The Silent Type of Feminist

Feminist Legal Theory, a blog written by students at the University of California, recently published a post by one woman law student who edited "feminism" out of her resume in an effort to be more competitive in the interviewing process.

This summer, as I organized my materials for on campus interviews, the thought of editing “feminism” out of my resume never occurred to me.  When the first round of interviews was announced, I was shocked.  I wasn’t invited to interview with a single firm.  I cursed King Hall and Career Services and contemplated dropping out of law school.  At the suggestion of a classmate, I edited “feminism” out of my application materials for the next round of OCI bids.  I didn’t think it was going to make any difference.  I was convinced the lack of interviews had more to do with the economy, my background, or my average grades than my feminist activities...

If you are interested in the outcome, click here. 

How does feminsm fit into your resume?

I am a Feminist Because ...

I am a Feminist because I believe in gender equity. While acknowledging that there are real and perceived differences between men and women, I don't believe these differences justify disparities in their treatment.

I think it's important to explain why I am a Feminist because a lot of people associate Feminism with other values - with extremism, with elitism, with activism, with exclusivity, with anger. There are famous Feminists who have visibly advanced those values: abolitionists, prohibitionists, suffragists, etc. Many were brave and pioneering. Many were controversial. Many made mistakes. I know that I invoke their memory when I adopt their label. But "Feminist" is defined not just by its past usage but by those who presently identify themselves as such. I'm proud to share responsibility for the continued evolution of the term.

For me Feminism is not a cause, it's a perspective. I do not think there is a single issue of public or private concern that does not impact women. But not everyone who considers these issues thinks about their gender-specific effects. My Feminism helps inform how I view war, poverty, sickness, politics, education, business - you name it. It is not the only perspective I carry with me - I'm also young, Western-educated, a former artist, an attorney, etc. - all my experiences color my viewpoint.

I know that others don't share my perspective despite sharing my label. I know that others don't share my label despite sharing my commitment to gender equity. I'd be interested to hear from the full spectrum. How do you define Feminism? How do you identify yourself?

Here's another perspective to help get you started.

The Feminist Mystique

I am taking a seminar (the second one of my legal education but the first in which active participation is encouraged, if not mandated) but this one scares me in two very divergent ways. Firstly, the professor who teaches it was my first year torts professor and for whatever reasons (and I have confirmed reports that I am not crazy, that this indeed did happen), the woman had it in for me.

How to Play Your Cards

Congressional Babes

Last week on my blog we had a short conversation about hyper-sexualized younger women, and why coming down on them is a little bit unfair. Now, the LA Times gives us this article about Rep. Loretta Sanchez, a Congresswoman who is, according to the paper, is being "tested on whether her reputation will be more coquette or congresswoman."

Because Lord knows the earth would shatter if she were both a female politician and a human being.