Response to New York Times, Maureen Dowd

I just read Maureen Dowd's most recent op-ed, "Duel of Historical Guilts" in which she critiques veteran feminists and the Clinton campaign.  I felt compelled to respond:

I am a young feminist, I do not own any clothing with shoulder pads, and I voted for Clinton in the primary.  Where do I fit into your skewed perception of the primary race, Ms. Dowd?

I am privileged to be part of a feminist organization in which I work with feminists of all ages.  I write to tell you that these so-called "shoulder pad feminists" work alongside their younger sisters to address the variety of oppressions that women still face today, including racism, homophobia and ageism.

It is unfortunate that you fall into the patriarchal trap of insinuating that veteran feminists are man-haters.  You do a disservice to all women by trying to divide us with such rhetoric.  When you trivialize the work of veteran feminists you trivialize the advancements women have made as a result of their work. I am proud to be part of a sisterhood (yes, it is powerful) of all ages.  And you should know, there is not a shoulder pad in sight.

Comments

[LinzND04]

Go, Chelsea! I read the same article & have a similar response:

In her March 5 piece, Maureen Dowd depicts herself as the very thing she mocks – an angry woman voicing a strong opinion. It is ageist and catty to brand a generation of women who have carved pathways to leadership and success for future generations of women by shoulder-pads, wrinkles, or anger. It is not “old-school” to band together as women to support one another – it is a proven strategy for success.

Despite whether Dowd likes Hillary’s campaign tactics, the electorate supports what Hillary represents, proven again on Tuesday night. I am inspired by Hillary Clinton. She shows me that I, too, can be President. As a 25 year old woman, I do not wear shoulder-pads, but I do fancy pantsuits. I do not believe “men are pigs,” but I do believe there is legitimate support in sisterhood. And I LOVE Gloria Steinem.

Lindsey Horvath
Young Feminist VP, California NOW