Feminism is quite possibly one of the hardest words to define. Feminism is a multifaceted concept, dealing with equality of women, eliminating oppression from the past and present. Throughout history, women have supported feminism for different causes and personal reasons. With all of this in mind it is difficult to create a clear definition of feminism. Therefore, in order to understand what feminism is one must know its origins and its history.
The history of feminism is commonly separated into three different eras, or waves. The first wave of feminism began in the late 1800s and continued into the early 1900s. The original goal of feminists was to acquire suffrage, or the right for women to vote. First wave feminists “fought for the right to vote, and when the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which passed in 1896 and was ratified in 1870 didn’t grant voting rights to women, many were sorely disappointed” (Rowe-Finkbeiner 21). The Fifteenth Amendment declared that the right to vote could not be denied “’on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude,’ yet the word ‘sex’ was conspicuously omitted” (Rowe-Finkbeiner 21). However, women were persistent in their mission to gain suffrage. The film “Iron Jawed Angels” showcases the use of perseverance and intelligence of suffragists to attain their goals. Alice Paul, a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement, and the NWP (National Woman's Party) lobbied congress and President Roosevelt relentlessly in every manner from protesting outside the white house, to a hunger strike. It was their determination and creativity that eventually lead to women getting the vote. The first wave of “the women’s movement is significant, however, not only because women obtained the right to vote, but because their work helped change the perception of women from voiceless dependants to independent thinkers with a valid voice in shaping the country” (Rowe-Finkbeiner 23). Until this point, America existed in an entirely patriarchal system and women were completely subservient to men. The end of the first wave is generally accepted to be the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1919, which prohibits the government from denying the right to vote based on sex. However, the first wave of feminism was just the beginning. Accomplishing the right to vote was indeed a colossal step towards gender equality. However, it merely laid the groundwork for future women to pursue more advances in gender equality.
The second wave of the women’s movement began in the 1960s, and continued into 70s, and early 80s. The second wave of feminism marked a change in aspirations for women. There was more “[focus] on women’s independence and equality with men” (Rowe-Finkbeiner 25). Second wave feminists began to fight for “increased gender equality in the workplace, access to reproductive health care and sexuality information, and civil-rights legislation that made discrimination on the basis of sex or race illegal”(Rowe-Finkbeiner 26). A more radical manner in which women protested America’s disposition towards male dominance during this time was bra-burning. In their quest to achieve social equality with men, women saw bras as man-made article items that objectified women, forced femininity, and perpetuated the patriarchal system. This is symbolic of the perception of the second wave that women needed to become more masculine in order to be taken seriously and obtain success. In general “second wave feminism fought hard for legislative victories that granted substantial rights and opinions to women” (Rowe-Finkbeiner 29). Yet, the second wave was still not the end of modern feminism. Second wave feminists indeed made massive strides towards equality. However, women still face stereotypes and gender inequality in America.
The third wave of feminism began in the 1990s and continues to this day. The third wave brings together the “fight for women to have professional career opportunities and the idea that ‘traditional’ gender-roles and actions don’t need to be thrown out the window” (Rowe-Finkbeiner 31). For instance in Lisa Belkin’s “The Opt out Revolution” Belkin interviews several women that occupied high powered jobs, many of them second wave feminists, who chose to quit their careers to raise their children. At first these women had all the drive in the world. However, when they added children to the equation they realized that working on such a high level and raising a child is a very strenuous affair. Therefore, many of them came to the conclusion that they would rather be a part of their child's upbringing than further pursue their careers. This mindset perplexes and infuriates many second wave feminists who believe that modern women’s goal should be to be successful and independent. However it is impossible for women to be men. Belkin’s argument for why women choose to raise a family is that they are biologically predisposed to do so. The fact is that women still face inequality such as the wage gap between men and women but third wave feminists are trying to become more down to earth. Young women today are more whimsical; they “want to have more fun” and be “hip, sexy, and cool” but the silver lining of all this is that these young women are “standing on the shoulders of second wave [feminists]” and enjoying the successes that they achieved (Rowe-Finkbeiner 31).
The history of feminism demonstrates how different women have perceived feminism. If you were to ask a first wave feminist what feminism means they might respond that it is the movement to give women the right to vote. A second wave feminist might answer that it is the idea that women should be politically, socially, and economically equal to men. Third wave feminists could give a diverse slew of answers. The point is that feminism is connotative, and its meaning is different for different people and it differs depending on the era. Rebecca West, a British author, one said that “I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat.” In summation, feminism can be described as the movement or idea that women should be equal to, and have all the same opportunities as men.
You know you’re a feminist when you want a society where a woman’s competence, control, presence and influence extend to all areas, not just those directly connected to child bearing housewife and doing the things apparently important people think they don’t have time to do. A lot of feminists, including myself, would also like to see a society where men are as encouraged to care for others in a domestic setting as women are. I think women should be able to make decisions about their bodies and reproductive rights, have the ability to achieve professional leadership positions, and not give up their dreams if they choose to have a family. Also women shouldn’t be submissive and take on this “June Cleaver” role as a housewife. Before this class I was not aware of feminism or how far women have come to achieve rights and equality. To be honest, I was one of those who viewed feminists as men-hating lesbians. This class has made me more conscience of who I am as a woman and how much potential I have to make an impact in this world and follow my dreams.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Final: part 1
Is Feminism Fading?
When the feminism movement began it was the beginning of a whole new world for women, and America in general. This was an era of protests against President Wilson, bra burnings, fighting for reproductive rights in the hopes of achieving equality in a man’s world. Women began to realize that there were opportunities for them outside of the home, and that they could have a place in the world as well as men. It was a time when the feministic view was being born and traditional views of women were changing. Women then began to realize that they were just the same as men, and wanted to be treated that way, and partake in the same activities. This included getting an education, working and being able to support themselves without the help of men. This changed not only the traditional roles of women in society, but also their role in the family. With women wanting the right to vote, work and go to school, middle class life as they new it would be drastically changed. Women would no longer be in the home with the children cooking and cleaning; they wanted to get out into the world. There was still an extremely long way to go before women were to be accepted in society, and this was just the beginning. But have we reached an era of post-feminism? Is it possible that feminists have accomplished all of their goals? However, a lot of feminist authors disagree with a post-feminist theory. They point out the persistent stereotypes and gender inequality that women still face today. Feminism cannot be over until there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that women are equal and deserve equality.
Naomi Wolf in her article “The Beauty Myth: How Images are used Against Women” also believes that women are facing a backlash. The article proposes the idea that the modern American perception of beauty serves to keep women in a submissive role to men. This “beauty myth” is a “violent backlash against feminism that uses images of female beauty as a political weapon against women’s advancement” (Wolf). Wolf believes that “as women released themselves from the feminine mystique of domesticity, the beauty myth took over its lost ground, expanding as it wanted to carry on its work of social control” (Wolf). She states that since women have expanded their gender roles to include activities outside of the domestic sphere men have had to come up with new ways to sustain a patriarchal system. For instance, “American women told researchers that they would rather lose ten to fifteen pounds than achieve any other goal” (Wolf). Despite the fact that women have the opportunity to become doctors, lawyers, and other traditionally male dominated professions, men and the media have twisted women’s aspirations to the point where their newfound equality is irrelevant. In today’s society, “women have more money and power and scope and legal recognition than we have ever had before; but in terms of how [they] feel about [themselves] physically, [they] may actually be worse off than [their] unliberated grandmothers” (Wolf). Women have become misled into critiquing themselves, instead of embracing their freedom and striving to become beautiful, self-sufficient women.
In Hull’s “All the Women are White, All the Blacks are Men, But Some of Us are Brave” concentrated on Black Women's Studies, and what [black women] face in society. Black women have faced many horrors in a white male dominated society. Black women are not only a part of gender inequalities, but racial inequalities as well. The fact that black women have to deal with both circumstances is horrible. All race, class, and sex in the feminist movement needs to be unified to succeed. I agree with Hull and think that the issue with race needs to be resolved in order to have a unified feminist movement. Racism and gender inequalities have come a long way, but I think many are still feeling the effects of it.
The Lisa Belkin’s article "The Opt Out Revolution" is another example of the gender inequality that women face. Belkin’s article gives some insight into the ongoing debate about why educated women choose to abandon their careers to become stay at home moms. She believes for women today “being successful [requires] becoming a man” (Belkin). Women, indeed have come a long way in regards to obtaining M.B.A.s and obtaining leadership positions, but it seems this is only temporary if a woman wants to have babies and start a family. It seems stressful and near impossible for a woman to be successful and be able to raise a family; so many successful women choose to quit their jobs. It is unfair to make women choose between being independent and raising a family. If America truly desires gender equality than society should provide more assistance to women who want to have a job and raise a family simultaneously.
In “The Will to Change,” I really love the definition that Hooks gives for feminism –“a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression” (Hooks 1). Bell Hooks defines her book as an attempt to love men enough to understand how patriarchy affects them, and understand how their pain can help them transform and challenge patriarchy. What struck me most significantly was the idea that patriarchy is all the time enforced by violence, and that men are taught through violence to reject their emotions and become cold-blooded and distant, which allows them to commit violence on others.“Violence is boyhood socialization. The way we ‘turn boys into men’ is through injury… We take them away from their feelings, from sensitivity to others. The very phrase ‘be a man’ means suck it up and keep going. Disconnection is not fallout from traditional masculinity. Disconnection is masculinity.” I also liked how Hooks stressed the fact that sexism is not limited to men and that a woman who is “wedded to sexist thinking” is a threat to feminism whereas a man who is ant-sexism is an ally (Hooks 14).
The play “The Eternal Feminine” written by Rosario Castellanos is a piece of feminist literature that focuses on gender roles and stereotypes. The premise of the play is ridiculous; it revolves around a young Mexican woman, named Lupita, who goes to the salon to have her hair done and ends up under the spell of a magic hair dryer that induces dreams. The dreams however portray women as extraordinarily shallow. Some of the dreams it induces include dreaming “that she is the prettiest woman in the world;… that all women envy her; that her husband gets a raise in salary; that there’s no price increase in the basic cost of living; that she finds an efficient and inexpensive maid; [and] that she gets pregnant this month” (Castellanos 276). This bring up a bigger social issue that women are still only viewed as wanting a life as a domestic homemaker. None of the dreams that the hairdryer produces have anything to do with Lupita wanting to be a successful businesswoman, scholar, or politician. Instead it proves that society still views women as frivolous and content to be a stay-at-home-mom.
Feminism is still very much necessary in America. Despite the immense gains in gender equality, women still have only reached a superficial level of equality with men. Only when everyone truly believes that women deserve equality will America reach an era of post-feminism. I’m hesitant to start my profession in this white man dominated society but then again it is inspiring to know women have come a long way. I just need to be optimistic and be strong when facing sexism and stereotypes. With all of this in mind it is apparent that true gender equality is still just an idea, but so long as women have goals than feminism will continue fight for true equality for everyone regardless of gender.
sources:
Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner "The F Word: Feminism in Jeopardy"
Naomi Wolf “The Beauty Myth: How Images are used Against Women”
Lisa Belkin "The Opt out Revolution"
Rosario Castellanos "The Eternal Feminine”
Bell Hooks “The Will to Change”
Gloria Hull “All the Women are White, All the Blacks are Men, But Some of Us are Brave”
When the feminism movement began it was the beginning of a whole new world for women, and America in general. This was an era of protests against President Wilson, bra burnings, fighting for reproductive rights in the hopes of achieving equality in a man’s world. Women began to realize that there were opportunities for them outside of the home, and that they could have a place in the world as well as men. It was a time when the feministic view was being born and traditional views of women were changing. Women then began to realize that they were just the same as men, and wanted to be treated that way, and partake in the same activities. This included getting an education, working and being able to support themselves without the help of men. This changed not only the traditional roles of women in society, but also their role in the family. With women wanting the right to vote, work and go to school, middle class life as they new it would be drastically changed. Women would no longer be in the home with the children cooking and cleaning; they wanted to get out into the world. There was still an extremely long way to go before women were to be accepted in society, and this was just the beginning. But have we reached an era of post-feminism? Is it possible that feminists have accomplished all of their goals? However, a lot of feminist authors disagree with a post-feminist theory. They point out the persistent stereotypes and gender inequality that women still face today. Feminism cannot be over until there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that women are equal and deserve equality.
Naomi Wolf in her article “The Beauty Myth: How Images are used Against Women” also believes that women are facing a backlash. The article proposes the idea that the modern American perception of beauty serves to keep women in a submissive role to men. This “beauty myth” is a “violent backlash against feminism that uses images of female beauty as a political weapon against women’s advancement” (Wolf). Wolf believes that “as women released themselves from the feminine mystique of domesticity, the beauty myth took over its lost ground, expanding as it wanted to carry on its work of social control” (Wolf). She states that since women have expanded their gender roles to include activities outside of the domestic sphere men have had to come up with new ways to sustain a patriarchal system. For instance, “American women told researchers that they would rather lose ten to fifteen pounds than achieve any other goal” (Wolf). Despite the fact that women have the opportunity to become doctors, lawyers, and other traditionally male dominated professions, men and the media have twisted women’s aspirations to the point where their newfound equality is irrelevant. In today’s society, “women have more money and power and scope and legal recognition than we have ever had before; but in terms of how [they] feel about [themselves] physically, [they] may actually be worse off than [their] unliberated grandmothers” (Wolf). Women have become misled into critiquing themselves, instead of embracing their freedom and striving to become beautiful, self-sufficient women.
In Hull’s “All the Women are White, All the Blacks are Men, But Some of Us are Brave” concentrated on Black Women's Studies, and what [black women] face in society. Black women have faced many horrors in a white male dominated society. Black women are not only a part of gender inequalities, but racial inequalities as well. The fact that black women have to deal with both circumstances is horrible. All race, class, and sex in the feminist movement needs to be unified to succeed. I agree with Hull and think that the issue with race needs to be resolved in order to have a unified feminist movement. Racism and gender inequalities have come a long way, but I think many are still feeling the effects of it.
The Lisa Belkin’s article "The Opt Out Revolution" is another example of the gender inequality that women face. Belkin’s article gives some insight into the ongoing debate about why educated women choose to abandon their careers to become stay at home moms. She believes for women today “being successful [requires] becoming a man” (Belkin). Women, indeed have come a long way in regards to obtaining M.B.A.s and obtaining leadership positions, but it seems this is only temporary if a woman wants to have babies and start a family. It seems stressful and near impossible for a woman to be successful and be able to raise a family; so many successful women choose to quit their jobs. It is unfair to make women choose between being independent and raising a family. If America truly desires gender equality than society should provide more assistance to women who want to have a job and raise a family simultaneously.
In “The Will to Change,” I really love the definition that Hooks gives for feminism –“a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression” (Hooks 1). Bell Hooks defines her book as an attempt to love men enough to understand how patriarchy affects them, and understand how their pain can help them transform and challenge patriarchy. What struck me most significantly was the idea that patriarchy is all the time enforced by violence, and that men are taught through violence to reject their emotions and become cold-blooded and distant, which allows them to commit violence on others.“Violence is boyhood socialization. The way we ‘turn boys into men’ is through injury… We take them away from their feelings, from sensitivity to others. The very phrase ‘be a man’ means suck it up and keep going. Disconnection is not fallout from traditional masculinity. Disconnection is masculinity.” I also liked how Hooks stressed the fact that sexism is not limited to men and that a woman who is “wedded to sexist thinking” is a threat to feminism whereas a man who is ant-sexism is an ally (Hooks 14).
The play “The Eternal Feminine” written by Rosario Castellanos is a piece of feminist literature that focuses on gender roles and stereotypes. The premise of the play is ridiculous; it revolves around a young Mexican woman, named Lupita, who goes to the salon to have her hair done and ends up under the spell of a magic hair dryer that induces dreams. The dreams however portray women as extraordinarily shallow. Some of the dreams it induces include dreaming “that she is the prettiest woman in the world;… that all women envy her; that her husband gets a raise in salary; that there’s no price increase in the basic cost of living; that she finds an efficient and inexpensive maid; [and] that she gets pregnant this month” (Castellanos 276). This bring up a bigger social issue that women are still only viewed as wanting a life as a domestic homemaker. None of the dreams that the hairdryer produces have anything to do with Lupita wanting to be a successful businesswoman, scholar, or politician. Instead it proves that society still views women as frivolous and content to be a stay-at-home-mom.
Feminism is still very much necessary in America. Despite the immense gains in gender equality, women still have only reached a superficial level of equality with men. Only when everyone truly believes that women deserve equality will America reach an era of post-feminism. I’m hesitant to start my profession in this white man dominated society but then again it is inspiring to know women have come a long way. I just need to be optimistic and be strong when facing sexism and stereotypes. With all of this in mind it is apparent that true gender equality is still just an idea, but so long as women have goals than feminism will continue fight for true equality for everyone regardless of gender.
sources:
Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner "The F Word: Feminism in Jeopardy"
Naomi Wolf “The Beauty Myth: How Images are used Against Women”
Lisa Belkin "The Opt out Revolution"
Rosario Castellanos "The Eternal Feminine”
Bell Hooks “The Will to Change”
Gloria Hull “All the Women are White, All the Blacks are Men, But Some of Us are Brave”
Sunday, April 26, 2009
blog 10
An organization that is important to me is CAPA, Child Abuse Prevention Association.
"At CAPA we are committed to providing a variety of services of prevention and treatment services to children and their families throughout our community. We help families heal from the traumatic effects of child abuse, especially child molestation. We provide resources to high-needs families so they can create strong and healthy homes and we provide educational training that teaches children safety skills and help parents have effective parenting skills."
Our Vision
- Every child and family begins receiving services without delay
- New parents will have the opportunity to develop a strong network of support and create an environment for their children that is safe and nurturing
- Every member of our community will know they can help prevent child abuse
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Reading Gender
Short paper: Reading Gender "The Eternal Feminine"
The play “The Eternal Feminine” written by Rosario Castellanos is a piece of feminist literature which focuses on gender roles and stereotypes in Mexican culture. The premise of the play is ridiculous; it revolves around a young Mexican woman, named Lupita, who goes to the salon to have her hair done and ends up under the spell of a magic hair dryer that induces dreams.
The first dream episode takes place on Lupita and her husband Juan’s honeymoon. The main gender role issue from this scene is the old stereotype that men are dominant over women. Juan, Lupita’s husband, repeatedly says things that assert his authority over Lupita and he even acts violently against her, and makes threats to rape her. At the beginning of the scene Juan acts out aggressively against Lupita when he “takes her by the shoulders, [and] shakes her violently” (Castellanos 3). Juan then proceeds to ask Lupita if they sex they had just had on their honeymoon was her first time, to which she tells him yes and that she will “never let [Juan] come near [her] again” (Castellanos 3). Juan then hints that he would force her to have sex again saying, “what would stop me? I have the strength and I have the right. Besides you vowed to obey me before the alter” (Castellanos 3). This says several things about Mexican culture during the time of the play. Firstly, Juan displays ownership of Lupita by saying that he has “the right” to have sex with his wife. This proves that at this time Women are almost considered property to men. Apparently even religion perpetuated women’s inequality by making women swear to obey their husbands at the weeding.
In modern America, Lupita’s situation would be considered a case of domestic abuse. Although, even in America, laws against domestic violence are still a recent occurrence it is now illegal for a man to physically or verbally abuse his spouse, and the wife has legal options. However, the culture at this time in Mexico dictated that it was acceptable for men to abuse their spouse and there were no laws against domestic violence. In the case of Lupita, her culture and her man are what have caused her entire situation. Her Mexican culture dictated that she should get married and be a loyal and subservient housewife. In the F-Word, the author states that “the importance of being married or in a committed relationship varies across racial and ethnic groups. This facet of a woman’s self-identity is most important to Hispanic women, two-thirds of whom say being married or in a committed relationship is very important to their sense of self” (Rowe-Finkbeiner 133).
In addition, Her culture also told her that it is acceptable for her husband to be overbearing, threatening, and violent to her. This is a classic case of discrimination against women that modern feminism has sought to dispel in society. Women are not the property of men, and deserve all of the same rights, freedoms, and privileges that men have in today’s society. Even in America, we may be a far cry from Lupita’s situation, but there is still a long way to go before gender issues effectively become a non-issue.
Works Cited:
Rosario Castellanos "The Eternal Feminine"
Rowe-Finkbiener, Kristin. The F Word. Emeryville, CA: Seal Press, 2004. Print.
The play “The Eternal Feminine” written by Rosario Castellanos is a piece of feminist literature which focuses on gender roles and stereotypes in Mexican culture. The premise of the play is ridiculous; it revolves around a young Mexican woman, named Lupita, who goes to the salon to have her hair done and ends up under the spell of a magic hair dryer that induces dreams.
The first dream episode takes place on Lupita and her husband Juan’s honeymoon. The main gender role issue from this scene is the old stereotype that men are dominant over women. Juan, Lupita’s husband, repeatedly says things that assert his authority over Lupita and he even acts violently against her, and makes threats to rape her. At the beginning of the scene Juan acts out aggressively against Lupita when he “takes her by the shoulders, [and] shakes her violently” (Castellanos 3). Juan then proceeds to ask Lupita if they sex they had just had on their honeymoon was her first time, to which she tells him yes and that she will “never let [Juan] come near [her] again” (Castellanos 3). Juan then hints that he would force her to have sex again saying, “what would stop me? I have the strength and I have the right. Besides you vowed to obey me before the alter” (Castellanos 3). This says several things about Mexican culture during the time of the play. Firstly, Juan displays ownership of Lupita by saying that he has “the right” to have sex with his wife. This proves that at this time Women are almost considered property to men. Apparently even religion perpetuated women’s inequality by making women swear to obey their husbands at the weeding.
In modern America, Lupita’s situation would be considered a case of domestic abuse. Although, even in America, laws against domestic violence are still a recent occurrence it is now illegal for a man to physically or verbally abuse his spouse, and the wife has legal options. However, the culture at this time in Mexico dictated that it was acceptable for men to abuse their spouse and there were no laws against domestic violence. In the case of Lupita, her culture and her man are what have caused her entire situation. Her Mexican culture dictated that she should get married and be a loyal and subservient housewife. In the F-Word, the author states that “the importance of being married or in a committed relationship varies across racial and ethnic groups. This facet of a woman’s self-identity is most important to Hispanic women, two-thirds of whom say being married or in a committed relationship is very important to their sense of self” (Rowe-Finkbeiner 133).
In addition, Her culture also told her that it is acceptable for her husband to be overbearing, threatening, and violent to her. This is a classic case of discrimination against women that modern feminism has sought to dispel in society. Women are not the property of men, and deserve all of the same rights, freedoms, and privileges that men have in today’s society. Even in America, we may be a far cry from Lupita’s situation, but there is still a long way to go before gender issues effectively become a non-issue.
Works Cited:
Rosario Castellanos "The Eternal Feminine"
Rowe-Finkbiener, Kristin. The F Word. Emeryville, CA: Seal Press, 2004. Print.
blog 9
NOW
"The purpose of NOW is to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society now, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men."
NOW, the National Organization for Women s the largest American feminist organization. It was founded in 1966 and has a membership of 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Colombia. NOW's priority issues concern U.S. domestic policy. These include advancing reproductive freedoms, promoting racial and ethnic diversity and ending racism, stopping rape and domestic violence, ensuring economic justice winning lesbian rights, and achieving constitutional equality.
NOW has had criticism from anti-abortion activists and pro-life groups. It appears to be a gender issue considering women are only affiliated with this organization and it particularly deals with solely women's rights. People should donate to NOW to further women's rights through education and litigation.
The readings focused on globalization and how the US is so dependent on other countries for clothes, oil, food, etc. Enloe perceived globalization in a negative light, blaming the government for globalization and how it takes away so many jobs for Americans. The sad thing is, America is a capitalistic country thriving from low-waged workers doing back-breaking work for 50 cents an hour in countries on the other side of the world. Just getting a latte from Starbucks can make you realize the effects of globalization. Yes, that $4.00 latte is delicious (and ridiculously expensive) but the coffee farmer who harvested the beans to make that coffee, probably made the equivalent of how much that cup of joe cost...$4 or $5 in just one DAY. Globalization is a blessing and a curse at the same time, considering we (Americans) are taking advantage of cheap labor.
"The purpose of NOW is to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society now, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men."
NOW, the National Organization for Women s the largest American feminist organization. It was founded in 1966 and has a membership of 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Colombia. NOW's priority issues concern U.S. domestic policy. These include advancing reproductive freedoms, promoting racial and ethnic diversity and ending racism, stopping rape and domestic violence, ensuring economic justice winning lesbian rights, and achieving constitutional equality.
NOW has had criticism from anti-abortion activists and pro-life groups. It appears to be a gender issue considering women are only affiliated with this organization and it particularly deals with solely women's rights. People should donate to NOW to further women's rights through education and litigation.
The readings focused on globalization and how the US is so dependent on other countries for clothes, oil, food, etc. Enloe perceived globalization in a negative light, blaming the government for globalization and how it takes away so many jobs for Americans. The sad thing is, America is a capitalistic country thriving from low-waged workers doing back-breaking work for 50 cents an hour in countries on the other side of the world. Just getting a latte from Starbucks can make you realize the effects of globalization. Yes, that $4.00 latte is delicious (and ridiculously expensive) but the coffee farmer who harvested the beans to make that coffee, probably made the equivalent of how much that cup of joe cost...$4 or $5 in just one DAY. Globalization is a blessing and a curse at the same time, considering we (Americans) are taking advantage of cheap labor.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Ethnographic Exercise
How are women perceived in the workplace?
I interviewed my friend Derek who works for a home builder company. After a lengthy discussion, I interviewed him about how he views the woman role in the workplace.
“I like working with women, but there are definitely some notable differences between the two genders.”
Derek explained how there’s a certain emotional level brought in to work from women. Women tend to get their feelings hurt with small insignificant things.
“We had a company chili cook-off and when a lady didn’t win she got her feelings hurt and complained and our company cancelled the annual chili cook off the next year, “Derek said.
He also explained how women are more apt to gossip and are more catty than men.
“Our mortgage company is mostly run by women and it seems to be very cliquey. I noticed if a group of women don’t like a woman they’re working with they try to get her fired. It seems like women harbor ill feelings and don’t let them go. Women seem to have a hard time separating work and personal issues. When men have a problem them usually address it and move on. That’s why I think it’s a good idea to have an equal balance of men and women,” Derek said.
Derek thinks women listen more and describes how having men and women in the workplace is a good balance. According to him, Men are more simple and practical (fact driven) and women tend to be idealistic and empathetic.
“If our company was run entirely by men it would be very impersonal. Women tend to be nurturing and ask you how your day’s going and more sympathetic. There’s a difference between guy logic and girl logic, it just doesn’t mesh,” Derek said.
I asked Derek if he thinks women work as hard/harder than men and he said, “It’s not gender specific, it’s individual.” An interesting turn in our conversation was when I asked him if he thought if women flirted to get what they want in the office.
“I noticed an attractive woman flirt with the owner of the company when she asked for something, and when a heavier, less attractive woman did the same thing, she was told no. Sex sells, it’s sad…but it’s the truth. I don’t think it’s fair when women flirt to get what they want. I think it lacks character and shows greed and selfishness. “
It was interesting to receive a man’s perspective of women in the workplace. Women do seem to balance an office by providing more sensitivity and empathy in an office, but drama and unnecessary cattiness may occur occasionally. One disheartening thing was the “sex sells” portion of the interview. This is the relevant bias in our society that unfortunately occurs in the professional world. Can a woman achieve a higher paid position or receive a bonus just by her looks and bust size? This question is constantly raised, but is probably true in most cases.
I interviewed my friend Derek who works for a home builder company. After a lengthy discussion, I interviewed him about how he views the woman role in the workplace.
“I like working with women, but there are definitely some notable differences between the two genders.”
Derek explained how there’s a certain emotional level brought in to work from women. Women tend to get their feelings hurt with small insignificant things.
“We had a company chili cook-off and when a lady didn’t win she got her feelings hurt and complained and our company cancelled the annual chili cook off the next year, “Derek said.
He also explained how women are more apt to gossip and are more catty than men.
“Our mortgage company is mostly run by women and it seems to be very cliquey. I noticed if a group of women don’t like a woman they’re working with they try to get her fired. It seems like women harbor ill feelings and don’t let them go. Women seem to have a hard time separating work and personal issues. When men have a problem them usually address it and move on. That’s why I think it’s a good idea to have an equal balance of men and women,” Derek said.
Derek thinks women listen more and describes how having men and women in the workplace is a good balance. According to him, Men are more simple and practical (fact driven) and women tend to be idealistic and empathetic.
“If our company was run entirely by men it would be very impersonal. Women tend to be nurturing and ask you how your day’s going and more sympathetic. There’s a difference between guy logic and girl logic, it just doesn’t mesh,” Derek said.
I asked Derek if he thinks women work as hard/harder than men and he said, “It’s not gender specific, it’s individual.” An interesting turn in our conversation was when I asked him if he thought if women flirted to get what they want in the office.
“I noticed an attractive woman flirt with the owner of the company when she asked for something, and when a heavier, less attractive woman did the same thing, she was told no. Sex sells, it’s sad…but it’s the truth. I don’t think it’s fair when women flirt to get what they want. I think it lacks character and shows greed and selfishness. “
It was interesting to receive a man’s perspective of women in the workplace. Women do seem to balance an office by providing more sensitivity and empathy in an office, but drama and unnecessary cattiness may occur occasionally. One disheartening thing was the “sex sells” portion of the interview. This is the relevant bias in our society that unfortunately occurs in the professional world. Can a woman achieve a higher paid position or receive a bonus just by her looks and bust size? This question is constantly raised, but is probably true in most cases.
Monday, March 23, 2009
blog 8
Lisa Belkin's "The Opt-Out Revolution"
Belkin's essay describes how successful women are putting their prestigious careers (doctors, lawyer, advertisement executives) to a close in order to raise their families. One response to Belkin's article is Katie Allison Granju who protests Belkin and her admittedly narrow interview group who are college-educated, married, professional, white women who love their kids, their husbands, their wine-sipping book discussion groups, and the comfortable homes they are making for their families. I thought it was interesting as Granju goes on to critique Belkin. "Her interview subjects may believe that they have “opted out,” the reality is likely to be much less clear cut for them as their children grow and many of their marriages end. Ten years from now, I suspect that we may be hearing from a new group of suddenly single, 50 year old, college-educated women who haven’t held a paying job in a decade about a new and fascinating trend: the “I-was-only-kidding-and-I-really-need-to-opt-back-in Revolution."
It is disheartening after reading Belkin's article. Women, indeed have come a long way in regards to obtaining M.B.A.s and obtaining leadership positions, but it seems this is only temporary if a woman wants to have babies and start a family. Growing up my mother was a nurse but stayed at home for ten years or so to raise my brother and I. When I was in high school she tried to go back to work but found it incredibly difficult (even with the growing need for nurses) because of new technology and new computer advances over the past ten years my mother was not familiar with. This was also the case with my friend Kami. She graduated from OU with a microbiology degree and was immediately hired as a lab technician. Her career was rapidly put on hold when she got pregnant. After her baby Emma was born she decided to work part time as a ACT/SAT prep tutor. It's frustrating to know how women such as my mom and my friend Kami found it difficult to carry on their former work/dream jobs in order to accomodate their families. This appears to be inevitable if you want to have a successful marriage and raise your kids. Me personally, I wouldn't want to continue my Monday through Friday 8-5 job and leave my baby with a nanny or a mediocre day care. Having children is very important to me and I wouldn't want to leave my child in people's care whom I hardly know. It seems crucial to hit the stopwatch for a few years with the career in order to be a good mom.
Belkin's essay describes how successful women are putting their prestigious careers (doctors, lawyer, advertisement executives) to a close in order to raise their families. One response to Belkin's article is Katie Allison Granju who protests Belkin and her admittedly narrow interview group who are college-educated, married, professional, white women who love their kids, their husbands, their wine-sipping book discussion groups, and the comfortable homes they are making for their families. I thought it was interesting as Granju goes on to critique Belkin. "Her interview subjects may believe that they have “opted out,” the reality is likely to be much less clear cut for them as their children grow and many of their marriages end. Ten years from now, I suspect that we may be hearing from a new group of suddenly single, 50 year old, college-educated women who haven’t held a paying job in a decade about a new and fascinating trend: the “I-was-only-kidding-and-I-really-need-to-opt-back-in Revolution."
It is disheartening after reading Belkin's article. Women, indeed have come a long way in regards to obtaining M.B.A.s and obtaining leadership positions, but it seems this is only temporary if a woman wants to have babies and start a family. Growing up my mother was a nurse but stayed at home for ten years or so to raise my brother and I. When I was in high school she tried to go back to work but found it incredibly difficult (even with the growing need for nurses) because of new technology and new computer advances over the past ten years my mother was not familiar with. This was also the case with my friend Kami. She graduated from OU with a microbiology degree and was immediately hired as a lab technician. Her career was rapidly put on hold when she got pregnant. After her baby Emma was born she decided to work part time as a ACT/SAT prep tutor. It's frustrating to know how women such as my mom and my friend Kami found it difficult to carry on their former work/dream jobs in order to accomodate their families. This appears to be inevitable if you want to have a successful marriage and raise your kids. Me personally, I wouldn't want to continue my Monday through Friday 8-5 job and leave my baby with a nanny or a mediocre day care. Having children is very important to me and I wouldn't want to leave my child in people's care whom I hardly know. It seems crucial to hit the stopwatch for a few years with the career in order to be a good mom.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
blog 7
Family, relationships, motherhood
I recently watched Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. This is a hipster comedy about two people who wouldn't normally see themselves together romantically, but are drawn together from their similar tastes in music. (This has an awesome soundtrack fyi) The movie trailers showed a somewhat socially awkward wallflower (Michael Cera) and an quarky, outspoken girl (Kat Dennings) who finds mixed tapes made by Cera and starts to become intrigued by him. They have an unplanned adventure through the city in order to find her drunk friend and to find where their favorite band at a disclosed location. I think this is a typical gender plot: boy meets girl, girl and boy butt heads then fall for each other type of thing...I liked this movie because Dennings appeared less submissive than most girls in romantic comedies and took on a more stubborn and "smart" role.
Readings:
I thought it was interesting in the F-word when she was talking about women balancing work and family. "They are encouraged toward economic self sufficiency yet are subtly pressured to 'choose' lower paying, more flexible professions that would accomodate conventional motherhood..they hold out an ideal of shared parenting but anticipate inequality." In class we mentioned if a stay at home mom was a paid career, women would be making well over $100,000 with all the chores and parenting they have to do from the time they wake up til the time they go to bed. Dual partner marriages needs to be efficient and the term, "it starts when you sink into his arms and ends with your arms in his sink" still seems to be a stereotype today. Another depressing thing in the reading was the outstanding divorce statistics in the U.S. It seems regardless of who is getting married at least half of them will end in divorce.
I recently watched Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. This is a hipster comedy about two people who wouldn't normally see themselves together romantically, but are drawn together from their similar tastes in music. (This has an awesome soundtrack fyi) The movie trailers showed a somewhat socially awkward wallflower (Michael Cera) and an quarky, outspoken girl (Kat Dennings) who finds mixed tapes made by Cera and starts to become intrigued by him. They have an unplanned adventure through the city in order to find her drunk friend and to find where their favorite band at a disclosed location. I think this is a typical gender plot: boy meets girl, girl and boy butt heads then fall for each other type of thing...I liked this movie because Dennings appeared less submissive than most girls in romantic comedies and took on a more stubborn and "smart" role.
Readings:
I thought it was interesting in the F-word when she was talking about women balancing work and family. "They are encouraged toward economic self sufficiency yet are subtly pressured to 'choose' lower paying, more flexible professions that would accomodate conventional motherhood..they hold out an ideal of shared parenting but anticipate inequality." In class we mentioned if a stay at home mom was a paid career, women would be making well over $100,000 with all the chores and parenting they have to do from the time they wake up til the time they go to bed. Dual partner marriages needs to be efficient and the term, "it starts when you sink into his arms and ends with your arms in his sink" still seems to be a stereotype today. Another depressing thing in the reading was the outstanding divorce statistics in the U.S. It seems regardless of who is getting married at least half of them will end in divorce.
Monday, March 2, 2009
blog 6
BODY IMAGEI chose this advertisement because I think it blatantly depicts gender and body image. Here a young slim woman who looks confident with her head held high, her chest out and a hand on her hip with hundreds of men throwing themselves at her. I'm not sure what "ZU" is but I'm thinking it's a brand of jeans considering that's the only thing the men are wearing. This model is VERY skinny which I'm not surprised of. It's disheartening to look at advertisements when all of the models are a size zero, when actuality the average size of a woman in America is 8-12. Advertisements such as these are probably the leading cause of eating disorders among teens and women in the U.S.
Readings:
Women appear to be under strict scrutiny to look good, especially in today's society. Headline news recently report Michelle Obama's fashion style instead of important issues such as Barack's policies, the economic recession, or the war in Darfur. This blows my mind that people are so concerned that Hilary Clinton is wears pant suits all the time as opposed to dresses and skirts. Also, in the FIFE readings I think women should be able to decide for themselves whether or not to use birth control and what they do to their bodies. I don't condone abortions, but I think it's a individual choice for a woman to do what they want.
Monday, February 23, 2009
blog 5 Soundtrack
I thought the songs I chose for my playlist were gender appropriate...for women that is. I decided to go with empowering female songs such as, "Im every woman," "Respect," "I will survive," and "Survivor," etc. I like these songs because not only are they good workout songs for your ipod, but they create a sense of independence and "girl-power" mentality. I usually don't listen to these songs on a regular basis, but some women are familiar with these upbeat and inspiring tracks to get them going when they feel oppressed or taken advantage of!
Readings:
(My FIFE book should be in today from Amazon)
Readings:
(My FIFE book should be in today from Amazon)
Monday, February 16, 2009
blog 4
I accessed the course catalog for women's studies and was very interested in some of the classes. I am a senior graduating in May and wish I was aware of this program earlier...I probably would have considered minoring in WS. I am getting my bachelor's degree in journalism and tried to think of WS courses relevant to my career or just beneficial for myself. Body Image/Reality seemed interesting considering most women are concerned about they way they look, especially in our society. Women and Religion and Gender/Law/Human Rights also seem like interesting courses. Public relations and journalism is a fast-paced, competitive, and mulitifaceted degree. Like the speakers in class said the other day, "You have to worry about men/boss hitting on you, sexual harassment, and sometimes telling men twice your age what to do." This worries me but I know it is inevitable. I have worked in the food industry all through high school and college. Working in a bar and serving men most of the time, has opened my eyes to the harsh realities of chauvanism. Having men look at you as if you are a piece of meat is disheartening. One time my friend was waiting on a large group of guys at a table and they were asking her a question. One of the guys said, "What does she know, she's just a stupid waitress." In reality she had her bachelor's degree in letters and was in graduate school.
The F-word describes how women feel neglected in the academic and economic sectors of society. This chapter applied to me considering it explained how women feel inequalities on college campuses. Professors seem to relate more to men who raise their hands and answer questions than women and the girls who actually speak up in class are seen as nerds or bookworms.
Considering it is Black History Month, I enjoyed the Hull article. Black women are not only a part of gender inequalities, but racial inequalities as well. Segreation and gender inequalities has come a long way, but I think many are still feeling the effects of it.
The F-word describes how women feel neglected in the academic and economic sectors of society. This chapter applied to me considering it explained how women feel inequalities on college campuses. Professors seem to relate more to men who raise their hands and answer questions than women and the girls who actually speak up in class are seen as nerds or bookworms.
Considering it is Black History Month, I enjoyed the Hull article. Black women are not only a part of gender inequalities, but racial inequalities as well. Segreation and gender inequalities has come a long way, but I think many are still feeling the effects of it.
blog 3
Iron Jawed Angels
This movie featured Alice Paul and Lucy Burns as women's rights activists who struggled to help pass the 19th amendment: the right for women to vote. There seemed to be a significant amount of tension among the women fighting for the 19th amendment. Women were living in a chauvinistic society and also young activists like Paul and Burns seemed to be clashing with the older, conservative women activists. Also, the pushing of the 19th amendment was during the war and the inauguration of President Wilson. It was inspiring to watch this movie and see how passionate the women were back then. I couldn't imagine being thrown in jail then enacting a hunger strike just to prove how I needed women's rights and the right to be heard. President Wilson eventually supported the suffrage movement and eventually the amendment was passed. It's amazing to realize this suffrage movement was only ninety years ago. Great movie!
(still can't find a FIFE book!)
This movie featured Alice Paul and Lucy Burns as women's rights activists who struggled to help pass the 19th amendment: the right for women to vote. There seemed to be a significant amount of tension among the women fighting for the 19th amendment. Women were living in a chauvinistic society and also young activists like Paul and Burns seemed to be clashing with the older, conservative women activists. Also, the pushing of the 19th amendment was during the war and the inauguration of President Wilson. It was inspiring to watch this movie and see how passionate the women were back then. I couldn't imagine being thrown in jail then enacting a hunger strike just to prove how I needed women's rights and the right to be heard. President Wilson eventually supported the suffrage movement and eventually the amendment was passed. It's amazing to realize this suffrage movement was only ninety years ago. Great movie!
(still can't find a FIFE book!)
blog 2
I interviewed my grandmother about feminism. My grandmother grew up on a farm and was raised to help her parents with the animals and the crops. She's 85 years old and said "back then, things were a lot different." She explains how women were expected to accommodate the family by cooking, making sure the children went off to school, and cleaning the house. "I was the only child, and I was working on the farm like any young boy would." "I never thought of going to college, it just seemed out of the question for me." When I brought up the word feminism, I asked if she saw herself as one. She "didn't seem to think so." I'm sure she views feminists as men-hating, short haired lesbians. I explained to her how feminism is a multifaceted concept, dealing with equality of women, eliminating oppression from the past and present, etc. She seemed to embrace feminism a little more after our interview. "Well, I probably could have been a feminist back then."
The McIntire reading definitely open my eyes to a lot of issues apparent today. It appears we live in a white man's world oppressing those of another color or just women for that matter. I liked how she gave examples of regular mundane activities we experience in life (going shopping, reading the newspaper, talking about politics)...but some people don't see their race on the cover of the newspaper, or feel inadequate talking about politics because of their race/gender, or feel unsafe walking to their car when they leave the mall.
I am a fan of the F Word so far. This book opens the door to a plethera of circumstances and situations women face in the world. Reading about voting, health care, education, and sexual identity spark my interest of feminism and what I can do as a woman in our society.
The McIntire reading definitely open my eyes to a lot of issues apparent today. It appears we live in a white man's world oppressing those of another color or just women for that matter. I liked how she gave examples of regular mundane activities we experience in life (going shopping, reading the newspaper, talking about politics)...but some people don't see their race on the cover of the newspaper, or feel inadequate talking about politics because of their race/gender, or feel unsafe walking to their car when they leave the mall.
I am a fan of the F Word so far. This book opens the door to a plethera of circumstances and situations women face in the world. Reading about voting, health care, education, and sexual identity spark my interest of feminism and what I can do as a woman in our society.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Week-1
I'm Camille Ash and a Journalism senior. I'm graduating in May but still have to take summer school to complete my degree. I decided to take a May intercession class abroad. It's a journalism class focusing on British media (BBC, Bloomberg, Sky news). I have recently been thinking about getting my masters in graphic design. I used to work at Louie's Bar and Grill as a bartender for four years and recently retired :) I enjoy traveling, cooking, shopping, playing with my chihuahua Atticus, tattoos, and reality television. To be honest I took this course because I needed a lower division elective, but it sounded interesting and important to take.
Five questions I have for this course are:
1) Why do women make 75 cents to every dollar a man makes?
2) Why is the "ideal" image for a woman blonde, busty, and tan?
3) Why were women oppressed for so long?
4) Who were some of the women who changed history for women?
5) What is the role of women in other cultures?
Five questions I have for this course are:
1) Why do women make 75 cents to every dollar a man makes?
2) Why is the "ideal" image for a woman blonde, busty, and tan?
3) Why were women oppressed for so long?
4) Who were some of the women who changed history for women?
5) What is the role of women in other cultures?
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