Body Hair, OH MY!

Legs. Armpit. Arms. Ass crack. Chin. Cooch. Balls. What do these body areas have in common? Scary, body hair (ahhhhhhhhhhh!!).

Ever since starting my feminist journey, I have always wondered why people are so weirded out by hair, one of the most natural things on our body.

I asked a couple friends about their views of body hair. Winter expressed she hates body hair, which of course I already knew. She also added that is for her body, “I don’t care one way or the other what a guy or girl does for hair removal unless we will be getting naked together.” Another friend of mine, Faith, explained she pays a “shit ton” of money on shaving products. A reason to the money spent could be seen in her response to a question how her day is effected by not shaving, she responded with, “I’m usually very aware if I have not shaved and I think about it throughout the day.”

Ancient pubic volsellas

For thousands of years, hair has gone through stages of repulsion for different body regions. According to MIC, caveman removed hair from their face for safety with sharpened rocks while Egyptians removed all of their hair, except their eyebrows, for cleanliness. Ancient Romans used shaving as a status symbol, especially for women. This is when shaving standards for women began. The desperation to show one’s status was so intense that when a girl entered puberty, her pubic hair was removed with “volsellas” (aka ancient pubic tweezers, OUCH!).

The pressure on women shaving their legs and pubic region was relieved when Queen Elizabeth I came into power. However, women manicuring their eyebrows became very important at this time, along with men and their facial hair.

The lack of pressure was maintained in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. For those women who chose to shave (primarily dancers/entertainers) used the new safer razors marketed for men. It wasn’t until the 1900s when a razor blade for women was promoted.

1915 ad warning
women of armpit hair

Conveniently, in 1915, advertising warning the dangers of underarm hair began (per womenyoushouldknow.net). This advertising not only pushed to decrease self-confidence, but also entice fear of being alone and without a husband. The wrath of leg shaving didn’t return until the 1940s when WWII starved America of nylon (used for stockings/pantyhose). Imagine, not being able to hide leg hair, the depravity! The full bush went out of style in the 1980s. In 1987, waxing became a hit! This was intensified by mass media and commercialization. The purpose of shaving has transitioned throughout history, from safety to cleanliness to a status symbol to trying to look like the model on TV.

My legs after a month of not shaving
(and a life time of no sun...)

A new movement hitting the body hair scene is embracing what “mother nature” has given us. I attempted this idea by not shaving my legs for a month and it was extreme anticlimactic. When I made the choice to not shave, I thought I would either feel super liberated or uncomfortable. Turns out, I felt the exact same. I pay who know how much money a year on shaving products just to feel the exact same without shaving. That’s ridiculous! To be honest, my fiancé wasn’t the most excited, but our intimacy did not change and we even had a quick joke when he would stroke from my ankle to my knee (I could see the cringe in his eyes).

Sadly, I do have to admit, my relief was overwhelming when I shaved my legs. I didn’t have the chance to wear a cute skirt or shorts due to the weather, however, I look forward to trying this experiment again when it’s warmer. I especially can’t wait for the glares and judgement by those who have been taught that women will only walk out of the house with no obscene body hair.

Another testimony from a women who abandoned the hair stigma discusses her transition from waxing to asking why am I even doing this? Check out her story at this link.

I haven't decided one way or another about indefinitely keeping my legs hairy. (What can I say, society has its rigid claws in me.) Hopefully this brought some cringes, laughs, and knowledge. Have a wonderful and safe New Year!

Sincerely,

Hillbilly Feminist

Being a Feminist AND Engaged

When I first became engaged to my amazing man hunk, I had some major conflicts to settle within myself. First, would I change my name? Second, who am I going to piss off when I make my decision?

I, personally, enjoy the idea of changing my name. It won't be a new me, I'm already way too awesome to start that over. However, it will kick start a new chapter in my life. As expected, my mother, and the general feminist ideology, do not find the idea so pleasant. For the last six months, this battle has been rolling around my head.

In an article on Bustle by Bibi Deitz, the idea of changing your name can be seen as a feminist act. Changing my name is a choice that can only be decided by me. Who is going to the DMV? I am. Who is going to the Social Security office? I am. Who is changing their information with their employer? I am. The choice must be made before the actions. Although it may not align with most feminists' ideology concerning marriage, it is a personal choice that should be respected. Shaming each other won't do any good. If it is seen as wrong by someone, how does shaming help? Two wrongs do not make a right. ("Wrong" is relative in this statement.) 

One of my favorite values is respecting choices of others. It is no ones position to make up someones mind, and vice versa. This, however, creates a lot of conflict between the feminist I have grown into and the culture around me. 

The Ozarks is made up of mostly Scotch-Irish and German (on the northern parts). The idea of a woman being submissive, especially in public, has been bred in our culture for generations. (Even though I have plenty of stories from older generations about women being the dominate partner behind closed doors, concerning finances and discipline.) The perception of an obedient and quiet woman has been drooled over by men in every culture, ours just had isolation to allow that mentality to stay for as long as it has. (Native Americans were even wary of some parts of the Ozarks due to terrain.)

Although, in my mind, I know the practice is patriarchal and only enables the system to stay in place, I have been raised with the tradition a woman takes her forever love's name when she takes his hand. As much as I want to say "I would never do that" or "My name doesn't need to change to be in harmony with someone," my feelings don't align with those statements. I enjoy the idea of having my husband's last name for unity with future offspring, which is a super controversial statement.

Jill Filipovic wrote an article explaining if changing your surname was a valid reason for unity "make it the wife's." Many women are beginning to not change their surname. According to the New York Times in 2015, approximately 20 percent of women married around the time kept their surnames, higher than the 14 percent from the 1980s. From my personal experience, this revolution has not spread in the Ozarks, especially more rural areas. The majority of women I know that have recently gotten married has changed their surname to the husband's. 

Another idea is to reject using the phrase "maiden name," whether you change your name or not. Brita Long explain in her article "I Didn't Keep My Maiden Name" that although she did not change her name she refuses to refer to her last name as a "maiden name." She goes into detail about the history of the phrase and that even keeping your last name can still be degrading by referring to your last name being "unmarried" and "virgin."

As you have read, this is not the easiest decision to make. I'm sure people from with any of the opinions listed will have a few things to say to me along with a wagging finger. All I have to say is, I will respect your choices, so please respect mine.

As for my final verdict on what my surname will be...I guess we'll all find out in six months.

Have a wonderful week! 

Sincerely,

Hillbilly Feminist

Oh Yeah, I Said 'Feminist'

It is amazing how offended people get when someone says "feminist." I could literally hear people's butt holes pucker and see their eyes go wide from fear of the two hour speech on 21st century feminism ideology. When some hear the "f" word, the image of strong willed woman who have never used a razor and doesn't wear a bra pop in their head. This woman is yelling and slashing down all of the men in sight. As much as I admire this made up woman, this is normally not the case.

People, especially men, have been trained to fear the growth of power among women in society. If you ask me, which you are if you're reading this, that is freaking ridiculous! Women getting equal rights implies things will then be, well, equal. We are not planning on putting men in chains or having public castrations. My only advice is they need to calm the fuck down!

When I first told my fiance of my feminist ways, he was a wee bit nervous. Before he asked about the length of my armpit hair, I asked him if he believed in equal rights and pay for women. He said, "Yes, of course." With a big grin on my face and hands on my hips, I informed him, he in fact was also a feminist (he still won't admit it....for now).

Within the past year, I have embraced my feminist-ness, especially during the election. Women have fought and died for us to vote, why waste that? Keep their voices alive. Increasing rights and awareness is started with votes. Policy change is not simple and needs people to come out and vote!

Women in the U.S. have worked hard to get where we are. According to Wikipedia (don't forget to donate!), there have been three waves of feminism - suffrage, cultural, and global feminism. Most recently, we have entered a fourth wave concerning reproductive rights, male feminism, and support for transgender peoples. These are some scary times, politically speaking. Stay aware and be an informed citizen. That can be your biggest weapon against injustice!

Last thought, don't be ashamed of being a feminist. Shout it from the top of a roof top if you want to! Instead of being scared of what others will think, show them there should be no fear of equality.

Have a great week, ya'll!

Sincerely,
Hillbilly Feminist

Be 100% You (Video)

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt

"You are you! That is truer than true! No one alive can be you-er than you!" -Dr. Seuss

"Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else." - Judy Garland

You are beautiful and deserve respect! No one has the right to tear you down. You have the right to walk away from that person without a blink.

I hope this message can find some people who are struggling with their confidence or is an environment filled with disrespect and degradation.

Keep your head up high and show the world just how bad ass you truly are!

Sincerely,
Hillbilly Feminist

Hear Bon Roar

Let's see if I can get this straight. The stereotypical Ozarks woman will be quiet and minor mannered. Before staying out late or going out with friends she will ask permission from her male spouse. She will blush and shy away from "locker room talk." She knows her place, which is barefoot, pregnant, and permanently planted in the kitchen. If you have any other stereotypes to share feel free to comment or email.

Now that we got that out of the way, it's time to introduce you to a true bad ass woman, born and raised in the Ozarks. Bon Tindle has fought for the houseless*, refugees, and people living below the poverty line. During the interview with Bon, she explained she was never like the girl who was praised for being "so easy to get along with," adding "that ain't me." Instead, she has taken an assertive and take'm by the balls approach, which has assisted her in pushing through the challenges she has had for being a woman in a conservative area.

Having faced many obstacles within her lifetime, Bon has not let it tear her down or dampen her fire. For example, Bon mentioned a time she was working as middle management at a small sales business in Springfield. After confronting upper management about an employee in a subordinate position making $8,000 more than her, the only excuse was "he has kids."

Bon did not take this reason lightly. "Just because I keep my uterus in check doesn't mean I deserve less and I've done this and this and this," was Bon's response. "I ended up leaving the company because they wouldn't increase my wages at all and it was simply because I was a woman. Every other man at that level made more than me by a significant amount."

Bon has been active in local protests and movements by standing with the protesters, writing articles about the events/issues, and being constantly aware of the rights of the people. During the Slut Walk in 2015, the Springfield city council passed a law for more restrictions on indecent exposure. Bon stayed aware of this and was not shy to voice her concerns about the coincidence of a law being passed effecting the dress of women and the soon approaching peaceful assembly, the Slut Walk. According to the Springfield News-Leader,  councilmen Burnett was quoted saying he was opposed to the protest, even stating it was "appalling" to him. Later, Bon and Burnett met, coming to some agreement on the actions and beliefs of both parties. After this point, Burnett became seemingly more aware of the issues of the community on a citizen level.

Bon has also worked closely with the homeless population in Springfield, including taking supplies to homeless camps, writing articles about the injustices happening, and attending city council meetings to confront the issue head on.She has been known to gather food, clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials, then taking them herself to homeless camps. All after meeting the leader of the camp to ensure all needs have been met. Her passion for the homeless began when she was attacked and soon after became homeless.

"Everyone just thought I couldn't keep my shit together, in reality, I was completely destroyed inside because no one knew what had happened they just thought I was a screwed up kid. First of all, just having been through the experience, but then also seeing how the system is slanted against people."

Acting as Secretary for Springfield Welcome Home, Bon, along with many other volunteers, are there to help refugees coming into Southwest Missouri. The organization provides living essentials and the support of a community. The Springfield group started in December 2015 in response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

Bon's challenges and accomplishments have led to her badassness. I'm ending this with a little piece of advice from Bon, "Don't be afraid to say 'fuck you' and don't be afraid to walk away. You do not need everyone and not everyone needs you. I think we are so trained to be people pleasers that if someone doesn't like us [then] we failed, don't be afraid to fail in that kind of way."

Continue to rock on and have a wonderful day, my lovely readers!

Sincerely,
Hillbilly Feminist

(P.S. Look up Bon Tindle on Facebook and Twitter to see what else she does in the community! Also, she has frequent community chats at Mudhouse, in Springfield downtown.)

*I was corrected by a man in mid interview with Bon at Mudhouse, as someone who is "houseless" he prefered the term. He is the expert in his life. Possible post about houselessness to come.

Officially Hello! (Video)

Yep, that's me. I'm 23 years old, a student, engaged (happily), full-time employee, and no longer a "closet feminist." Please, let me know if you have any neat ideas about a post, credit will be given if applicable. Let's get this started!

Sincerely,
Hillbilly Feminist

(P.S. I got a little rambly, and if it bugs you......sorry (refer to blog about saying sorry too much).)