burning bras . . . not exactly:

a young woman finding
her feminist identity

hope borchardt

I have asked myself many times throughout the years whether or not I am a feminist. I was never aware of what feminism was until a few years ago. Up until that time, I had misconceptions about feminists and feminism in general. "Are you a feminist?" One would ask. "NO," I would reply. Of course not. I was the furthest there was from being a feminist. Right? I didn’t burn bras, I had never marched in a rally, I was pretty agreeable, and I would never leave the house without makeup! No, I was certainly not a feminist.

I would revisit this question later on when I began my work as an advocate for survivors of sexual and domestic violence. I was beginning to learn that there were different kinds of feminists. These women who called themselves "feminist" believed in, and fought for, the same things I did. Was I a feminist? Maybe.

Over the years I have watched and learned from some amazing women who are indeed feminists. Many of whom may have burned their bras if they felt it was right, but many who equally felt that their bras served a pretty good purpose. What I have learned from these great teachers is that there are many feminists, and feminism is indeed diverse.

Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines feminism as:

1: the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes;

2: organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.

According to Webster’s definition, I support feminism and therefore am a feminist. I also associate myself with other types of feminism, such as Ecofeminism, which is the belief that patriarchal theories do not benefit women and children, and that women’s rights are connected to environmentalism. As the years go by and I continue my education, I learn more and more about feminism and why I now know that I am a feminist. If people ask me if I am a feminist now, I am proud to say, "Yes, I am."

I am a third wave feminist. I am a 22-year-old woman receiving my education at Iowa State University. I look at where I was 5 years ago and where I am now. With the help of other feminists, I have successfully reached the point I am at today. I respect the women who have helped me to become who I am, and I am thankful for the many opportunities I have had thus far.

If I could give a word of wisdom for other young women who may be confused as to their stance on feminism, it would be to explore what you really believe.

Talk to those who identify as feminists and ask them why.

Look, look, look and read, read, read. There are many excellent resources on feminism and its herstory.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to use your voice. Speak up about things you disagree with, find a cause worth fighting for. This may help you identify yourself as a feminist or the kind of feminist you are, which may in fact be one of the most empowering things you ever do.

Hope Borchardt is a third-wave feminist who began her work in the Battered Women's Movement at age 18. Raised in a small rural community, she was involved in implementing domestic violence and sexual assault services to the county where she grew up. Now, several years later, she works as an advocate in an urban domestic violence shelter, and is a student taking full-time classes at Iowa State University. Hope has devoted her time to helping victims of violent crimes as well as educating society about the dynamics of violence. She enjoys her family, comfort food and an occasional solitary moment.

© Hope Borchardt, 2001
All Rights Reserved

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