Ms. magazine recently published its list of the top feminists of 2020. In proclaiming their picks the editors states that “despite the political, economic and public health challenges this year — or perhaps because of them —feminists mobilized, fought for our rights, and made progress on many of the issues we care deeply about. From voter mobilization to reproductive justice, politicians to pop stars, here are our top feminists of 2020.”
Not one of the top feminists of 2020 according to Ms. magazine has a primarily academic affiliation. Janet Yellen, who recently was named Secretary of the Treasury, is the closest we get as she has taught at Harvard University and at Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. But Yellen has spent most of her career in government. The list is dominated by politicians. Among the top feminists were three women who were named managers for the first Donald Trump impeachment. Why this qualifies them as top feminists, is not known.
The list also includes other women with no particular feminist credentials.
The list is an insult to scores of women academics who conduct research, produce scholarship, and educate the next generation of women leaders. And let’s not forget the women college presidents, athletic directors, and high-level staff members who advocate for women’s rights and against sexual assault and misconduct on college campuses throughout the United States.
Let’s give credit where credit is due.