Post-Backlash Feminism

Last week I was honored to spend a wonderful day with Women's Studies-affiliated women and men at IPFW. My visit was intellectually stimulating, enlightening--and a whole lot of fun.

The chair of Women's studies and her staff arranged a luncheon book talk and an evening key note. At both events folks from the university and the Ft. Wayne community gathered to discuss not only my work, but also issues concerning us all, like breast cancer awareness, violence against women on campus, the American beauty culture, and the language of gender. I am flattered by their attendance and grateful for the opportunity to learn from these good folks.

The men and women I met were generous, interested and engaged with the issues we take up everyday in the study of women and culture--and that's a credit to the culture of IPFW and the work of the Women's Studies faculty. The tone and tenor of the conversations I had (both formal and informal) during my visit affirmed for me how important intellectual work on women is, how urgent and necessary. These conversations also confirmed for me that this work, done well (as it is plainly done at IPFW), has the effect of bringing people together and reminded me of why I undertook this work in the first place.

Thanks to everyone who had a part in my visit., especially Janet, Linda, Mandy, Liz and Jen.

Thank you.