A few months ago, as I was flipping through an issue of Harpers Bazaar UK with King Bey (I call her that) on the cover, I read a snippet where she was asked if she was a feminist. Beyonce replied:

“‘I don’t really feel that it’s necessary to define it. It’s just something that’s kind of natural for me, and I feel like…you know…it’s, like, what I live for.

‘I need to find a catchy new word for feminism, right? Like Bootylicious.’”

What’s so wrong with ‘feminist’ Bey?

For many women of color, especially young women, the word ‘feminist’ provokes an image that is antiquated, overtly-aggressive, anti-male and white. In some cases, feminism can also be seen as divisive as demonstrated in the recent SlutWalk demonstrations (see here) that led to some women justifying the use of the word “nigger” as a term of solidarity. But I thought we were all sisters? 

Given this divisiveness and a long history of miscommunication and misunderstanding over feminist thought and practice in our own communities, it is no wonder that the basic, simple tenets of feminism are lost on many young black and brown women.

Simply put, a feminist believes in political, economic and social equality of both sexes. A woman can identify as a feminist and work towards feminist ideals without having to join an organization or engage in protest—it all starts with believing in your worth as a woman is immeasurable.

I was raised by a feminist mother to have a high sense of self, and through studying feminist theory and movements, I built a worldview that placed me at the center and helped me combat the mixed-messages around relationships, sex, and beauty that were fed to me by a society that told me that I was not pretty, and I was not worth it. Fast forward to 2011, and the culture attack on our young girls is amplified even more leaving ideas of self-worth, respect and beauty drowned out by images that we don’t even create yet accept as ideal. It’s hard to love yourself when you are constantly being fed the opposite on a daily basis. 

So how do we talk to these women? We be ourselves. There are plenty of black and brown women like me who can move between the issues of race, class and gender with clarity, but are sorely underrepresented in pop-culture. We can quote both Biggie and bell hooks, command equality with men in the workplace, and yet find comfort in a kitchen full of women. We are progressive, post-civil rights women informed by contemporary culture and the traditions of our people, and yes—we are also feminists. 

Using video and still imagery, the I’m Feminist Enough …project seeks to visualize the fresh face of feminism and demonstrate to our young sisters (and brothers) the value of feminist thought in our daily lives in a manner that is simple, sexy, modern and easy. Yes, you can be a feminist but get a kick out having the door held open for you. These actions don’t define your place as a woman, you do.

It is my hope that the I’m Feminist Enough project inspires a new generation of young women to rethink and reconsider feminist ideals and adapt them into their everyday lives to foster healthier relationships, self-views and confidence to lead the lives they want and deserve. 

Welcome To The Party!

Shannon Washington
Creator, I’m Feminist Enough