third wave feminist book worm

a review of Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism and the Future

Ahndi Fridell

I interviewed Rebecca Walker recently as she was traveling around the country promoting her new book. When I informed her that I wanted to ask her a few questions about third wave feminism, she responded, "Oh, that’s too bad. I feel like I’m done with that." Since the mass media and other feminists had anointed Walker as one of the leaders of third wave feminism, I became momentarily speechless. How could she be over it? Is feminism ever over? But her statement wasn’t entirely true. When we did get around to talking about third wave feminism, Walker had lots to say. But, she was very clear that her feminist activism did not define her.

Rebecca Walker’s reaction illustrates one of the criticisms levied against young feminists who struggle to define themselves as they see fit. Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards use Manifesta to assert that feminism isn’t dead, it isn’t lost, it just looks different than it did 30 years ago. It is a defense of women in their twenties and early thirties who grew up with feminism and the feminist movement. Although young women have been accused of taking opportunities for granted that were hard-won by second wave feminists, Baumgardner and Richards suggest that even if these women aren’t willing to be pigeonholed into a stereotype, they are living feminist lives. The authors critique the critics, advocate a manifesto for future feminist work, and supplement it with an excellent reference section for being an activist.

Baumgardner and Richards do a good job of analyzing the current crop of young feminists. They define feminists as every woman or man who works for equality within or outside the movement, writes about feminism, or calls herself/himself a feminist in the name of furthering equality. That’s a pretty broad definition, but it leaves room for the "I’m not a feminist, but…" women, girlie feminists without a political consciousness, and a critical dialogue among feminists. While the confluence of time and events is not ripe for a movement, the incredibly diverse set of issues on which feminist work is being done prepares women for the day when that movement evolves. Until that time arrives and a narrower set ofissues galvanizes people, Baumgardner and Richards illustrate feminism’s current form as a collection of individuals thatare working towards equality and giving women increasing voice, choice and opportunity, even if they say, "I’m not afeminist but…"

Baumgardner and Richards do a good job of giving props to their feminist elders, but they also demand the same respect in return. They expose older feminists who attempt to skip over young women and go straight to girls as the future offeminism. Like daughters lost in the shadow of their mothers’ spotlight, Baumgardner and Richards stand up and demand their attention. Both women have respectable feminist credentials – being third wave activists and logging time in the not-so-glamorous world of feminist organizations. But, they seem to say that all of that is for naught if the media and other feminists don’t recognize you, and an inordinate amount of space is taken up discussing popular culture and the media.

It seems to be an unfortunate circumstance of our culture that everything must be reflected through the eyes of a capitalist lens. Baumgardner and Richards are not as critical as they should be towards feminism based on consumerism. If women have finally "achieved" because they can choose to wear lipstick and high heels while doing feminist work, then we are all in big trouble. Yes, women can make choices about their personal identity, and they can reclaim their love for girlie colors and toys. But, shouting girl power and waving your Barbie is an empty substitute for real choice, the choices women make every day about work, family, health, identity and sexuality.

Baumgardner and Richards address the criticism that young women are not doing enough to change the political landscape. Social activism is not a substitute for political activism. And a belief that one has equality is not the same thing as laws that guarantee equality. This is where all feminists fall short because today’s feminist issues are diverse, and activists are stretched so thin. It’s the reason a manifesto for the future is necessary and it’s a good first draft for this generation.

©Ahndi Fridell, 2001
All rights reserved

 site map   |  volume 1 number 2, June 2001