By HEATHER THIBDEAU
Women’s Initiative
At this time in the semester, it should hardly be stated that daily life and responsibilities become tense. In fact, tense is an understatement: between social, academic, and extra-curricular activities and demands, I frequently turn to my collection of YouTube videos, poems, songs, film clips, or photographs to brighten my mood and not allow everything to overwhelm me as I finish up the semester. (Can I also just say I cannot wait for the upcoming Stress Free Zone? One of my favorite days here simply because I can play with dogs on-campus, eat a delicious ice cream sundae, and leave everything aside for a while).
In regards to women’s issues, concerns, and feminism, it is also highly required that feminists (people concerned for obtaining equal rights) look for inspiration to maintain hope, resolve, and vigor to keep fighting the fight that has seen no resolution. Today, it seems surprisingly easy to become disheartened with all of the proposed amendments, harassment, and violence occurring to feminists or causes we believe in. Normally, I would insert examples of the ongoing harassment and violence, but that is not what this particular article is about, and these instances are simple enough to find in a Google search; I will leave that task to you.
Instead, I would like to discuss what particular works (whether they be poems, stories, films, books, historical figures, songs, articles, magazines, etc.) that empower you and make you feel that you can do whatever you set your mind to. Have you ever read or seen something that really made you stop and think about your place in the world and what you can (or should) accomplish as a woman? Personally, I would have to say that a recent source of inspiration I came across this year was author Ursula Le Guin’s “A Left Handed Commencement Address” that she delivered in 1983 to Mill’s College (a women’s college in California). I love Le Guin’s speech for several reasons, but the main message about never allowing oneself to “settle” for anything, especially one’s place in society, and re-conforming what one defines as success and who to look to for inspiration really resonated with me and my own experiences.
This year, the Women’s Initiative compiled a resource list that we proudly display on our Facebook Page and our blog with (in the words of Abby Finkelman) “pro-woman news, information and entertainment.” Included in the resource list are websites, books, and authors, and while it is an extensive compilation, we are always looking for more information to share, and would love to expand the genres included! If there is anything you would love to see included, drop us an e-mail at csrwomensinitiative@gmail.com or visit our Facebook Page and tell us what you want included and why it inspires you. If we are just as moved as you are by your submission, we will add it to the list for all to see and share. On that note, if you are interested in writing a guest article for our View from Venus column, contact us by our e-mail address and we can work something out.
Have a happy break everyone, and keep moving forward! Only three more weeks left in the semester!!
