but it felt that way, when it happened. I've been posting Februhairy pics to my Instagram account, along with tumblr. I've gotten some nice comments and connected with lots of other ladies who are also enjoying growing out their armpit hair. I've been laughing a lot. And then this happened:
Prior to this exchange, I'd had no contact with This Young Man, so I can only imagine he found me through one of my hashtags. So curious, This Young Man. So eager to see what is going on in the world. Or perhaps just eager to troll feminists.
It was very easy to find out that, among other things, he is a high school sophomore. I looked at his face: It is smiling a wide and likable smile. He looks young, but not younger than his age. He looks like someone who gives a lot of hi-fives. He's a member of the student council. It's amazing to see how early it starts, the male belief that they have the right to police women and our bodies, to expect demand things from us. (In this case, I suppose, shaven armpits?) Since he's a sophomore, he's probably fifteen. Which means I'm double his age. How am I going to call myself a woman, he wants to know.
I wrote This Young Man a short piece of advice (and no, it wasn't GFY), blocked him on Instagram, and contacted his school via Instagram as well. My greatest hope, of course, is that he eventually grows into a person who is able to recognize the humanity of other people. I know it is not always an easy journey.
It's another reminder (to anyone who's looking for one?) of how much we still need smart, feminist media. As a counterpoint, as a correction, as the vanguard, as hope. I warmly, enthusiastically encourage you to donate to Bitch Media.
kaledo-art
theartofmadeline
tangentwithtanner
baratheonpilled
prguitarman
jacobvanloon
ellievsbear
