Experimentations of a Teenage Feminist's Mom

I can't believe this day has finally come . . . Today is the one-year anniversary of Experimentations of a Teenage Feminist!

Originally I planned to write a long, sappy memoir about my "feminist awakening," but then I thought it'd be much more interesting to ask my mom what she's thought about this past year, and my passion for feminism.

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting my mom, she's one of the kindest, hardest-working, and most selfless people on the face of the earth. She's been in the door industry for 25 years and deals with everything from rough openings, to jambs, to stiles and rails (yeah, I don't know what the heck those are either); she's notorious for telling corny jokes that she swears her co-workers think are funny; and, like me, she's addicted to Asian dramas. 

Seriously. Jerry Yan, if you're reading this, please send my mom an autograph. That would pretty much catapult me into "Favorite Child" status for life.

ANYWAY — I could spend the better part of your precious "internet browsing time" gushing about all the reasons why I love my mom (and there are many), but let's get right to the good stuff.

Ladies and gentlemen, Experimentations of a Teenage Feminist's Mom:

I have to admit that this is a little bit out of my comfort zone, but when my daughter, Danielle, asked me to write a little blurb in honor of the one year anniversary of her blog Experimentations of a Teenage Feminist, how could I refuse? I mean, she's all about speaking one's mind, being real, and not being afraid to step outside of your comfort zone when it comes to the things you believe in, right? So here goes! (I hope I do her proud!) 

I have no doubt that Danielle was born a feminist/humanist. I've always been proud of her. She's a genuinely good person, with a big heart who works hard and excels at everything she puts her mind to. She has always had empathy for other people and is a strong believer in the "golden rule." It's no secret around our house that she has zero tolerance for jerks, idiots, or injustice of any type, and that she is ever in support of the under dog. It's only been in the past few years, though, that I've seen her passion for feminism grow. 

I had never considered myself a feminist. To be honest, before Danielle started sharing her views on feminism with me, I never really gave it much thought. Shamefully, I think I was one of those small-minded people who thought that feminists were "men-haters." But from day one of Experimentations of a Teenage Feminist, I could see the passion that Danielle put into her posts, and it was contagious. Thankfully, I wasn't so small-minded that I couldn't listen to reason. 

With Danielle, there is no hidden agenda. What you see is what you get. Or in the case of her blog, what you read, is exactly the way she speaks. I think that's what I love so much about reading her posts . . . She's just her being her, speaking her mind in a way that isn't preachy, while touching on subjects and feelings that most of us can relate to, whether we choose to admit it or not. 

I've learned a lot from her . . . I'm much more informed on feminism than I've ever been in my life, and although I can't promise that I will be as outgoing (or brave) as Danielle is, I think that I can finally say that I, too, am a feminist.

- Deeona Burch 

I attribute all of my social graces to this woman. Love ya, Mom.