(c) Alistair Berg

You know when a dude hits on you at a bar/the/gym/Starbucks and you are so. Not. Interested? My typical response is a polite no or an occasional death stare, and I almost never give out my number. Next time, however, I'm totally giving them this number: (669) 221-6251. Write that down. Anyone who texts it will get a text quoting the writings of feminist activist bell hooks, who authored the book Feminism is for Everybody. Because if you're going to turn an aggressive admirer down, you might as well inspire them to treat a woman better while you're at it.

And who says it's just for keeping creeps at bay? I like the idea of texting it when you need a little boost to feel like a grown-ass, powerful woman—like when you're jumping on a conference call with your boss, or about to give a presentation to your whole department. Text it yourself, or share it with your girls. I just tried it, and got the response: "If any female feels she need [sic] anything to legitimate and validate her existence, she is already giving away her power to be self-defining, her agency. -bell hooks.”

A little feminist inspiration at the touch of a finger? That's a win for everyone.


Image Credit: Alistair Berg