Mari Matsuda, protesting at the Japan consulate in Honolulu to stop the building of a military base on the reef at Henoko, Okinawa. Courtesy of Mari Matsuda
Who are your “sheroes”?
Working women since the beginning of time who did the birthing, caring, feeding, hauling, teaching, and surviving, so that we could be here today.
Favorite feminist anthem?
For women my age, it’s gotta be Aretha — “RESPECT.” But lately I have also thought of Sondheim’s “Somewhere” as a feminist song. Feminism supports love in all forms, all gender expressions, all non-subordinating choices in the ways we seek our heart’s end. When I think of that wish and sing “Somewhere,” I start to weep.
Favorite feminist artist? (authors, singers, dancers, actors)
I fall in love with a new feminist artist everyday. Today it’s Elizabeth Cattlett, who portrayed working class black women in their full humanity, beauty, grace, power, and dignity. That’s feminist. Last summer it was Rocky Rivera — I saw her on stage shouting out to all the brothers in the crowd, “You at my show, you a feminist now.” Yay!
