It's hard for feminists to stay upbeat, seems like. Kayla, you've got some interesting points, and thank you for sharing your difficulties with explaining to your family and friends that you advocate feminism. Although it is hard, you are right to attempt to explain it to them, because a great deal of hostility that feminists are met with, obviously, is because people believe they are trying to enslave men or break off into a separate country that farms men for food or something like that.
It's not the case at all, I have learned, but I remember my father saying something like that-- when I asked what a feminist was, as a little girl-- he said :
"Feminists are people who believe women are better than men."
Maybe he was joking? Because he also has told me hummus was camel poop once. And that clouds were made in factories.
I think this reflects a mass misunderstanding of the gravity of the matter, though. For some people, it is hard to see what is at stake here, in the feminist battle. For example, on issues of birth control and insurance. For many, there is a belief that the issue on the table involves promiscuous women, who can't afford enough condoms. When in reality, the issue can be as brutal and grim as spousal rape, severe poverty, genetic disorders, and other terrible insults to people's qualities of life, that are easily ameliorated by access to birth control. People need to remember, a woman's ability to control what happens to her body benefits all!
Kayla, congratulations on being considered for an internship at Planned Parenthood in Buffalo! I actually went to an Estate Sale over the weekend at the deceased former Director of Planned Parenthood's house. He worked at Buffalo General-- what a coincidence. His house was very cool. Anyway, though, my point is, you are in a position where you are aware of how hairy it can get, and you have the uncomfortable responsibility of clarifying these issues for people.
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