It has arrived. The awesomest, coolest, best video series ever has landed and the main focus of one episode is a 7 and ¾-year-old girl. Her name is Ruby, she is a feminist, and before you scoff at the idea of a not quite 8-year-old knowing feminism, read this girl’s feminist manifesto.Okay it’s not quite a manifesto. It’s more like a hand-stapled collection of printer paper which discusses suffragettes and feminists and why girls and boys are of equal value that Ruby “presentated” to her class. Though it’s quite an endeavor for such a young girl after a minute or two with this specific feminist, it’s easy to see how she accomplished it.
Ruby the feminist is one of many guests on Amy Poehler, Amy Miles, and Meredith Walker’s online show and forum “Smart Girls at the Party” (theme: smart girls have more fun). Hosted by Poehler in a serious interview scarf, the series interviews and spends time with young girls who are all doing something wonderful. Other guests include Valentine the gardener, Kenaudra the dancer, and Anna the yogini. All the girls have a passion for something brilliant, and Amy, Amy, and Meredith want to bring that fire to the world.
A short list of what Ruby wants to be when she grows up: a pop star, a rock star, a writer, a doctor, a vet, and a mommy. She explains why feminism is important, she rides her skateboard, she displays her art entitled “Make Your Mind Crazy,” and she sings that if boys can play baseball, she can too. Ruby has her priorities more in order than most of the adults who currently occupy the US Capitol.
Ruby is adorable. Ruby knows her stuff. Ruby is going to be an independent, fascinating woman, and she’s a joy to watch. The show and its companion website are a fabulous addition to the internet culture, which can often be kind of depressing, and I’m so in love with the series. As a bonus, at the end of every episode, there’s a dance party with the cast, crew, and some very special participants (Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Nick Offerman, Jason Sudeikis, Aubrey Plaza, David Cross, Rashida Jones, and of course Will Arnett have all been spotted shakin’ their thangs among other celebs). This series doesn’t say all girls have to be Ivy League grads with PhDs, but it does say that all girls are worthwhile and have something smart to contribute because smart girls are more fun.
