Dear Ms. Adichie,
I recently had the pleasure of reading and watching your talk, “We Should All Be Feminists”. Your insights into the complexities of gender and its intersection with race, class, and culture were enlightening and thought-provoking.Your argument about feminism revolves around the idea that gender is a social construct and that the current state of gender relations is unjust, limiting, and harmful to both men and women. You argue that feminism is not about hating men or seeking superiority over them, but rather about advocating for gender equality and creating a world in which everyone can thrive regardless of their gender.I completely agree with your argument, and I believe that your perspective on feminism is sorely needed in today’s world. Too often, the term “feminism” is associated with a radical and exclusionary ideology, when in reality, it is simply about treating everyone with respect, dignity, and equality. To me, feminism means recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, regardless of their gender. It means advocating for policies and practices that promote gender equality, and it means challenging the cultural norms and biases that hold us back from achieving that goal. I consider myself a feminist because I believe that gender equality is a fundamental human right and that we all have a role to play in making that vision a reality. my personal experience with sexism and gender inequality resonated with me deeply. As my mom is a woman of color, I have also experienced the subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which gender, race, and class intersect to limit opportunities and shape our experiences. Your quote, “We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller” really hit home for me. I have often felt that my mom needed to downplay her accomplishments, her intelligence, and her voice in order to fit into society’s narrow expectations of what a “latino” of color should be. Your work is helping to change that narrative and to create a world in which we can all be free to be ourselves, regardless of our gender, race, or class.
Thank you for your work and your advocacy on behalf of gender equality. You are an inspiration to many, and your voice is sorely needed in today’s world.
Sincerely,
Freddy A. Herrera
