Feminism is not dead; in these times and in this region-Alabama-it is most definitely alive and necessary. Living in the "Heart of Dixie" and experiencing many forms of racism, I have found that the more intelligent  an African-American woman is, the more tense living in this state becomes, we have deeply planted roots in "the old south".
  As I  search for adequate assistance in my current obstacle within the major arts community, I have discovered more untruth and ugly, (Tapestry 11 March 2000): there is no intelligent Feminist  majority in Alabama, only a weak excuse of watered-down  substandard throwbacks who speak loudly and without merit. Watching the
Feminist Majority Foundation Summit and the Feminist Expo 2000 for Women Empowerment on C-Span, (late March-early April), ignited good memories of my being one of the sponsors for the Kantha exhibit at the National Museum of Women in the Arts ,(Indian Embroidery by rural women), supporting Planned Parenthood close to a decade now and being an associate of the American Association of University Women. Yet, I have noticed that many Alabama so-called Feminist have isolated themselves from needed interaction with their sisters who are as equally dedicated to the movement, perhaps even more so than themselves.
  Recognizing and rectifying this problem is a responsibility all women should undertake, we, all of us, have been victims of Patriarchy over the course of Time.
Therefore, as long as there is a majority that believes it can attack women's rights,, my sisters must not allow their Femininity and Strength to be criticized without speaking out and quieting our opponents. Sadly, not enough women have the strength to do this simple thing because they seem to prefer being victims of Patriarchy. And this has softened the Feminist movement, and I do not agree with the belief  that Feminism has "evolved" as the "3rd Wave" of  Feminism has come around: it has softened due to contentment and idleness.
  As for my African-American sisters: we should always remember our "her"story in this country and appreciate our present for a better future. We cannot continue to allow ourselves to be oppressed, this is 2000 c.e. and to be perceived as a true force, we must always challenge a questionable authority, there is value in doing so. Sadly, once again, more

dartagnan@wwisp.com