Feminist Bucket List

I wrote the following column for my school paper (http://www.dailyorange.com/) last semester, and I’m in the process of expanding my “feminist bucket list” as a potential on-going project. I would love input and advice to make my feminist bucket list longer and more diverse. Please add your recommendations in the comments!
Not all of us subscribe to the stereotypical Asher Roth mentality of “life is a waste if you’re not getting wasted,” but he metaphorically raises a valid point that we should not be squandering away our valuable time. Life is a waste if you don’t choose to actually live.
In the spirit of experiencing every day to the fullest extent and dying without any regrets, our culture has made the decision to embrace a newfound tradition we are all familiar with by now, the “bucket list.” Even though the concept of a list leading up to death can appear to be somewhat morbid at first thought, it is really supposed to take on a more positive and motivational role in one’s life.

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman buddy up in the 2007 film “The Bucket List,” and MTV’s “The Buried Life” documents four dudes traveling across the U.S. with hopes of accomplishing all of their wildest dreams. While all of these bucket lists seem credible and entertaining, I can’t help but notice the absence of a female perspective. Pop culture icons portray men gallivanting around the world and accomplishing all of their life goals, but women aren’t anywhere to be found.
A different kind of bucket list that comes to mind is a feminist checklist, a to-do list that every self-proclaimed feminist should adhere to.
Join in on a protest that objects an issue you really care about. Protests have been a key part of the women’s rights movement dating back to the days of women’s suffrage and still continue today in the case against the Stupak Amendment.
Take part in feminism’s greatest form of activism and historical pastime: writing. “The Women’s Declaration of Independence” was written by a group of women in the 1800s on parchment paper and quill, and this tradition of the written word is relevant today through opinion articles, “zines” and blogs.
Take a women’s studies class. Contemplate a women’s studies major or minor program if you find yourself inspired and enthusiastic about the subject matter. The wealth of knowledge bestowed upon you by the likes of Peggy McIntosh and Audre Lorde is beyond valuable in relation to all facets of life. This can jump-start your feminist education and lead to the pursuit of even more knowledge outside the classroom.
Feminist literature is another fantastic way to accomplish this. “The Group,” “Rubyfruit Jungle” and “Commencement” are three novels that absolutely every budding feminist should read.
Find a mentor and be a mentor. People tend to find a huge sense of comfort when relating to those who share basic, common-ground qualities: academic interests, career goals, family structure, etc. Mentors are usually exceptional individuals who give great advice and are a useful tool when it comes to almost anything and everything.
Encouraging and advising someone who needs a little assistance is a rewarding experience for all parties involved. Mentoring is beneficial whether you talk to your younger sister before her first day of high school or you volunteer to work with kids in your neighborhood.
Maintain all of your significant female friendships. There is nothing like the bond between two young women who are going through the same challenges, triumphs and discontents together. I wouldn’t replace my best girl friends for anything.
Road trip with your friends, and make sure to stop at important feminist landmarks along the way. You don’t have to replicate the adventures of Thelma and Louise to successfully bond with your girlfriends. Visit sites like “Bluestockings” bookstore in New York City, and take tips from Nona Willis Aronowitz, author of “Girldrive: Criss-crossing America, Redefining Feminism.”
Have a conversation with Gloria Steinem, Susan Faludi or Jane Fonda. These three ladies are responsible for a good deal of second-wave feminism. Get your hands on their fantastic works of journalism or purchase their films on DVD if you’re not lucky enough to meet them in your lifetime.
Create your own definition of feminism. Have conversations with women from different generations, cultures, ethnicities and sexualities in order to fully understand matrices of oppression and a fair perspective of women’s issues. Feminism can be a complicated and involved school of thought, but its beauty lies in its ability to be personally tailored toward your own thoughts and opinions.