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Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing

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A good friend of mine laughed at me the other day when I proclaimed that I was a feminist. I looked at her in amazement and asked why she wasn't. A pink tinge appeared on her cheeks and she shrugged off the question. I was left speechless. Today, intelligent, strong women are afraid to align themselves with the feminist movement for fear of being chastised by their peers, both male and female. Women and their issues continue to lack prominence in the mainstream media, and when they do make headlines, they are ridiculed and portrayed in a negative light.  However, the need to educate young women about the implications of the societal burdens placed on them because of their gender is a necessity.

Sherry Handel, the author of blue jean: what young women are thinking, saying, and doing, acknowledges and welcomes the depth and complexity of young women by having chapters tackle issues such as Feminism, Reporting, and Ethnicity and Racism. She doesn't exclude the multifaceted young women either, including topics on the lighter side ranging from Mind and Body to Create Your Own Zines, Comics and Films. And instead of telling readers what they need to aspire to be or how to act, she provides a comfortable atmosphere by letting their peers write the book.  For those people who missed blue jean magazine, the first brainchild of Sherry Handel, it was a publication devoted to producing work written by young women. Endorsing this book as a compilation of the best of blue jean magazine would be limiting the power and potential that it has gained from the passion and editorial work of Handel.

Interests, voices and personalities of young women have all been represented before in other books, or magazines.  blue jean delves deeper and pushes farther into the brains of these writers, and, as a result, the reader is allowed into their creative thought processes and can witness the way they choose to express themselves, either through reporting about Title IX like Anne Preller or fighting against Title IX like Courtney Martin when she began a women's lacrosse team at her school. I developed my own definition of feminism after reading the article by Victoria Nam on "Why We Love and Fear the F Word". The reader is encouraged to think on her own and develop strong viewpoints on important women's issues. "Peaches and Dreams" by Kelly Mooney is a work of fiction where the lead character is dealing with her mom's breast cancer. The writer has a startlingly real voice and is one of many in the book who represent the honesty of young women that Handel so wonderfully captures.

Before I began reading this book, I was hesitant and fearful. I didn't know what to expect. How could I be objective when I have to share an office with Sherry? My worries ceased after the first page. I never looked up once and when I finished, I wanted more. This book fuses together Handel's creativity, intellect and womaness; leaving the reader wanting more.

In her introduction Sherry S. Handel writes, "The success of Blue Jean is and always has been due to the involvement of girls who make it all happen. Without them there is no Blue Jean. I'm often asked, 'How did you get such a great idea and what inspired you?' The answer is simple...Girls and young women should be creating their own media. To me it is obvious and should have happened a long time ago."

Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying and Doing, a compilation of articles from back issues of Blue Jean Magazine fully captures this feminist spirit that Handel describes. It reveals the originality possible when media is created by its own demographic. No mainstream teen magazine can compare in authenticity and honesty to Blue Jean because Blue Jean is the only publication teenage girls control and write for themselves. It reads like a breath of fresh air.

I was very impressed by the "do it yourself" message promoted in many of the chapters, especially in chapter one, "Volunteerism and Activism." In this chapter there is a nice balance between essays by girls who have experienced hands on the pleasures of creating something themselves, and appreciative reports about the activism carried out by girls around them. For example, in her essay "Chix with Sticks," Courtney Martin describes how she and her peers formed a Women's Lacrosse team at her high school. By narrating her own struggles and successes, she offers sound advice and encouragement to girls who may want to start their own team. Alternatively, Larissa Masny's aricle, "Insight into the Seeing Eye," focuses not on herself, but another girl's efforts working for a Seeing Eye dog center. The combination of first hand stories and second hand reports in "Volunteerism and Activism" suggests how important it is for girls to do things themselves, but also recognize achievements in others.

I particularly enjoyed chapter three, "Feminism." I liked reading how different girls answered the question, "What does feminism mean to you?" There is no better way to understand the complexities of feminism and the women's movement than through reading a variety of opinions. By creating a written discussion on feminism, the article mirrors the sort of debate girls will experience in the real world. "Feminism" is a highly contested word; a fact Blue Jean does not efface, but rather embraces by encouraging so many different responses. Victoria Nam's essay, "Why We Love and Fear the F-Word," was similarly impressive. She thoughtfully approaches the topic of "girl power" feminism. She neither completely dismisses "girl power" feminism as might older feminists, nor does she shield it from criticism. She concedes, "Girls are recycling words and wearing clothes that have been used against women in the past, but this time they are using them to their advantage" but still insists that "relying on T-shirts and stickers for inspiration and meaning celebrates the present and erases the past." I am encouraged and inspired by Victoria's insightful commentary.

In the introduction, Handel includes a letter written to her by Kristin Purdy, one of the girls originally involved in Blue Jean. Kristin writes, "Blue Jean is an intangible grassroots global network of girl power -- uniting girls and young women (and some old women also). In a way it carries a spirit that made me realize we are all feminists." Kristin's words underline Blue Jean's greatest accomplishment: it creates a lasting sorority among young women. Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing motivates feminist thought during a key transistion -- adolescence. The result is the creation of a feminist community that is broad and undefined, but because it is formed at such a pivotal moment, permanently connected.

by Mary Kate Brennan, 15

Empowering, inspiring, and stimulating. In a world full of beauty do and don't magazines and other superficial publications, this compilation is purely refreshing. Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing allows for teenage girls to read about significant issues that pertain to all, not just what shade of pink is in for this spring. This anthology starts with a bang, and influences readers to get out and actually do something. In the first chapter, volunteering and activism is addressed. It tells of actual things that young women have already accomplished, such as the one with girls assisting with a seeing-eye dog project. This book goes beyond simply telling, it encourages activism, not just dreaming, doing.

Between the pages that bring down feminist stereotypes and help for the mind and soul lay the true feelings and emotions of all girls. Though targeted at the 14-19 set, Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing defies age barriers. It is a collection of illuminating words that evoke dreams, hopes, and stories. Most importantly, it explains that common phrase "if you don't succeed at first, try, try again." Rather then put pressure on women, Blue Jean uplifts and helps girls shape themselves into independent, self-sufficient women. It does not make women feel as though clothes, makeup, and hot-dates define who we are, rather it coaxes our inner spirit and drive to challenge and overcome setbacks.

Abby Buck, 19, Twin Lakes, Wisc.

I checked out this book [Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing] at my local library and was intrigued by the idea of an alternative to the beauty magazines that are out there for young women. This book does not tell a young woman how to snag that "perfect" man or how to spend hours putting on make-up. Young women are bombarded enough by these images that tell them they must improve their looks because, of course, their looks are not good enough to be the object of a man's desires. Instead this book shows how young women are changing the world one voice at a time. The book is written and edited by young women who are questioning the world around them and not just blindly accepting it. They are activists. After finishing this book, my heart was warmed and my spirits raised by these courageous young women who voiced their thoughts. It gave me the confidence I needed to believe in my ideas and opinions.

Thank you Blue Jean for making available a safe place where young women can voice their concerns and views on the world. As a young woman myself, I am proud to call myself a feminist.

A great book for young women, comparable in many ways to the Chicken Soup series. But written by young women themselves, for young women.

They're coming. They began with chicken soup and have been invading our lives ever since. A new literary movement that brings tears to our eyes and smiles to our faces. Some have considered them to be old news, but to me that can never happen. They've become a fresh new approach to teaching valuable life lessons, and this book is no exception.

"Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying and Doing" caters to numerous issues and offers various lessons on everyday life spanning from ethnicity to body image to speaking out. The talented staff of this magazine's publication teaches us what it means to be a girl. They show us that we don't hae to be Barbie doll look-alikes or beauty pageant material to know what success tastes like. We are intelligent beings that find joy in creating a difference rather than retreating to a cloud of silence. "Black Feminests Talkin' Back" tells the stories of Sojourner Truth, Alice Walker and Angela Davis: three role models who have changed the world by the height of their courage rather than their cheekbones. In "Lilacs Bloom Every Spring," we learn what true beauty reveals, the importance of celebrating other's lives even after they're gone and the joy we can find in the simpler things in life. "Join the Revolution to Free the Children" is the amazing account of Craig Kielburger, proving to us all that age isn't a factor when it comes to taking action.

More than just a book, this collection is a friend, a teacher and a mentor. It provides guidance to girls from those who have been there, advice from those who have sought out the truth and voices from those who no longer fear the rising tides of popular culture. It's the beginning of a new movement that started out as a dream in Sherry Handel's mind and has now evolved into a reality. It's proof that shooting for the stars may be an uphill battle, but their flickering glimmers are always in sight.

by Dashini Ann Jeyathurai,18

When I first received my copy of Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing in the mail, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. On one hand, I had seen the creative talents working on Blue Jean Online but on the other hand, I had read many paltry attempts of young women attempting to address issues they knew little of. I should have known better than to doubt Blue Jean.

Numerous young women individually mold subjects that are close to their hearts ranging from the meaning of feminism, the attention deficit disorder to the dilemmas of mixed parentage. The success of their writing lies in a simple formula that each young woman adopted and that was to write about something that they knew and felt intimately about. Dina Rabadi, 21, dispells the myths of studying in a women's college through her honest insight into the hidden benefits of studying at Smith College. I find myself re-evaluating my own choices for college and wondering why a women's college is conspicuously absent from my own list. It is this kind of writing that compels me to look inward and to reflect instead of simply heaving a sigh of relief at the end of an estrogen pumped collection of works. Erica Bryant, 16, reaches beyond the pages of the book through her mature outlook on "Black Feminists Talkin' Back". Being an Indian, I found myself unconsciously nodding my head as I read her piece that tackled the double prejudice of being a colored woman. When I read the various pieces, it wasn't so much the writer's creativity or fluency that captured my attention, but the sincerity with which they wrote. With Lida Haber-Thompson's piece on the attention deficit disorder, there is a conscious effort to take this condition out of a medical journal and put it into the words of a teenager. What made me want to know more about the disorder was the turmoil within Lisa's that is reflected in her words. Anne Preller, 15, presents an informative and passionate piece on sexual harassment that made me stop to think of the times I may have dismissed something I was not comfortable with for fear of being called school marmish or priggish.

Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing is crucial in creating a sense of solidarity amidst young women who are separated by geographical and cultural boundaries. That leap in one's heart to see that "I'm not the only one who feels this way" is what a collection of such works offers young women everywhere. It's captivating to read the way young women have jumped at the opportunity to defend their own beliefs and to stand up to the flawed images of women that one is constantly bombarded with by parents, boyfriends, tradition and the media. Sarabeth Matilsky and Danielle Kabelle, both 16, look at the manner in which gender stereotypes are instilled in us from childhood and whether size determines beauty, respectively. Such writing is living proof that while there is a majority that strives to achieve Barbie-like proportions, there is a significant minority that determines success and beauty by their own standards.

Alongside these key issues, Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing showcases young talents in creative writing that build new worlds for us to venture into through the words on a page. If I could, I would go on and on about what a feast this book is for the reader, but I think Julia Rodriguez sums this book and what it represents beautifully in the last two lines of her short story "Lilacs Bloom Every Spring". "We will find our right to be. Until then, lilacs bloom every spring".

by Shayla Price

I was absolutely astonished by how young women, like myself, are making a difference, coping with life, and just simply having fun. Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing is more than just a book; it is a resource that will guide and teach you about situations you may face in this challenging world. It is full of insight that goes beyond fashion and cosmetics and touches on young women's dreams and accomplishments.

Throughout the book, true-life experiences are discussed to inform, involve, and empower you. "Suffering in Silence: Sexual Harassment" gives an outstanding investigation of sexual harassment in schools, while touching on many different viewpoints. My spirit was uplifted and brought to a new level as I read "The Key to Confidence". The story,"Black Feminists Talkin' Back", really touched home because it expressed the conflict of how African-American women feel separated between sexism and racism. The amazing question and answer section, "Dear Dr. Beth", gave great advice on difficult everyday experiences that young women deal with. These are just a few of the many terrific articles that will make you really dig deeper in learning about who you are as an individual.

Additionally, the book devotes a section on how you can publish your own zine, reviews of other zines, and information on how you can contribute your writings to Blue Jean Online ....This book should be in every young lady's collection. After you read Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing, you will have a greater awareness of society, and your perspective on life will truly change.

I have never read any publication that truly inspired me to go out and make a difference until I discovered Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing by Sherry Handel. Don't let the long title fool you-it's only 246 pages. It's a well-written collection by a group of teenage girls at the height of their lives who must discover who they truly are. Even more surprisingly, teenage girls edit all the stories within this book, as well. What a great accomplishment for someone who may not even know what college she wants to attend!

What makes this book so remarkable that all teenage girls must own a copy? Well, the title is self-explanatory. Within the pages of bold titles and cute illustrations, you'll hear stories of young teens and how they made a difference in the world. You'll read stories of great courage and determination, such as the story of Sari, who learns to move on after being raped, or of Julia, who is happy just writing poetry even though her mother insists that a boyfriend will make her happier. You will learn the true definition of being a feminist.

Do you like history? Well, this book contains a piece on Sojourner Truth, one of the few Black feminists ahead of her time. Dina Rabadi will give you the inside scoop on why you should consider attending a womens' college. Dr. Beth will share her advice on how to cope with complications in your life. You will hear news of teen writers and editors going out of their way to help the needy. And these are just a few of the many intriguing stories that you will find in this book.

And the best part of all? It also gives you information on where to submit stories and where you can learn more about specific organizations. To learn the daily triumphs of a typical teen and to find the inspiration to create your own legacy, read this book today! Who knows? Maybe you will be the next girl to create a chapter in a future publication!

Tricia Bott, age 16

What are young women thinking, saying, and doing? Are they allowing themselves to conform to society? Or are they stepping out and helping others as they do?

This book is about you. Yes, you! And young women everywhere who just need a little encouragement. When I first picked up my copy, I thought, "Well, of COURSE I know what young women are thinking, saying, and doing! I'm a young woman, right?" Right, but I've never helped breed seeing-eye dogs. I've never thought about the effects of feminism, chauvinism, and all the other -isms on my life. My mom has never had cancer, like in the story "Peaches and Dreams." I've never had to deal with anyone close to me dying, but I have an idea of what that would be like thanks to Julia's story, "Lilacs Bloom Every Spring." Now I feel like I have the ability to deal with these situations. I feel more attuned to the world. I feel empowered. And that's just what this book is about-- empowering young women.

Surviving the fight and beating the odds is what womanhood is all about. The "Speaking Out" section of the book elaborates on this fight. How would you deal with being homeless, like Dawn in "Homeless Wanderers"? What would you do if you were Native American and you were being forced out of your home, as is described in "Trouble at Big Mountain"?

Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying, and Doing shows how these teens took a stand-and you can, too, by reading about the different ways you can help your community. You can join Free the Children or create your own hip new zine You are woman. Let's show the world how you roar.