In the article "Building the Third Wave: Reflections of a Young Feminist", free-lance writer Laurie Ouellette discuses how the feminist movement of the 70's has produced a new generation of young women that have an "illusion of equality"(137). Along with this illusion, there is also a realization that the movement of the 70's was most advantageous to middle class white women and excluded women of color and lower incomes. Ouellette points out presently both groups are reluctant to join the feminist movement.
Oullette begins by discussing that while in college she believed discrimination and oppression were not a problem. The realization that she did have to be concerned about these issues came after being sexually discriminated against while doing an internship. Ouellette stated that sh " honestly believed it was something I would never have to face"(138). After the illusion of equality was broken, Ouellette realized that there still was much work to be done against discrimination.
The new reluctance by young women of any class or race to be involved in feminism is due to the to fact that the feminist movement is controlled by older women who don't reflect the newer generations concerns, and that in the past those who have benefited the most are not minority women or lower income. Ouellette states that feminism now must acknowledge issues of race and class because it is the only way to "influence the lives of millions of women for whom the daily struggle to survive, not feminism, is a priority"(141).
Ouellette concludes her article by stating that providing choices
for all women and assisting all women in their struggles will
be a way in which the new generation will build a successful
third wave of feminism. She also says that the first step is
to make the term feminism one that is attractive to women and
viewed as a word that empowers.
The article by Laurie Ouellette is easy to read and relate to because it gives a sense of realization by one woman on the issues of feminism. It also gives insights into why young women feel the way they do about feminism today and how the current situation can be improved.
Ouellette begins her article by speaking not as a feminist, but as a young female growing up in a changing world. This approach allows the reader to not feel intimidated because it gives a personal side to the writer. Ouellette gives her impressions of discrimination through her college years, and describes the experiences that changed her opinion about equality. This allows the reader to see that she has not always been a feminist, but is someone who has changed her views based on experience.
An aspect that is also very pertinent in this article was the way in which Ouellette both praises and challenges the women's movement of the 70's. She points out that it has allowed some women many advantages, while at the same time excluding many other women. This is an extremely important point because it seems to make some sense of the discontent and uneasiness many young women feel today about feminism. The point that there are few feminist role models for young women and that the feminist movement is largely run by older women who may not reflect issues important to the younger generation, are also very valid points as to why there is a lack of enthusiasm by young women.
Another aspect of this article that is good is that it includes all women. Ouellette discusses her sister's choice to start a family early and how she feels the most respect for those feminists who chose a lifestyle and issues not on the main agenda, but that are of equal importance to all women.
One aspect that was slightly overbearing in this article was in the ending paragraphs where Ouellette discusses what she feels is the "greatest challenge facing all young women "(140), that of reproductive rights. This is a valid issue, but it seems somewhat harsh to state that this is an "patriarchal assault on women's bodies"(140). Until this section of the article there seemed to be no blame or ridicule, but this paragraph seemed to be somewhat laced with anger and blame.
Ouellette discusses how the political climate does not assist women in their struggle to raise families by passing health care or flexible schedules. She also lumps "male cooperation"(139), as something that is to blame along with political change. This seems to be irrelevant to political change and is stereotyping males. This article was written in 1992, and since that time there have been some progressive changes both politically and socially.
This article is one that every young women should read. It gives
insight into why so many women today may not be interested in
feminism, and why the third wave of feminism must include all
women for it to be successful.
© Erin Campbell, Winona (MN) State University, 30 January 1997. This document may be freely distributed for educational use as long as this notice of its authorship accompanies its distribution.
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