The one, the only, the Gloria
Instead of bumming around on the couch this summer, why not discover your inner feminist? Confused as to how? Here is my guide for embracing your inner Gloria Steinem:
1. Read Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions by Gloria Steinem and The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan.
You can’t begin your own feminist revolution without learning about the contributions made by the pioneers during second-wave feminism.
2. Start your own business or get a job.
Try to start your own business. It can be as simple as a lemonade stand or a lawn mowing business — heck, you could even start a neighborhood newspaper and deliver the paper at 5 a.m. if you have to! By starting your own business, you work hard for your money and you feel unstoppable. With that money you could buy a Lilly Pulitzer dress or NIKEiDs, and with those go out and conquer the world.
3. Change your ringtone to “Everyday People” by Sly & The Family Stone.
Why? Because that song is awesome. Also, because as Steinem says, we should keep the mindset, “I’m not more important than you, but I’m also not less important.”
4. Reflect on how women are represented in the media.
While watching all the TV you missed during the semester, pause for a minute and think about women in the media. This helps both females and males, and just thinking about this is a big step toward becoming a feminist.
5. Try not to hate the Regina George in your life.
Being jealous of the girl who appears to have everything is so unnecessary. That is just energy going to waste — energy that could be used in a more positive way. Be happy for her, because great things are coming your way.
6. Watch New Girl and Legally Blonde.
7. When you look in the mirror, don’t criticize yourself.
Don’t wish your stomach was tighter or your arms didn’t jiggle. Look in that mirror and be fierce. You own that mirror, don’t let it own you.
8. Erase the words “whore” and “slut” from your vocabulary and call out people who use those words.
Changing the way one person speaks is the beginning of a positive cycle. You can change the world in small steps.
9. Don’t call Hillary Clinton a “bitch.”
Please don’t call her a “bitch,” even if you don’t agree with her politics.
10. Do things yourself.
Try doing the things you usually need help with alone. Crafting is extremely difficult but I strongly believe that if you can complete a craft on your own, and have the do-it-yourself mentality, you can handle anything. You get to make the decisions while decorating your room. It will make you feel so empowered that you’ll handle every challenge with ease.
11. Adopt a new motto.
Instead of the line, “Fish are friends, not food” from Finding Nemo being your favorite line of all time, adopt the feminist equivalent, “Women are people, not objects.”
I hope this summer is one you’ll never forget. Take this break from school to change your mentality and make this world awesome. Enjoy your empowering summer Terps: Keep calm and feminist on.
