Resources
Dive into the complex world of contemporary feminist culture and social media with stories and resources from the Digital Feminist Futures project.
Here, we delve into the intersection of feminism, media, and pop culture, as Akane Kanai, a researcher and lecturer at Monash University (Melbourne, Australia) explores how young people navigate their feminist identities amidst changing offline and online demands, expectations and influences.
Feminist Not Fearless episode 5 transcript – What was it like to be a participant?
– INTRO – Welcome to a bonus episode of Feminist Not Fearless. My name’s Akane Kanai and if you’ve been following this series, I’m a researcher based in Melbourne, Australia. I conducted a multiyear project about online feminist culture and how it’s experienced by young people – which turned into this podcast. This episode is a recording of our podcast launch event held at Monash University. Two participants in the research joined me for a panel discussion to reflect on the project. Gbonmi Olubodun came in person, and Aisha Wilson…
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Feminist Not Fearless episode 4 transcript – When inclusion feels bad
What can be be wrong with intersectionality and inclusion? In this episode of Feminist Not Fearless we discuss how intersectionality has changed in its meaning in the digital era, and some of issues in the framework of ‘inclusion’ in how it is experienced by people on the receiving end.
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Feminist Not Fearless episode 3 transcript – The politics of ‘calling out’
Is (social media) feminism bad for our mental health? This episode of Feminist Not Fearless features Tanya, Ollie, Margot, Melissa, Natalia, and Jillian who share about the exhaustion and emotional burnout that comes from social media saturation and when the news cycle hits too close to home. They also discuss call-outs and the politics of raging in the comments. Digital peacebuilder Emma Baumhofer talks with Akane about how to reduce conflict in digital spaces.
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Feminist Not Fearless episode 2 transcript – To lead or not to lead?
Episode 2 of Feminist Not Fearless. Young people are under impossible pressure to model specific kinds of feminism, be leaders, and ‘be the change’ the world needs. Adding to this, social media subjects young feminists, particularly women-identifying feminists, to an endless cycle of ‘types’ that they should or should not be. The message: lead but don’t take up space. We hear from Daisy, Tia, Margot, Hayley, Leyla, and Pippa. Researcher Natasha Zeng also discusses how ‘girlboss’ culture makes it impossible to do leadership right.
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Feminist Not Fearless episode 1 transcript- Feminist, but not fearless
Episode 1 of the Feminist Not Fearless podcast. What’s behind the stereotype that feminists are ‘fearless’, confident, go-getters, and how does this connect to how they present themselves online and IRL? This episode features Khadja, 18, starting out on her feminist journey of understanding herself as a mixed-race, secular Muslim; Bree, 26, struggling to reconcile being a ‘feminist’ with the reality of her romantic relationships; Kelly, 24, who presents as a ‘top girl’ but whose strength belies past trauma. We also discuss the huge influence of what researchers Dr Shani…
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Who Runs the World?! Well… Not Girls…
Introducing the Feminist Not Fearless podcast, part of the Digital Feminist Futures research project out of Monash University.
Like many other social issues, feminism has taken the stage. It’s commonplace now to find feminist quotes proudly displayed in workplaces, and trends like #girlboss flooding your feed.
And while it’s great that these conversations are entering the digital space, the job isn’t done and those leading the charge might need some help.
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Feminist influencers most spoken about by participants
In phase 1 of our interviews for the Digital Feminist Futures research project, we asked participants to share screenshots of feminist social media they engaged with. Here’s a snapshot of the feminist influencers they appraised and discussed.
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ICA Podcast: ‘One World, One Network?’
Akane made the journey over to Paris to attend the International Communication Association’s (ICA) 72nd Conference and discuss her research project, Digital Feminist Futures.
The ICA was formed 50 years ago and supports the global study of communication, facilitating connections between scholars and ideas and hosting many important events.
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Brazen Hussies
Something I’m thinking about this month is the film Brazen Hussies, a documentary of second wave feminism taking place in the 1970s in Australia, that’s now showing at a number of cinemas.
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