Two well-meaning undergraduates at James Madison University–Meredith Burns and Elizabeth Hogan– wrote an op-ed in their school paper, The Breeze, explaining “What a Feminist Looks Like.” It wouldn’t be interesting except that this short essay is a litany of previous feminist writers. It’s not plagiarism, but it doesn’t contain an original idea. In fact, the language came across so strongly, that I could pick out what writer they were referencing.

This isn’t a slam on them by any means. Undergraduates rarely write anything creative or original. At the bachelor level, students need to master information and concepts. I imagine these young women thought, “Let’s try to dispel some stereotypes and enlighten others on campus. We’ll write an op-ed!”

Join me in playing, “Spot the feminist writer!”
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