Talk of a Boy Meets World reboot took over the internet over a year ago, and Girl Meets World has carved its way into the hearts of the Disney crowd (and some of their parents). But even more importantly, Rowan Blanchard, GMW lead and daughter of Corey and Topanga on the show, has just carved a name for herself as a 13 year-old feminist and world changer in the making.
In a Tumblr post that was later shared on Instagram, Rowan addressed this question asked to her by a fan: “I wanted to ask your opinion on the term ‘white feminism’ and how common feminism might exclude women of color and non-cis/queer women.”
Here are some key takeaways from Rowan’s essay:
She Takes Responsibility for Her Feminism
At 13 years-old, this girl takes responsibility for her feminism in ways that people double or triple her age don’t. She writes, “I have made a very big point at making sure my personal feminism includes everyone — and educating myself and discussing these topics have really helped.”
She Isn’t Afraid to Talk About Race
It’s impossible to address feminism without addressing the realities that women of color face. “However, with as many issues as feminists have succeeded in adopting, many of us seem to have not accepted the fact that police brutality and race issues are our issues too.” Rowan goes as far as to explain why Amandla Stenberg being labeled an “angry black girl” reinforces a limiting kind of feminism.
She Acknowledges Privilege
“The way a black woman experiences sexism and inequality is different from the way a white woman experiences sexism and inequality,” writes Rowan. She then goes on to use how much women of different races and backgrounds get paid as an example for how one kind of feminism does not fit all. She fiercely also reminds the world that transgender women also have a different set of struggles, but shouldn’t be excluded from feminism because of it.
Her explanation of intersectional feminism is not only relevant, but also inspired. The fact that it’s gone viral can only move the conversation forward and hopefully encourage others to adopt Rowan’s brand of feminism.
Check out the full essay here.
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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