Girl Crush Wednesday

Clearly the occurrence of our floors being resurfaced has given me infinitely more time to actually think about writing and actually write - as I spend more time sitting in a Starbucks. Today's subject - my girl crush, Jessica Valenti. Or maybe I should say woman crush, since neither of us are minors. So woman crush it is. Jessica Valenti is the editor of feministing.com, which I read far less than I should. But the reason I decided to write this is mainly based on her books. Yesterday as I browsed Borders I picked up He's A Stud, She's a Slut and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know. I've enjoyed what I've read so far as well as other books by Valenti (The Purity Myth, Full-Frontal Feminism, Yes Means Yes). I think what I like so much about her is partly her writing style and mostly how she presents herself. She represents a lot of what I'd like to be like. She has no shame in who she is. She talks about what other people might perceive as flaws as just matter-of-fact things. I admire that a lot because I wish I were like that and I wish other people were like that. Also, she's disproving myths about feminists and letting young women know what feminism is and why it's okay to classify as a feminist. I do, but I know that a lot of people still equate feminism with ugly, unshaven women who hate men. And that's not it. I mean, I'm sure there are unshaven men-hating feminists. And to them I say keep doing what you're doing, though I dont think all men are deserving of ire. But I do love a good woman who provides a positive role model for young women and girls. And that's why Jessica Valenti is my woman crush. for reals.