What is Feminism--to real people?
Addressing contemporary feminism in this woman's studies course may become a challenge. In class I noticed two things right out of the gate, that give me reason to worry about this. First, many of the students don't seem to clearly know what feminism is. Secondly, the people that represent feminism to most of my peers are either entertainers or other well-known, successful women, who may or may not stand for feminism. If the students in this class were asked "Who's a good role model for girls?" I bet 90% of us would give you the same lists given when asked "who do you think represents feminism?" Before I elaborate on my statements, let me define feminism in my own "textbook" words. Feminism: The political drive to achieve women the same social, political, and economic opportunities men have. Unfortunately, from what I heard in class, I get the idea that many of my classmates feel that feminism means the glorification of women, or more distressingly, the traditional female role (I say traditional role because I'm bracing for the shrapnel to fly when pornography, which is considered by some to be a celebration of female sexuality, will be examined). If I remember right, one of the student
The stereotypical characteristics of today's female gender role, including passivity, emotional openness (such as crying in public), and "getting along," instead of "getting ahead," all are considered political suicide. One shouldn't jump to the conclusion from what I've said to mean that all women in entertainment aren't feminists. But, the fact of the matter stands that feminism is not a celebration of the way women have always been socialized, if only because socialized gender roles do more harm than good for progressive women. Feminism, at its best, is the expanding of the female role, not the glorification of narrow social roles. But even as they get attention from the media, they're examined differently from male politicians. Oprah Winfrey, while not a conventional feminist, contributes to the movement through her show, often using the media to address problems that inhibit females on a large scale. This comes to who my classmates believe represent feminism. Bush for looking like a goofy ass, or smearing Ronald Reagan for not masking his wrinkles). Feminism wants to create women leaders, women who feel that it's perfectly normal not to be what most Americans consider "feminine. First, I need to mention that my peers don't seem to be blessed with a large frame of reference on the topic. Some of the movement's greatest victories have involved improving the lives of everyday, traditional women (such as overturning many laws that condoned spousal abuse). Feminism is letting people know that being a "difficult" woman doesn't necessarily make anyone a "bitch," and sometimes acting like a bitch isn't any different from acting aggressively as a man. It's easier for common Americans to accept women as successful people, and stereotypically female beings than to accept women as people who can act as harsh, cold, and ugly as men; this explains why women in entertainment are more respected in our general culture than women in politics, and it assures us that the media will give coverage to women America likes before women who challenge the status quo. Feminism, at its heart, is the belief that women deserve the same treatment as men, no better, no worse.
Common topics in this essay:
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Oprah Winfrey,
Gloria Steinem,
Love Hewitt,
Katherine Harris,
Jane Doe,
Patrica Ireland,
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GW Bush,
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Brittney Spear's,
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american media,
celebration femininity,
social roles,
female role,
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lack political,
gloria steinem,
katherine harris,
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Acceptance Essays
