S/R #11

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Synthesis: While inequalities and discrimination persist as a result of a socially constructed gender binary and gender roles, feminism throughout the years has done much to counteract many injustices. Looking forward, the perpetuation of feminism will be the key to further derail systems of privilege that exist today.

Response: Throughout this course, it has been fascinating to become aware of how gendered society is on every level- the stories society tells us about gender in the media, in family structures, in schools, and at work are so big, but it is easy to slip through life without realizing they exist. Throughout the class, I have been developing a keener sense of identifying how gender affects my life. Furthermore, I have become more aware of how society's ideas of gender and the gender binary have lead to a patriarchal system in which women and 'feminine' ideals are devalued, and how problems such as gendered violence, poor body image, and pay inequality are all results of a patriarchal system.
It has been interesting to study the various waves of feminism, and how feminism has changed our society for the better- and the methods which feminists have used to make changes.
Seeing how gender affected the lives of women 100+ years ago, fifty years ago, and today- certainly progress has been made. Women have the right to vote, go to college, be in [parts] of the military, can sue for sexual harassment, and be CEOs of major companies. Looking at the world today, though, there is so much more work to be done. Transgenderism is still considered a mental disorder, GLBTQI people are discriminated against regularly, harassed and killed- and denied the legal right to marriage. Women can be CEOs, but it is rare as a result of social stigma, being denied necessary promotions and pay increases. Rape is common, and the victims are still blamed- and women are objectified beyond belief in the media. The to-do list for feminists, and ideally everybody, is still massive. However, by looking at the past, one can see the impact feminism can have one the world, through perseverance and passion- the feminists of the past never took the path of least resistance. Through their work, they made a trail for those of us today to follow, we just need to commit to the journey.
The readings this week showed some great ways to do this; the excerpt from the Gender Knot really emphasized the importance of personal change, the Gandhian principle of "be the change you want to see in the world". Acknowledging patriarchy is vital to its derailing, so paying attention to and pointing out to others how it affects everyone's life is mightily important. Johnson's point of recognizing the need to be humble and listen, as most everybody is in some sense privileged, was also significant; especially considering how 3rd wave feminism is not just about the rights of women, but about the rights of all who are under-privileged.
This article, as well as "Beyond the Global Victim" and especially "Women's Human Rights: It's about Time!" also discussed the importance of organization, something I mentioned in my last blog. To use the 'waterdrop' example in a slightly different sense: I see an individual standing up for feminist ideals as a waterdrop, seemingly powerless. A huge amount of water drops, all acting individually is like a rainstorm- a much more powerful force. But then: a huge amount of water drops, all bonded and working together- you have a massive waterfall- an extremely massive, powerful force! 1st and 2nd wave feminists showed just how important organization is to getting things done and giving the voiceless a loud, clear voice.