Feminism: A Movement to End Sexist Oppression

Erin Shaw
Professor Santos
Women, Music, and Power
January 31, 2016

Although the reading, "Feminism: A Movement to End Sexist Oppression", was not focused on music, it opened up my eyes about the word, "feminism". I've heard this word before, but never really knew what it meant, or why it was such a big deal. Many people throughout the United States would probably be able to agree with me on that. After reading this article, I gained much better knowledge about what feminism is, and also the history behind it. Some may look at feminism in a negative way, others may not. Although I choose not to express my opinion on it in this post, I'd like to share some thoughts about it.

Women don't want more rights than men, or to be more "powerful", they want equality in all ways. "Feminism is a struggle to end sexist oppression" (26). Many women experience barriers in their life that stop them from doing many things. For example, a woman might want to work as a construction worker, but won't because she feels as if it is a man's job. "It is not surprising that the vast majority of women who equate feminism with alternative lifestyle are from middle class backgrounds, unmarried, college educated, often students who are without many of the social and economic responsibilities that working class and poor women who are laborers, parents, and wives confront daily" (27). When it comes down to it, everyone should be equal, no matter gender, race, ethnicity, or any other characteristic.  There is such a big controversy with the word, 'feminism', and it is a very controversial topic. "Without challenging and changing these philosophical structures, no feminist reforms will have a long range impact"(31).