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”
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