EmilyRose Dion
Professor Santos
Women, Music, & Power
29 January 2016
Feminism: A movement to end sexist oppression
Prior to reading Feminism: A movement to end sexist oppression, I, like many people, didn't have a true understanding of what the word "feminism" really means. Instead of attempting to understand it, many suppress the idea and dismiss the notion. It was surprising to me that so many people look down upon it, like it's a bad thing. But everyone has their own definition of the word feminism, which is why I think people have so many different reactions towards it. The author of this article states, "A central problem within feminist discourse has been our inability to either arrive at a consensus of opinion about what feminism is or accept definition(s) that could serve as points of unification. Without agreed upon definition(s), we lack a sound foundation on which to construct theory or engage in overall meaningful praxis" (17). I got a better understanding of what feminism actually means. Many people (especially men) automatically think feminism is women wanting dominance or special treatment. But thats not what they're after at all. Feminists have a common goal. That goal is to "establish equal political, economic, personal, and social rights for women". "Feminism is the struggle to end sexist oppression. Its aim is not to benefit solely any specific group of women, any particular race or class of women. It does not privilege women over men" (26). When people think of feminism, they automatically think of women who don't wear a bra, don't wear makeup, and don't shave their legs, because they want to be treated like men. But thats not what it's about. It's about equal rights in politics, their job and so on. I didn't realize that even women are afraid of being affiliated with the term feminism. It's rather sad. "Even though such women often acknowledge that they have benefited from feminist-generated reform measures which have improved the social status of specific groups of women they do not wish to be seen as participants in the feminist movement." (23). Women are isolated if they believe in feminism. That's why it is so important that powerful figures and celebrities who are able to influence society are willing to proudly identify themselves as a feminist. People like Emma Watson, John Legend, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Ashton Kutcher etc. More people should educate themselves to understand the true definition of feminism and maybe it will be more widely excepted.
Emily, I thought you did a good job using the text and elaborating on how people don't understand feminism for what it is. I was a little thrown for a loop when you talked about people thinking automatically about a girl trying to be a tom boy but I do think you got across the point that feminism is not what most people think it is and the effects on everyone.
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ReplyDeleteEmily, I felt the same way when reading this. At first, I had no idea what feminism was. I think it is so true that everyone had their own definition of the word. I like how you pointed that out. I also like how you included that women who are feminists feel isolated, and then pointed out some famous figures who are feminists.
ReplyDeleteI agree reading this article truly opened up my mind. I agree with you people view the word feminist as such a bad word because they don't truly have a good understanding of it.
ReplyDeleteEmily, i can relate to you, it took me time to understand the meaning of feminism and i truly believe there is many other people that fail to understand the really meaning of it, matter fact some people create a whole different idea of what feminism really is and its purpose.
ReplyDeleteEmily, i can relate to you, it took me time to understand the meaning of feminism and i truly believe there is many other people that fail to understand the really meaning of it, matter fact some people create a whole different idea of what feminism really is and its purpose.
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