Feminism is not dead — it is part of a tradition. The tradition did not start in the 1960s, nor at the turn of the 20th century. It has been around for centuries, and it lives on. I know this because, quite simply, I can feel it. Some people don’t want to call it feminism, and maybe there’s a better name for it. But I haven’t found it yet. Certain works of art and literature have shaped my understanding of what feminism stands for, by bringing into focus what I always knew but somehow ignored. For my last column at Cornell, I’d like to share them with you, in neither chronological nor alphabetical order.

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

A highly entertaining story about appreciating the work and love that goes into being a good mom.

Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power by Audre Lorde

This essay is full of stunning wisdom, like everything I’ve read by Lorde. Also, she went to my high school. So, that’s cool.

The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf

Because it’s true that a myth of flawless beauty hinders many women’s sense of worth and entitlement.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Esther Greenwood, the protagonist, feels misogyny deeply and defies it fiercely. I feel for her.

Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence by Adrienne Rich

Rich writes things that I felt I should have realized already about the way Western culture has privileged heterosexuality and denigrated women’s relationships.

The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir

De Beauvoir was writing 60 years ago, but what she says still rings true. And 60 years really isn’t very long, in the scheme of things.

The World Needs the Love of a Free Woman by Nan Peacocke

The title says it all. And then, of course, the poem goes into more detail.

The Piano directed by Jane Campion

The first time I saw this movie, back when you freshmen (freshpeople?) were wee babes, I remember being pleasantly surprised to see Jane Campion’s name in the opening credits. Not only is my name is Jane too, but I was glad to see a major motion picture written and directed by a woman. And because of this, I think, the film has a distinct approach to women and sexuality.

M.I.A.

My friend Annabeth suggested this singer. Yes, so true.

My Gender Workbook by Kate Bornstein

Gender study made fun!

The Traffic in Women by Gayle Rubin

A very cool analysis of gender, politics, economics and history.

Did I miss anything? If you’re reading this online, or on paper for that matter, please contribute!