Feminist Discussion

When I went to the lecture on Thursday, I expected the majority of the discussion between Paula Giddings and Beverly Guy-Sheftall to be about feminism and how they themselves identify as feminists. I was surprised that instead, it was about Ida B. Wells and her contributions to the feminist movement. I had learned about Ida B. Wells in a high school history class, but since then have not pursued her any further. However, when hearing Giddings describe Ida, and especially since I could hear the fascination in Giddings voice, I because really interested in Ida's story and even found a friend who will let me borrow Gidding's book to read! It was so interesting hearing Giddings describe how Ida's childhood affected her later life and led her to be such an activist. It definitely made me think a lot about how I've grown up and the women around me that have influenced me to be an activist.

The part of the lecture that I enjoyed the most was actually when questions were being taken from the audience. I felt like the audience asked really good questions and it was interesting to hear both women speak of their personal views and experiences. I especially liked when Beverly Guy-Sheftall talked about the ways that she was an activist and an academic when she was at various colleges and universities. She always put her views as a feminist first and she put her job on the line. I was so impressed when she said,"whats the worst that can happen, I lose my job." Most people do not think that way, losing their job would be the end of the world, but she is stands behind her ideals so strongly that losing her job would be less important than not standing up for something she believes in. I hope that some day I can be as passionate as her about a cause.