Women, feminism, and aging Book

We live in a tricky time as feminists, when in one hand the lives of women and men are full of choices (and feminism was/is all about choices), but it is also a time when I hear the question, "Are you a feminist?" a lot less than I used to hear it. On one hand, feminism is alive everywhere, but on the another, the word itself seems to be slowly withering with the passage of time.

Now that I'm taking a Women's Rhetoric class for my graduate degree, I'm able to take some time reflecting on the extent feminism is still at work today. These essays, which I thoroughly enjoyed for their diversity and strength and lack of shame, blow open the question, "What is a feminist?" These essays remind me that feminism has done a tremendous lot for our world--and certainly my life. They fire me up. I'm empowered by the fact that three men are included. I'm happy to see my experience reflected in several of the essays--both those written by men and by women. These essays make me wonder what "To Be Real" (which was released in 1995) would look like if it was published in 2009.

I like to believe an updated version of the anthology today would be equally vibrant, continually challenging and questioning the world we live in. As long as we keep giving birth to young boys and young girls who we love with all of our selves, feminism is necessary...because, like bell hooks has said, "Feminism is about love."

I'm thankful for what feminism has done for my life, and Walker's anthology has me wondering what my contribution might be...