A conversion of a sweeter nature

I still remember when I finally bubbled over with anger, feminism, and activism. It came out in a blog post in December of the 8th grade, where I condemned the use of the word 'slut', among other things. My friends and acquaintances paid attention. It generated 26 comments and began my personal revolution.

As I began writing more blogs, all frankly expressing my opinion, Julie began to talk to me. She expressed that wide-eyed disbelief of a new feminist at how gender biased the world could be. She had converted, and this, more than anything, made my political agitating worthwhile. The idea that I had made a personal difference in someone's beliefs was incredible, and it was by Julie's persuasion that Feminisme was born.

Though we only lasted a few months, Feminisme Publications brought together a wide variety of people. Andrew was the only token male writer- and also one of the best. Amy was shy and reserved, yet became willing to voice her opinion on affirmative action and other weighty issues. Lexie was a conservative Christian who became a great friend and ally and wrote my reccomendation for the AGA. Helen was a radical feminist who wouldn't silence herself in an attempt to be polite.

All of the above and more came together for a brief moment and we collected as much work as we could, getting 400 hits a month at our peak. It was an attempt to educate, debate, and write to our classmates.

Andrew and Lexie are fighting for equality via the Gay-Straight Alliance at their school. Amy still writes and draws, and occasionally speaks up in English class. Helen is pushing for animal rights. And Julie is at a Catholic high school as a pro-choice feminist, trying to influence classmates of her own.

And so our efforts were not wasted; they were certainly something positive.