Fem-blog

This is an interesting time at my local magazine job. We're pulling together all the topics we've hoarded this year to cobble together some kind of editorial calendar that makes our readers send us endearing e-mail thanking us for a job well done.

That doesn't really happen that often, actually.

Some of my research has focused on microtrends, specifically, what the next microtrends might be for 2008. Of course, business analysts and marketers have an ongoing fight about what makes the latest microtrend, and there is no shortage of people trying to predict the next one.

In my research, I stumbled upon a story about my favorite microtrend, blogging. But it is an article about blogging and feminism that caught my eye.

I don't know how other women my age feel about the feminist movement, but I've always seen myself on the receiving end. I have access to birth control, and I support organizations and politicians that support body rights. I have a tattoo, a pierced belly button and I love to change my hair color. I have a job and a family. I have a career. I frequently use my rights to vote, free speech and freedom of the press. I express my opinions often, and loudly. I am the modern-day feminist. But I can't point to any one thing that I do regularly that pushes the movement forward.

I've read The Feminine Mystique, but it never really resonated with me. I didn't languish in a role that someone else gave me. I've stamped my choices on my forehead: By damnit, this is my life and I will enjoy it. So I am a little surprised to learn that the Equal Rights Ammendment is presented to Congress every year and fails to pass. I am alarmed that I never paid attention.

The article suggests that women bloggers are the hope for future feminists. I blog. So am I a true feminist or not? I used to think so.

The space for that conversation may be the Internet, on sites like Feministing, Feministe, Pandagon and Echidne of the Snakes. Valenti of Feministing.com says feminist blogs drove the million-plus turnout at the 2004 March for Women's Lives in Washington, D.C., and helped secure the opening earlier this month of a controversial Planned Parenthood clinic in Aurora, Ill. But even if blogging can translate into real-world activism, will it be enough to hold a movement together? That's a question this generation of feminists will have to answer themselves.