Meghan M.

Meghan Murphy: A Voice for Feminist Discourse and Critical Analysis

Meghan Murphy is a Canadian journalist, author, and founder of Feminist Current, a platform dedicated to feminist critique and socio-political analysis. With a career spanning over a decade, Murphy has established herself as a provocative thinker in gender studies, media ethics, and cultural criticism. Her work challenges mainstream narratives around feminism, censorship, and identity politics, offering a staunch defense of women’s rights grounded in materialist feminist principles.

Career Trajectory: From Academia to Feminist Advocacy

Murphy’s journey began at Simon Fraser University, where she earned a BA in Women’s Studies (2010) and a master’s in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (2012). Her academic work laid the foundation for her critique of postmodern feminist theory, which she later expanded into public-facing journalism.

• Early Journalism (2009–2012): Wrote for The F Word Feminist Media Collective and produced radio programs focused on grassroots feminist issues.
• rabble.ca Era (2011–2016): Served as podcast network producer and editor, amplifying marginalized voices before departing over editorial disagreements on gender identity discourse.
• Feminist Current (2012–present): Founded her independent platform to explore underreported issues like sex industry regulation, media representation, and free speech challenges.

Key Articles and Impact

• Internships have become the norm for many students as well as for those starting out in a new field This 2013 critique dissects how unpaid internships perpetuate class inequality and gender disparities. Murphy argues that such practices disproportionately affect women entering fields like journalism and non-profit work, creating systemic barriers to economic mobility. The article combines statistical analysis with personal narratives, advocating for labor reforms to protect early-career professionals.
• Does feminism discriminate against men? A 2014 rebuttal to common antifeminist rhetoric, this piece deconstructs myths about male oppression through historical context and legal precedents. Murphy examines wage gaps, domestic violence statistics, and reproductive rights to demonstrate structural inequities facing women. The article remains a frequently cited resource in debates about modern feminism’s scope.
• We ain’t sayin’ she a gold digger: On Kasi Perkins as ‘the catalyst’ to her own death & holding the media accountable This 2012 analysis of media coverage surrounding Kasandra Perkins’ murder critiques victim-blaming narratives in crime reporting. Murphy highlights how outlets focused on Perkins’ relationship with NFL player Jovan Belcher rather than systemic patterns of gendered violence. The article exemplifies her commitment to ethical journalism that centers women’s experiences.

Beat Analysis and Pitching Recommendations

1. Focus on Materialist Feminist Perspectives

Murphy prioritizes stories examining how economic systems intersect with gender oppression. Successful pitches might explore:
- Labor rights in female-dominated industries (e.g., healthcare, education)
- Policy analysis of prostitution legislation reforms
- Case studies of feminist grassroots organizations

2. Critique of Digital Culture

Her work frequently addresses how technology impacts gender dynamics. Relevant angles include:
- Algorithmic bias in content moderation
- Online harassment against women in public roles
- Comparative analysis of global internet censorship laws

3. Historical Contextualization

Murphy values historical framing in contemporary issues. Pitches could examine:
- Evolution of pornography laws since the 1970s
- Second-wave feminist strategies applicable to modern activism
- Archival research on women’s labor movements

Awards and Recognition

While Murphy maintains an independent platform outside traditional media institutions, her influence is evidenced by:
- Canadian Blog Awards Winner (2012): Recognized for building one of Canada’s most-read feminist blogs within six months of launch.
- International Speaking Engagements: Regularly invited to discuss gender politics at universities and conferences across North America and Europe.
- Academic Citations: Her critiques of gender identity legislation are referenced in peer-reviewed journals exploring law and feminism.