Q: I consider myself a feminist and am involved with a feminist organization on my campus. When talking with some of the other women in the group I said, "I don't think I would have been a feminist when feminism started or even when second wave feminism came." A lot of the women were really offended and said how can you call yourself a feminist right now if you wouldn't have considered yourself one in the past. I am biracial and I think feminists weren't as accepting back then. Am I wrong for thinking this? Can anyone else relate?

A: I don't think you are wrong for thinking this and I can relate, because I am biracial as well. I don't know that I would consider myself a feminist at the start or during the second wave of feminism. When I think about women from the past that are biracial or of another race other than white I would consider them a feminist. For example, I would consider Mildred Loving a feminist, but during her era she may not have considered herself one. It's easier to look back and see someone as a feminist, but at the time feminist's sought certain rights for only white women. A major feminist movement in the past was the right to vote, but it was the right for only white women. I wouldn't consider myself a feminist at that time if something they fought and believed in excluded part of my race. Also, I think the fact that Third Wave feminism is more liberal, open, and acceptable than previous feminism was appealing when I decided to call myself a feminist. Don't let them bring you down. If you have not yet had an open discussion with your feminist organization about your thoughts and reasoning then I suggest that. I wouldn't let this idea break relationships. Agree to disagree if you have to...good question & I hope I helped!