resent just a moment in our continuing conversation. I am happy to have a dialogue over the past several years, and friend and colleague like Jannelle to they will shape our future conversa- talk with, and as I aim to assess my role tions as well as our roles in feminism. in feminisms of the future, I am glad

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