Letter of Introduction

My name is Rachel Collins. I'm a sophomore at UCF - creative writing major, women's studies minor. I've been asked to create this blog as a part of my Introduction to Women's Studies course. If you had asked me if I was a feminist five years ago, I probably would have said that I was. However, I don't think i really knew the extent of what I was saying. I knew that feminism meant the conviction that women and men are of equal value, and should be treated as such by society, but only more recently have I begun to apply a feminist viewpoint to every aspect of my life. I'm interested in taking this course because feminism profoundly informs my view of the world, and I'd like it to be a part of my academic career as well.

Feminism is the basic conviction that women and men (and all people, regardless of gender, race, sexuality, class, ability, and other factors) are of equal value, and should be treated as such by society. Every other "radical" idea that feminists hold are extrapolations of that core conviction. I'm pained every time I hear one of my friends say "I'm not a feminist, but...." The ubiquitous reluctance to proudly and openly self-identify as a feminist is an unfortunate byproduct of negative stereotypes, misunderstandings, and fear. Women's studies is the study of women's progress through history. Women's studies programs are essential to combat the erasure of women's history and experience in traditional classes. Women's studies does not necessarily imply feminism, however women's history, just like all culture, is best viewed through the lens of feminism.

I think that those who reject the feminist label fail to recognize the true effects of inequality in our society, and a binary view of gender. The idea of gender affects virtually everything we do, say, and think. Gender is a social construct - a hodgepodge of cultural ideas about how males and females should look and behave. The most relevant difference between the genders, today, is the unequal treatment that they receive from society. Gender is a continuum, not an either/or question.

As of right now, my activism is primarily through VOX UCF, of which I am Director of Communications, and NOW UCF of which I a member. My primary responsibility within VOX is to coordinate tabling activities but I also help to plan events, promote events, and advocate and table for the organization, among other things. For those who may not know, VOX is Voices for Planned Parenthood, UCF Chapter. We are affiliated with Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando. VOX is a student education and advocacy program that promotes the ideas and goals of the Planned Parenthood Organization, such as comprehensive sex education, information about sexual and reproductive health, reproductive freedom, prevention of STI's and unwanted pregnancy, and getting tested. I feel that activism is an essential part of being an engaged member of society, and I feel that the activism I am involved with is important. The ideas that we promote and the education we distribute help people to make informed choices about sex and their health. I'm extremely proud of the work that VOX accomplishes.

I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus and blogger protocols.