Have an opinion about something you read in Grrowl? Write and let us know! Send your e-mail to: grrowl@nrrdgrrl.com. Now here are some letters from readers about April's issue:



"Just found the Nrrd Grrl site today and loved Jenn's piece on feminism. I think women who deny being feminists have no self-confidence. If you believe you can do anything you want to do, then you are a feminist. For those women still in secondary school or college, know that it is possible to get what you really want out of life. Just don't settle for anything less than what what you want, and don't let anyone else tell you how to live your life."

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"While Jenn is mostly correct in her assessment that women are afraid of the feminist label, I think there's more to it than just the fact that being a feminist breaks certain stereotypes.

The fact is, radical feminism has its own principles, whether one recognizes them or not. If you do not fit in the idea of what a feminist is for this crowd, you are not a feminist. Pure and simple. If you happen to be pro-life-- no matter how much you're involved in women's issues: boom! You're not a feminist-- you're a lackey of the patriarchal system. If you happen want to be a stay-at-home mom: boom! You're not a feminist. If you happen to be conservative in any way shape or form: boom! You're not a feminist.

The message is very clear: feminism does not want certain women in its fold unless they believe *exactly* the same things they do, or agree with their means. And it claims to speak for all women. This is where it is very dishonest. It can suggest what it thinks is best for all women, but to claim to speak for all women is simply a lie.

I think this is why many women don't feel comfortable being called feminists: they hate discrimination of all kinds, but they simply would not feel honest in calling themselves feminist because their worldview does not conform to typical radical feminism. If feminism wants to be inclusive, it's going to have to allow for more divergent points of view. Otherwise, more and more women will shun the feminist label.

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"I am a feminist, and I'm not ashamed. Too long, many women have ducked and hidden away from this title, saying, "Oh, no, that's not me! I'm not some feminazi lesbian man-hater". Well, guess what? Neither am I.

What am I? I am a daughter, a sister, a girlfriend and a future wife who believes that she deserves equal pay for equal work, the right to be a working woman without guilttrips piled on her mind for "deserting" her children. I am a woman, who is smart and intelligent and still a lady. I am a brown haired, brown eyed and a size 14 and I don't care. I believe I deserve not special treatment, but *equal* treatment. I believe I should say what happens to my body, not some right-wing male fanatic. I am a mother, lover, a person. And I am a feminist."

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"After reading the rant of the month I realize how lucky I am. I have been more than accepted into a trade that is non-traditional for women to be in.

After modelling at a local Art College for four years I decided that I was never going to get anywhere by sticking to that job and I decided to get myself a trade. Since I love driving I decided that I wanted to get my truck drivers' license.

For me this was the best move I could have made because two weeks after I finished the course I was working. I got a job driving a dump truck for a small company with a contract to supply drivers and trucks to the local transportation system. That was six years ago.

Now I work for the city picking up garbage and driving the garbage tucks. I love my job. It's hard and tiring but I really enjoy the work out. It took me a long time to get myself into shape to do a job like this but it's paid off for me.I'm given more and more responsibility as my supervisors see how capable I am.

I haven't encountered and harassment in this job but I have dealt with it in others.People seem to believe the image I potray of independence, strength, and intelligence. I'm lucky, but I had to work hard to prove myself, so I guess I made my own luck.

I believe that women can do anything they set their mind to. The law says everyone must be treated equally so we have to be given the chance to prove ourselves and if we can do the job as well as anyone else, it's ours and no one can get rid of us.

It's very important not to listen to other people's put downs. Men, especially hearing that a woman is doing a "man's job", will try to belittle her and make her feel small. Don't ever listen to that crap. It's not creative criticism at all so it should have no bearing on one's outlook. Be confident in yourself and anything can be accomplished. Hey, it's worked for me.

Thanks for being there Grrowl!"

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"I just wanna let you know you girls rock and keep doing what you are doing. I like knowing theres a place for me on the net where I can be proud to be a girl. thanks again! "

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"Hey!! I just found out about this site today and I read the Snarl of the Month and I thought it was VERY interesting!! *s* and I TOTALY can identify with the grrl who wrote that! Keep up the good work! I think I found a new fav spot on the web! *Grin*"

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Grrowl! E-Zine © 1997, Amelia E. Wilson. All rights reserved. Works copyrighted by their individual authors.

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