Name: IWIN (International Women in Need)
Date: December 3, 2007
Location: Women’s Center
This event was planned to discuss the 2007-2008 IWIN project. This year’s project is to raise money to purchase a power mill for a village in Kenya. This mill would eliminate much of the manual work that the women have to do to grind their corn. Corn is a very important staple in the lives of Kenyan families and having a mill to grind it would make things go much faster and more efficient. The hope of IWIN is to donate this mill to the women’s group in the village and then they can begin a small business of grinding the corn. They are going to do this through fundraising events.
This group and fundraising event is strongly connected the ideas that we discussed throughout this course. Their main objective is to help the women in the village eliminate some of the work that they are required to do. All the corn grinding is the women’s responsibility because of the roles that their society places on them. The IWIN organization is working to help create a more equal society for the women.
I found this informational meeting to be very interesting. I think that this is an organization that I will definitely volunteer for in the future. These ideas that they have planned and the things that they want to do to improve this village in Kenya aresomething that is obviously needed and will help make these women lives better.
Monday, December 3, 2007
A feminist is any person who strives for equality among males and females. They work to create equality by eliminating systems of inequality socially and economically. They do this through activism and educating people to know that this inequality still exists. Today feminist are not only interested in equality in their lives but other women’s lives globally. In today’s society there is also the profeminist man. They are joining the efforts towards the fight for equality among the sexes. They are supporting equality in the work force and changing the way they act and live to help shape the definition of masculinity and redefine the roles that women hold within relationships. Originally coming into this course I would not have labeled myself a feminist. I thought that the word had a negative connotation and really did not understand what they fought for. In general I just thought that a feminist was a man hater. Now however I see that they work towards something that benefits every woman in society. They are doing something that needs to be done and will make things better for women. Because I better understand what they work towards and what they work towards, I know do believe that I am a feminist.
This course has definitely changed the way that I look at things. Before this course I never really took notice of all the areas that women are discriminated in because of their gender. Now I realize that there are still so many areas of inequality left in our society and throughout the world. I see that the feminist movement is something that still needs to be present in our society. Equality is something that the United States needs to strive for as well as countries all around the world.
From this course I will take away that inequality still exist based on gender. I will have the awareness to know when I am being discriminated against based on my gender. Knowing that you are being discriminated against is the first step towards fixing the problem.
This course has definitely changed the way that I look at things. Before this course I never really took notice of all the areas that women are discriminated in because of their gender. Now I realize that there are still so many areas of inequality left in our society and throughout the world. I see that the feminist movement is something that still needs to be present in our society. Equality is something that the United States needs to strive for as well as countries all around the world.
From this course I will take away that inequality still exist based on gender. I will have the awareness to know when I am being discriminated against based on my gender. Knowing that you are being discriminated against is the first step towards fixing the problem.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Reading 1- Constitutional Argument- Susan B. Anthony
In this article Susan B. Anthony is arguing the fact that she did not commit a crime by voting. She states that every citizen is entitles to a right to vote and a voice in their government. The entire reason that she cannot vote is because the state has developed social policies promoting inequality within her government based on gender. This article was written in 1828, as we have learned in this class women have made great strides within the government since then including the right to vote.
Reading 2- The Postwar Moment- Cynthia Cockburn
Here article is in response to postwar talks at a convention in Dayton Ohio. Cockburn says that people were shocked by the absence of the presence of women at the convention for two reasons. First of all is that women and the struggles were highly rooted at the center of this war. They were the ones that would up-rooted from their homes, the center of the life, and forced to relocate. The second reason is at the time of the convention gender awareness was already an intergovernmental policy. She then goes on to say that after this was brought to attention three women came together to help implement better gender equality in government agencies and polices. As we learned earlier in this chapter government policies are often influenced by the state which has many male dominated practices and higher up officials are often male. This is possibly why there is so little gender awareness and equality within the government and all of its institutions and agencies.
Reading 3- Unequal- Jessica Newirth
Newirth points out the fact that despite the attempts of government to affirm the right of equality it still has not occurred in societies around the world. There are laws that promote equality and them there are ones that go against it. Many of the discriminatory laws that are present today are family laws which directly affect women and their lives. She also notes that point that this does not just occur in Muslim societies but also in the United States. She does acknowledge that change in policies is occurring but at a very slow pace. I found this article to be quite shocking. I didn’t know that some of these acts of discrimination occur. This article further illustrated that women have a very long way to go till equality is reached and one of the main oppressors of women is the government and the policies which it creates.
In this article Susan B. Anthony is arguing the fact that she did not commit a crime by voting. She states that every citizen is entitles to a right to vote and a voice in their government. The entire reason that she cannot vote is because the state has developed social policies promoting inequality within her government based on gender. This article was written in 1828, as we have learned in this class women have made great strides within the government since then including the right to vote.
Reading 2- The Postwar Moment- Cynthia Cockburn
Here article is in response to postwar talks at a convention in Dayton Ohio. Cockburn says that people were shocked by the absence of the presence of women at the convention for two reasons. First of all is that women and the struggles were highly rooted at the center of this war. They were the ones that would up-rooted from their homes, the center of the life, and forced to relocate. The second reason is at the time of the convention gender awareness was already an intergovernmental policy. She then goes on to say that after this was brought to attention three women came together to help implement better gender equality in government agencies and polices. As we learned earlier in this chapter government policies are often influenced by the state which has many male dominated practices and higher up officials are often male. This is possibly why there is so little gender awareness and equality within the government and all of its institutions and agencies.
Reading 3- Unequal- Jessica Newirth
Newirth points out the fact that despite the attempts of government to affirm the right of equality it still has not occurred in societies around the world. There are laws that promote equality and them there are ones that go against it. Many of the discriminatory laws that are present today are family laws which directly affect women and their lives. She also notes that point that this does not just occur in Muslim societies but also in the United States. She does acknowledge that change in policies is occurring but at a very slow pace. I found this article to be quite shocking. I didn’t know that some of these acts of discrimination occur. This article further illustrated that women have a very long way to go till equality is reached and one of the main oppressors of women is the government and the policies which it creates.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Some people argue that the wage gap is justified and it is simply the choice of the women that she wants to earn less. In reality what woman would want to make less money? The gender wage gap is not justified and it is just another form of discrimination not any different than a person earning less because of their race.
June O’Neill argues that the gender wage gap occurs because woman choose occupations that pay less and show less attachment to their jobs. She also argues that women earn less money annually because they are more likely to hold part time jobs. The one thing that she does not account for is why women often show these trends. The answer to this question is that women often times cannot show as much commitment to their jobs because they are responsible for the gender roles that have been set by society.
Women are the ones that are responsible for the home and raising children which often times leaves less time to focus on their career. The gender roles that society sets make it this way. Men are very rarely responsible for staying home when the child is sick they are less likely to play an active role in their children’s lives and this is because it is what women are expected to do, it is not always their choice. Once children are born men actually show an increase in work time, while on the other hand women’s work time is decreased. Hilary Lips points out that because of the home responsibility women are also often times less likely to earn extras like overtime and bonuses because of their household responsibilities. This in turn makes the gender wage gap even larger and these things are often times not counted in the research done, which makes the gender wage gap look smaller than what it actually is.
June O’Neill second justification for the gender wage gap is that women often time choose careers that on average make less money annually than the careers that men choose. Research shows that women are often times in career fields that are dominantly female. This again goes back to the fact that women have to choose careers that fit in with their other household responsibilities. This is not saying that women do not want more demanding jobs but they have to take into account their household responsibilities. Once again these household responsibilities are gender role standards that are set by society and most women accept them because it is how they have been raised and is what they know to be the “social norm.”
The gender wage gap issue goes back to the same issue that we have discussed time and time again in this course. Inequality between men and women is based simply on their gender. Women are always going to earn less money annually compared to men because of the social norms and gender roles that society accepts as normal. Until men and women equally share roles within the home that are traditionally female oriented women will still not have time to take more demanding jobs and work more hours which in turn will result in increase in income. Contrary to what June O’Neill says this is not always a choice that women make but more often it is simply a responsibility that society has put on her because of her gender, it has nothing to due with her drive and dedication to her career. The pay gap is simply another indicator of inequality based on gender and is another way that women are discriminated against. Until this inequality between men and women is resolved it is likely that they pay gap will not decrease and that women will continue to face another form of inequality.
June O’Neill argues that the gender wage gap occurs because woman choose occupations that pay less and show less attachment to their jobs. She also argues that women earn less money annually because they are more likely to hold part time jobs. The one thing that she does not account for is why women often show these trends. The answer to this question is that women often times cannot show as much commitment to their jobs because they are responsible for the gender roles that have been set by society.
Women are the ones that are responsible for the home and raising children which often times leaves less time to focus on their career. The gender roles that society sets make it this way. Men are very rarely responsible for staying home when the child is sick they are less likely to play an active role in their children’s lives and this is because it is what women are expected to do, it is not always their choice. Once children are born men actually show an increase in work time, while on the other hand women’s work time is decreased. Hilary Lips points out that because of the home responsibility women are also often times less likely to earn extras like overtime and bonuses because of their household responsibilities. This in turn makes the gender wage gap even larger and these things are often times not counted in the research done, which makes the gender wage gap look smaller than what it actually is.
June O’Neill second justification for the gender wage gap is that women often time choose careers that on average make less money annually than the careers that men choose. Research shows that women are often times in career fields that are dominantly female. This again goes back to the fact that women have to choose careers that fit in with their other household responsibilities. This is not saying that women do not want more demanding jobs but they have to take into account their household responsibilities. Once again these household responsibilities are gender role standards that are set by society and most women accept them because it is how they have been raised and is what they know to be the “social norm.”
The gender wage gap issue goes back to the same issue that we have discussed time and time again in this course. Inequality between men and women is based simply on their gender. Women are always going to earn less money annually compared to men because of the social norms and gender roles that society accepts as normal. Until men and women equally share roles within the home that are traditionally female oriented women will still not have time to take more demanding jobs and work more hours which in turn will result in increase in income. Contrary to what June O’Neill says this is not always a choice that women make but more often it is simply a responsibility that society has put on her because of her gender, it has nothing to due with her drive and dedication to her career. The pay gap is simply another indicator of inequality based on gender and is another way that women are discriminated against. Until this inequality between men and women is resolved it is likely that they pay gap will not decrease and that women will continue to face another form of inequality.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Midterm II
Heteronormativity is defined by the text as the way heterosexuality is constructed as the norm (172). This means that social, familial and legal rules force us to conform to these culturally dominant heterosexual standards for identity.
Heteronormativity in turn encourages ideals of feminine and masculine roles. These feminine and masculine roles then set social norms for how men and women are supposed to act. In society social norms are constantly changing. Currently in today’s American society masculinity is synonymous with such terms as power, dominance and control. Women are on the other end of this spectrum. Heteronormativity helps encourage this by the emphasis on men being dominate and setting it as a standard for their identity. Masculinity as defined as power also carries over into the workplace and the home. Men are encouraged to take the leadership and dominant provider role in both situations.
In the workplace men most often hold the higher office statuses. They are most likely the ones to take credit for achievements in collaborative efforts over women. At home in most marriages women are often considered the nurturers and men the providers. When women do work outside the home it is the societal norm for them to still have the majority of the household chores and care giving for the children. All of these are examples of sexual scripts, which reflect social norms, practices and workings of power (165).
One other area where heteronormativity is increasingly prevalent in our society is on the topic of reproductive health and policies. One of the most hotly debated topics today is gay marriage. Gay marriage, reproductive policies and heteronormativity are all directly linked. One of the major points in the argument against gay marriage is that one of the reasons for the institution of marriage is for reproductive purposes. Biologically speaking becoming a parent can only occur between a heterosexual, male and female couple. This once again is imposing the social norm on people. However people are still arguing that adoption should also be a primarily heterosexual practice. Critics of gay marriage are saying that for a child to have a proper up bringing that they need both a male and a female parent. There is no actual evidence that this is true, research actually shows that lesbian partners make perfectly fit parents. This is all just based on the rules and social norms that heteronormativity sets up.
Another important issue that we have discussed so far in this course is how the body is an important site for gender expression. In today’s society the body can be used in many different ways to express individual traits.
“Bodies, however, are not only reflections of social norms and practices but also sites of identity and self-expression.” (pg. 231) The body is one place that every individual has control of. It has become synonymous with personal freedom. Today people control their bodies by tattoos, piercing and dieting. Some people even go as far a plastic surgery. Young women often have very little control in many areas of their life so they see their bodies as one are that they can control.
Altering your body is a new trend in today’s society. It is something that is becoming more and more socially acceptable. Today women’s bodies are often thought of as sleek soft and hairless, all traits that are associated with powerlessness. Women also are expected to have thin toned bodies.
The text states “These images of perfect bodies are fabricated by a male-dominated culture and are reinforced by multi-billion-dollar industries that serve to maintain both corporate profits and patriarchal social relations (pg 229).” This quote emphasizes the role that the media plays in shaping body images of women today. You are seeing advertisements that sexualize women and enforce images of thin, large breasted individuals. In advertisements today the majority of the time they also put emphasis on the fact that white features are better, especially when it comes to hair. These images are putting certain ideas in the minds of women that are causing them to buy their products that make them look that way. A prime example of this is how over the last several years the diet industry has been at an all time high in sales.
Sexual violence can also be linked with gender expression. Beauty ideas often reflect various ideas of power. These ideas are often expressed through our bodies. Today white standards are often what are considered the norm. Double standards within society also create a feeling of superiority among men. This makes men feel the need to be dominate over women and often times to show this they led to violence.
Like many other issues within the society these things could be resolved and made better if there was an overall equality between men and women in society. This is something that the feminist movement is working towards and hopefully will come closer to in the future.
Heteronormativity in turn encourages ideals of feminine and masculine roles. These feminine and masculine roles then set social norms for how men and women are supposed to act. In society social norms are constantly changing. Currently in today’s American society masculinity is synonymous with such terms as power, dominance and control. Women are on the other end of this spectrum. Heteronormativity helps encourage this by the emphasis on men being dominate and setting it as a standard for their identity. Masculinity as defined as power also carries over into the workplace and the home. Men are encouraged to take the leadership and dominant provider role in both situations.
In the workplace men most often hold the higher office statuses. They are most likely the ones to take credit for achievements in collaborative efforts over women. At home in most marriages women are often considered the nurturers and men the providers. When women do work outside the home it is the societal norm for them to still have the majority of the household chores and care giving for the children. All of these are examples of sexual scripts, which reflect social norms, practices and workings of power (165).
One other area where heteronormativity is increasingly prevalent in our society is on the topic of reproductive health and policies. One of the most hotly debated topics today is gay marriage. Gay marriage, reproductive policies and heteronormativity are all directly linked. One of the major points in the argument against gay marriage is that one of the reasons for the institution of marriage is for reproductive purposes. Biologically speaking becoming a parent can only occur between a heterosexual, male and female couple. This once again is imposing the social norm on people. However people are still arguing that adoption should also be a primarily heterosexual practice. Critics of gay marriage are saying that for a child to have a proper up bringing that they need both a male and a female parent. There is no actual evidence that this is true, research actually shows that lesbian partners make perfectly fit parents. This is all just based on the rules and social norms that heteronormativity sets up.
Another important issue that we have discussed so far in this course is how the body is an important site for gender expression. In today’s society the body can be used in many different ways to express individual traits.
“Bodies, however, are not only reflections of social norms and practices but also sites of identity and self-expression.” (pg. 231) The body is one place that every individual has control of. It has become synonymous with personal freedom. Today people control their bodies by tattoos, piercing and dieting. Some people even go as far a plastic surgery. Young women often have very little control in many areas of their life so they see their bodies as one are that they can control.
Altering your body is a new trend in today’s society. It is something that is becoming more and more socially acceptable. Today women’s bodies are often thought of as sleek soft and hairless, all traits that are associated with powerlessness. Women also are expected to have thin toned bodies.
The text states “These images of perfect bodies are fabricated by a male-dominated culture and are reinforced by multi-billion-dollar industries that serve to maintain both corporate profits and patriarchal social relations (pg 229).” This quote emphasizes the role that the media plays in shaping body images of women today. You are seeing advertisements that sexualize women and enforce images of thin, large breasted individuals. In advertisements today the majority of the time they also put emphasis on the fact that white features are better, especially when it comes to hair. These images are putting certain ideas in the minds of women that are causing them to buy their products that make them look that way. A prime example of this is how over the last several years the diet industry has been at an all time high in sales.
Sexual violence can also be linked with gender expression. Beauty ideas often reflect various ideas of power. These ideas are often expressed through our bodies. Today white standards are often what are considered the norm. Double standards within society also create a feeling of superiority among men. This makes men feel the need to be dominate over women and often times to show this they led to violence.
Like many other issues within the society these things could be resolved and made better if there was an overall equality between men and women in society. This is something that the feminist movement is working towards and hopefully will come closer to in the future.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
EVENT 1
EVENT 1
Name: “Divorce Iranian Style”
Date: November 6, 2007
Location: Torg. 1060
This event was a documentary style video that followed four women in Iran while they were trying to divorce their husbands. The video had very little commentary and really just showed what it was like in a very real way. Almost the entire video took place in the court house where the fate of the women was decided.
In Iran women are only allowed to divorce their husbands under certain circumstances. The court decides if the reasons they state are legitimate enough to grant the divorce. Women really have no rights. In one case one of the women (or I should say girl, she was 16) had had her marriage arranged. She had no desire to marry her husband. In the course we have learned women have always had to fight for the equality that they have. Women in Iran are in the midst of their struggle. Men in the Iranian society are definitely viewed as superior. Women there are still viewed as a possession in which their man purpose in life is to have babies and make the man happy.
I was shocked when I saw this video. I had no clue that women have such little rights in the Iranian society. At the court house there were two separate entrances and women were told how much make up they should be wearing. But the most shocking event that occurred during the video was when one woman remarried she lost her children. I could not believe that the court would take away her daughter for marrying another man. This video showed me how far women in some societies still have to come. Strive for equality for women is definitely not over.
Name: “Divorce Iranian Style”
Date: November 6, 2007
Location: Torg. 1060
This event was a documentary style video that followed four women in Iran while they were trying to divorce their husbands. The video had very little commentary and really just showed what it was like in a very real way. Almost the entire video took place in the court house where the fate of the women was decided.
In Iran women are only allowed to divorce their husbands under certain circumstances. The court decides if the reasons they state are legitimate enough to grant the divorce. Women really have no rights. In one case one of the women (or I should say girl, she was 16) had had her marriage arranged. She had no desire to marry her husband. In the course we have learned women have always had to fight for the equality that they have. Women in Iran are in the midst of their struggle. Men in the Iranian society are definitely viewed as superior. Women there are still viewed as a possession in which their man purpose in life is to have babies and make the man happy.
I was shocked when I saw this video. I had no clue that women have such little rights in the Iranian society. At the court house there were two separate entrances and women were told how much make up they should be wearing. But the most shocking event that occurred during the video was when one woman remarried she lost her children. I could not believe that the court would take away her daughter for marrying another man. This video showed me how far women in some societies still have to come. Strive for equality for women is definitely not over.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Gay Marriage in the United States
Gay marriage in the United States is a heavily debated issue. There are two clear cut sides, it should be legal because all citizens in the United States are entitled to the same rights and it should be illegal because it breaks the definition of what marriage is stated as in the constitution.
Personally I think that it should be an individual decision. The government should have no say in what to people fall in love and how they define their love. Telling someone that they can not marry another person based on the gender is simply discrimination based on sexual preference. Homosexuality is not considered the “social norm” in the United States however those who chose to practice should be entitled to the same rights as those heterosexual couples in the United States.
Today in the United States gay marriage is a state issue. This means that each state is allowed to decide whether or not they condone gay marriage. This decision came on the basis of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1966 set up by the Bill Clinton administration. Essentially it states that no state is required to recognize a same sex union and defines marriage as being between a man and a woman only. 38 states approved this act.
Currently in the United States as of 2004 11 states ban same sex marriage. However many do not oppose granting domestic partner benefits. Vermont was the first state in the United States to allow civil unions which essentially give homosexual couples all the same rights as heterosexual couples.
In the article that we read Peter Sprigg is against the idea of homosexual marriage. He argues that there are two key reasons why this should not be allowed. First marriage is specifically defined as a union between a man and women. Two men or two women being married would hold no validity. Secondly he says that homosexual relationships are harmful. He also argues the point that homosexual couples already have the same rights as heterosexual couples so why marry.
I would say that neither of these reasons carries enough weight to justify not allowing every individual to the same rights as others based on their sexual preference. Just because the constitution states that marriage is between a man and a woman only does not make it right. The constitution was written in 1787. Since then there have been several changes to it. For example women didn’t have the right to vote until 1920 when the Nineteenth Amendment granted them this right. The founders of the constitution made it so that we would be allowed to make changes when necessary. That is to say if we have never allowed changes then perhaps women would still have no rights and there would still be slavery. Today we look at those as normal everything is going to be radical when it first begins but that is not to say that one day it may be accepted.
Sprigg’s second argument that homosexual relationships are harmful is based completely on myths and rumors. He says that homosexual relationships are worse in several areas. One of the examples that he uses is that homosexual relationships will lead to adoption. In these homes there will not be both sexes of parents which will be harmful to the child’s development. There are no statistics that confirm this. You could also bring up the argument that there are heterosexual homes where one parent has left. This essentially is a home with only one sex parent. Does this mean that single mothers or fathers should not be allowed to have children?
Kurdek takes the other side on gay marriage and says that everyone should have the same rights to marry. He points out in contrast to Sprigg’s claim that gay relationships only differ in one area and that is social support. This could even be changed if it was made more acceptable.
Just because gay marriage does not meet the status quo in the United States does not mean that it should be wrong and not allowed. Every individual needs to have the same rights as the next. With out this idea of equality we are essentially taking a step back. Gay marriage is a new idea that is testing the limits of our society. But as history shows testing these limits and making changes is what end time leads to a better society for us all.
Personally I think that it should be an individual decision. The government should have no say in what to people fall in love and how they define their love. Telling someone that they can not marry another person based on the gender is simply discrimination based on sexual preference. Homosexuality is not considered the “social norm” in the United States however those who chose to practice should be entitled to the same rights as those heterosexual couples in the United States.
Today in the United States gay marriage is a state issue. This means that each state is allowed to decide whether or not they condone gay marriage. This decision came on the basis of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1966 set up by the Bill Clinton administration. Essentially it states that no state is required to recognize a same sex union and defines marriage as being between a man and a woman only. 38 states approved this act.
Currently in the United States as of 2004 11 states ban same sex marriage. However many do not oppose granting domestic partner benefits. Vermont was the first state in the United States to allow civil unions which essentially give homosexual couples all the same rights as heterosexual couples.
In the article that we read Peter Sprigg is against the idea of homosexual marriage. He argues that there are two key reasons why this should not be allowed. First marriage is specifically defined as a union between a man and women. Two men or two women being married would hold no validity. Secondly he says that homosexual relationships are harmful. He also argues the point that homosexual couples already have the same rights as heterosexual couples so why marry.
I would say that neither of these reasons carries enough weight to justify not allowing every individual to the same rights as others based on their sexual preference. Just because the constitution states that marriage is between a man and a woman only does not make it right. The constitution was written in 1787. Since then there have been several changes to it. For example women didn’t have the right to vote until 1920 when the Nineteenth Amendment granted them this right. The founders of the constitution made it so that we would be allowed to make changes when necessary. That is to say if we have never allowed changes then perhaps women would still have no rights and there would still be slavery. Today we look at those as normal everything is going to be radical when it first begins but that is not to say that one day it may be accepted.
Sprigg’s second argument that homosexual relationships are harmful is based completely on myths and rumors. He says that homosexual relationships are worse in several areas. One of the examples that he uses is that homosexual relationships will lead to adoption. In these homes there will not be both sexes of parents which will be harmful to the child’s development. There are no statistics that confirm this. You could also bring up the argument that there are heterosexual homes where one parent has left. This essentially is a home with only one sex parent. Does this mean that single mothers or fathers should not be allowed to have children?
Kurdek takes the other side on gay marriage and says that everyone should have the same rights to marry. He points out in contrast to Sprigg’s claim that gay relationships only differ in one area and that is social support. This could even be changed if it was made more acceptable.
Just because gay marriage does not meet the status quo in the United States does not mean that it should be wrong and not allowed. Every individual needs to have the same rights as the next. With out this idea of equality we are essentially taking a step back. Gay marriage is a new idea that is testing the limits of our society. But as history shows testing these limits and making changes is what end time leads to a better society for us all.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The article Marriage and Love by Emma Goldman discusses the idea of how love is related to marriage. Goldman states that marriage and love have nothing in common. “No doubt some marriages have been the result of. Not however because love could assert itself only in marriage.” This is perhaps the quote that best sums up her article. Goldman states that marriage is just a convention that we can’t outgrow. It is something that we do because we think that it’s right. She also says that one of the main reasons that people get married today is for economic reason. One of the other points that she brought up was the marriage cannot make you fall in love with a person; you need to love before you marry them in order to make it work. I completely agree with her ideas on marriage. Today in the United States I think that some people make a mockery out of marriage. They marry for a variety reasons, money, parental approval, military, that have nothing to do with love. The text even points out that some people “sell” their daughters into marriage for economic gain.
The second article that I read was the Myth of the Perfect Mother. In this article Judith Warner is describing a problem in the United States that most women face. She is balancing two jobs, being a full time job and having a career outside of the home. She describes it as a task that a lot of women deal with. Men are not expected to take on this double role. Women and their children are constantly competing with other families to be on the top. It is necessary to have an array of activities and to be the best at them. This leads to a very demanding schedule for women. This epidemic as she calls it is something that I have seen firsthand. My mom balanced a full job in the city and then she came home and cooked dinner and took me to my activities. This would be considered ok but my mom also had to be the head of everything, she was the Girl Scout leader, softball coach and class mom. She would wake up and do this day after day; it was a never ending cycle because it is just considered routine for most women.
The final article that I read was Only Daughter. Sandra Cisneros article is about growing up an only daughter in a Mexican society. The main goal for her in her father’s eyes was to marry. This enforces the fact that the text states that marriage is often for economic reasons. However when she did become successful her father realized that it was not the only thing that she could accomplish. Today this is not something that we often times worry or even think about. It is just as acceptable for women to go to college as it is for a man. No one wants to be considered a “Old Maid” which is a stigma that is associated with not marrying but often times if you are successful in your career it is overlooked. When women can be financially independent they no longer need a man to support them.
The second article that I read was the Myth of the Perfect Mother. In this article Judith Warner is describing a problem in the United States that most women face. She is balancing two jobs, being a full time job and having a career outside of the home. She describes it as a task that a lot of women deal with. Men are not expected to take on this double role. Women and their children are constantly competing with other families to be on the top. It is necessary to have an array of activities and to be the best at them. This leads to a very demanding schedule for women. This epidemic as she calls it is something that I have seen firsthand. My mom balanced a full job in the city and then she came home and cooked dinner and took me to my activities. This would be considered ok but my mom also had to be the head of everything, she was the Girl Scout leader, softball coach and class mom. She would wake up and do this day after day; it was a never ending cycle because it is just considered routine for most women.
The final article that I read was Only Daughter. Sandra Cisneros article is about growing up an only daughter in a Mexican society. The main goal for her in her father’s eyes was to marry. This enforces the fact that the text states that marriage is often for economic reasons. However when she did become successful her father realized that it was not the only thing that she could accomplish. Today this is not something that we often times worry or even think about. It is just as acceptable for women to go to college as it is for a man. No one wants to be considered a “Old Maid” which is a stigma that is associated with not marrying but often times if you are successful in your career it is overlooked. When women can be financially independent they no longer need a man to support them.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Gender and sexual violence have a very strong connection. Some people could even say that the reason for sexual violence is because of gender standards in the United States.
There are very clear standards of how certain genders should act. Society has certain sexual scripts which “reflect social norms practices and workings of power...” (pg 165). These scripts often times give people an idea of the way that they are supposed to act. Men are supposed to be strong and dominating. In Kimmel’s article he discussing that men are constantly ranking one another. The man on the top is that one that is the most powerful and dominating. Often time’s men think that one way to show this dominance is through violence. On the other hand women are often times at the other end of the spectrum. Social standards and sexual scripts set standards so that women should be more timid subservient.
These standards often carry over into relationships between men and women. Men play these more dominate roles such as the economic provider and women play the more sensitive roles such as the homemaker and caregiver. These roles often set women up to be dependent on men and allow men to be the power players in the relationships. These feeling of dominance can lead to the violence in relationships.
It should be noted that as stated in the text men can also show dominance over other men and lead to violence among them. Women can also be the ones that are violent however, female violence is often times more emotionally harming than physically harming.
Over time all societal standards change. That is to say that eventually one day the typical ideas of how males and females act may one day change and that these issues will no longer be prevalent. This is not saying that sexual violence will end when there is equality among the sexes but I do believe that it will greatly decrease when men feel that they no longer have to show dominance over women, and one way to do that is through violence. The first step in stopping this is education and encouraging both males and females to take on both feminine and masculine roles.
There are very clear standards of how certain genders should act. Society has certain sexual scripts which “reflect social norms practices and workings of power...” (pg 165). These scripts often times give people an idea of the way that they are supposed to act. Men are supposed to be strong and dominating. In Kimmel’s article he discussing that men are constantly ranking one another. The man on the top is that one that is the most powerful and dominating. Often time’s men think that one way to show this dominance is through violence. On the other hand women are often times at the other end of the spectrum. Social standards and sexual scripts set standards so that women should be more timid subservient.
These standards often carry over into relationships between men and women. Men play these more dominate roles such as the economic provider and women play the more sensitive roles such as the homemaker and caregiver. These roles often set women up to be dependent on men and allow men to be the power players in the relationships. These feeling of dominance can lead to the violence in relationships.
It should be noted that as stated in the text men can also show dominance over other men and lead to violence among them. Women can also be the ones that are violent however, female violence is often times more emotionally harming than physically harming.
Over time all societal standards change. That is to say that eventually one day the typical ideas of how males and females act may one day change and that these issues will no longer be prevalent. This is not saying that sexual violence will end when there is equality among the sexes but I do believe that it will greatly decrease when men feel that they no longer have to show dominance over women, and one way to do that is through violence. The first step in stopping this is education and encouraging both males and females to take on both feminine and masculine roles.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
In interviewing I found that all four people found the statistics from the textbook alarmingly high. Perhaps the most shocking statistics of them all was that every two minutes a sexual assault occurs (555). Most people have no idea that these acts of violence against women are so common.
While interviewing the four people I could definitely see that there was varying ideas between the male and female responses and ideas about violence in general. The two women that I interviewed were very sympathetic to the issues. They seemed as if they could relate to the idea of violence against women or knew someone that had been a victim. The two women that were interviewed also never implicated that women could be the cause of the violence against them. They contributed the idea of violence to the fact that men feel they need to control situations and violence is an easy way to do this. One women interviewed said “men are on a power trip and are envious that women can so easily adapt to situations, they can be the homemaker and the bread winner. Violence is a way that they can keep power in check.” This power struggle that she mentioned can in fact being one of the reasons that men turn to violence against women and other men.
The two males that were interviewed were much less open to discussing violence against women, almost as though they thought they were being placed in this group of violent males. They were both sympathetic to the abuse that women encounter, however they both made it very clear that it was something that they had never been apart of. It was as though they thought because they were male they were automatically accused. I also felt that they guys did not relate to the situations, it was as if they knew it was going on but they shut it out.
Although there were very clear differences in why violence against women occurs, one common theme was how to try to fix it. All four people agreed that education is the best way. At a young age kids are easily molded and that is the best time to get across the ideas that need to change in order to decrease domestic violence.
I found these interviews to be an eye opener. I also did not know that the statistics for violence against women were so high and I found them quite surprising. However perhaps the most surprising difference that I found during these interviews is that there is definitely a difference in the opinions of men and women about violence.
While interviewing the four people I could definitely see that there was varying ideas between the male and female responses and ideas about violence in general. The two women that I interviewed were very sympathetic to the issues. They seemed as if they could relate to the idea of violence against women or knew someone that had been a victim. The two women that were interviewed also never implicated that women could be the cause of the violence against them. They contributed the idea of violence to the fact that men feel they need to control situations and violence is an easy way to do this. One women interviewed said “men are on a power trip and are envious that women can so easily adapt to situations, they can be the homemaker and the bread winner. Violence is a way that they can keep power in check.” This power struggle that she mentioned can in fact being one of the reasons that men turn to violence against women and other men.
The two males that were interviewed were much less open to discussing violence against women, almost as though they thought they were being placed in this group of violent males. They were both sympathetic to the abuse that women encounter, however they both made it very clear that it was something that they had never been apart of. It was as though they thought because they were male they were automatically accused. I also felt that they guys did not relate to the situations, it was as if they knew it was going on but they shut it out.
Although there were very clear differences in why violence against women occurs, one common theme was how to try to fix it. All four people agreed that education is the best way. At a young age kids are easily molded and that is the best time to get across the ideas that need to change in order to decrease domestic violence.
I found these interviews to be an eye opener. I also did not know that the statistics for violence against women were so high and I found them quite surprising. However perhaps the most surprising difference that I found during these interviews is that there is definitely a difference in the opinions of men and women about violence.
Friday, October 19, 2007
One of the main issues that face the United States today is our health care system and within that there is the issue of reproductive rights. Women today have a variety of resources that allow them to control their reproduction. These resources have been a struggle to obtain and people are still trying to take them away and make them more limited.
As the text points out “a key aspect of reproductive rights is the extent to which women can control their reproductive and therefore shape the quality and character of their lives.” The right for women to be able to choose is a concept that is continually under attack by the America society.
One of the first ways of preventing reproduction was the practice of sterilization. This includes such processes of tubal ligation and hysterectomy. It is a method of permanent birth control. These processes often carry a bad stigma because in history they have been used in the social practice called eugenics.
Another preventive practice is that of the pill. In 1965 in the Supreme Court ruling of Griswold v. Connecticut married couples were for the first time allowed to use birth control. This right was extended to single people in 1972 and then finally to minors in 1977.
The availability of birth control methods often depends on women’s socioeconomic status. For example women on welfare are more likely to be sterilized than women who are not. Another ironic fact is that Medicaid often pays for some sterilization practices while they often do not pay for other birth control options.
All of these practices are there to prevent pregnancy. However when it does occur there are two options, emergency contraception pills and abortion. These are perhaps the most controversy of the birth control methods.
Emergency contraception pill are taking within days of sex to prevent the fertilization of the egg. Thus it is not an abortion. It is also approved by the FDA.
Abortion is often a hot topic in political debates. People typically divide themselves into two categories, Pro-choice and Pro-life. Pro-life advocate’s not practicing abortion while pro-choice advocates the right for the women to choose what option she wants. A side note is that most women who consider themselves feminist also consider them selves pro-choice, however there is an exception. One of the major abortion decisions came in the ruling of Roe v. Wade which overturned the ban on abortions in the states. Since then there have been many people that have tried to go against this ruling.
The right of choice in the matter of reproduction is probably something that we all be an issue in American society. In order to maintain the women’s rights it is always something that we will have to fight for.
As the text points out “a key aspect of reproductive rights is the extent to which women can control their reproductive and therefore shape the quality and character of their lives.” The right for women to be able to choose is a concept that is continually under attack by the America society.
One of the first ways of preventing reproduction was the practice of sterilization. This includes such processes of tubal ligation and hysterectomy. It is a method of permanent birth control. These processes often carry a bad stigma because in history they have been used in the social practice called eugenics.
Another preventive practice is that of the pill. In 1965 in the Supreme Court ruling of Griswold v. Connecticut married couples were for the first time allowed to use birth control. This right was extended to single people in 1972 and then finally to minors in 1977.
The availability of birth control methods often depends on women’s socioeconomic status. For example women on welfare are more likely to be sterilized than women who are not. Another ironic fact is that Medicaid often pays for some sterilization practices while they often do not pay for other birth control options.
All of these practices are there to prevent pregnancy. However when it does occur there are two options, emergency contraception pills and abortion. These are perhaps the most controversy of the birth control methods.
Emergency contraception pill are taking within days of sex to prevent the fertilization of the egg. Thus it is not an abortion. It is also approved by the FDA.
Abortion is often a hot topic in political debates. People typically divide themselves into two categories, Pro-choice and Pro-life. Pro-life advocate’s not practicing abortion while pro-choice advocates the right for the women to choose what option she wants. A side note is that most women who consider themselves feminist also consider them selves pro-choice, however there is an exception. One of the major abortion decisions came in the ruling of Roe v. Wade which overturned the ban on abortions in the states. Since then there have been many people that have tried to go against this ruling.
The right of choice in the matter of reproduction is probably something that we all be an issue in American society. In order to maintain the women’s rights it is always something that we will have to fight for.
Friday, October 12, 2007
In the video Killing Us Softly it is pointed out that in addition to selling products advertisements also sell sex and normalcy. They tell us who we should be and what we should look like. Advertisements also tell women that they most important thing is how we look. They tell us how we should get that look and most importantly if we don’t succeed then we failed. Often these images are unrealistic. They set up standards that are impossible for the average women to reach.
Some advertisements are trying to go against these ideas. For example the Dove campaign is encouraging that women come in all shapes and sizes. The ad is encouraging that size isn’t everything.
However this is a rare idea most ads still encourage the perfect body and the image of what women should be. For example most high fashion ads like Versace, Prada and Channel show images of women who are unrealistically thin. In addition the commercials for the male body spray Axe use the tagline “How Dirty Boys get Clean.” It shows a man who uses the spray and then women jump all over him. The ad makes it look like women are so easily swayed that all men need to do is wear it.
As the text points out these ideas often come from white men in power positions. They are often not even close to what actual norms in reality are.
Some advertisements are trying to go against these ideas. For example the Dove campaign is encouraging that women come in all shapes and sizes. The ad is encouraging that size isn’t everything.
However this is a rare idea most ads still encourage the perfect body and the image of what women should be. For example most high fashion ads like Versace, Prada and Channel show images of women who are unrealistically thin. In addition the commercials for the male body spray Axe use the tagline “How Dirty Boys get Clean.” It shows a man who uses the spray and then women jump all over him. The ad makes it look like women are so easily swayed that all men need to do is wear it.
As the text points out these ideas often come from white men in power positions. They are often not even close to what actual norms in reality are.
The idea of beauty is something that is changeable. What is beautiful today is not something that was necessarily beautiful 100 years ago. Today women concentrate on having the perfect body. They diet and exercise to get that perfect size, they shave and wax and they tan and dye their hair. All these practices are in an effort to get that idea image. Where exactly does that idea image come from? The media is one of the main outlets. The media often shows women being attractive when they are thin and fit. Shows like Nip/Tuck and Dr. 90210 encourage plastic surgery to fix those aspects of you body that aren’t consider perfect. Americas Next Top Model encourages the idea of being thin; a plus sized model on the show is 140 pounds. These ideas of being able to make the perfect body have created million and billion dollar industries. As the text points out the dieting industry is one of the most productive. Beauty products, exercise machines and cosmetic surgery account for other money makers. Women want to be beautiful by society standards and are willing to do anything to get. They will buy every product that claims to make them loose weight faster or get the perfect tan.
Today’s ideal body in the US is one that is thin, toned and often the women have large breasts. As the text points out most of these bodies are white and when women of color are shown they often have white features. Like many other aspects of our society the standards of beauty are often set by those in power. They set the trends and enforce the standards of what is “expected” to be beautiful. Most of these power players are white males. Women are more likely to adhere to these “beauty norms”. They are more likely to be the ones that but the products and buy into what they are supposed to be like. You very rarely see a man on TV getting lipo and men never have to worry about the size of their breasts or butt. These ideas of what is considered right make it increasingly hard to accept you own body. You have an idea of what you should be and when you don’t reach it you feel like you body isn’t up to par.
These idea’s of what are considered beautiful varies among cultures. Latinas and black women are more accepted to be “thicker”. White women are still expected to be thin. However, some aspects are universal among all races. For example hair is always better if it’s straight. The politics of beauty is something that you see everyday, whether it’s on TV or in a magazine. It is something in our society that we can’t escape and something that will always be present. It is simply another way that society defines us and tells us what we are supposed to be.
Today’s ideal body in the US is one that is thin, toned and often the women have large breasts. As the text points out most of these bodies are white and when women of color are shown they often have white features. Like many other aspects of our society the standards of beauty are often set by those in power. They set the trends and enforce the standards of what is “expected” to be beautiful. Most of these power players are white males. Women are more likely to adhere to these “beauty norms”. They are more likely to be the ones that but the products and buy into what they are supposed to be like. You very rarely see a man on TV getting lipo and men never have to worry about the size of their breasts or butt. These ideas of what is considered right make it increasingly hard to accept you own body. You have an idea of what you should be and when you don’t reach it you feel like you body isn’t up to par.
These idea’s of what are considered beautiful varies among cultures. Latinas and black women are more accepted to be “thicker”. White women are still expected to be thin. However, some aspects are universal among all races. For example hair is always better if it’s straight. The politics of beauty is something that you see everyday, whether it’s on TV or in a magazine. It is something in our society that we can’t escape and something that will always be present. It is simply another way that society defines us and tells us what we are supposed to be.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Tough Guise
In the reading by Kimmel he points out that men are constantly ranking one another. To be at the top of that ranking you need to be considered tough, powerful. Men constantly want other men’s approval. He then brings up the point of homophobia he says that for men it is the fear that they will not measure up as a man. In order to prevent one of the sure fire ways that they know they can show their masculinity is through violence.
The idea of why violence plays such an important role in masculinity is brought up by Jackson Katz. Jackson Katz says that the “tough guise” is the image the men and boys feel that they need to put on in society to be accepted. Today words that are used to describe masculinity are physical, strong, independent, powerful and tough. Men do not want to be considered wimps or sissies.
There are several reasons for these ideas according to Katz, one being the media. The media often portrays men of color as violent. This gives the idea of it being socially acceptable. Also men think that women want tough guys. Families and communities also encourage these ideas of toughness.
Because of these ideas it is often considered that being violent is often an accepted part of masculinity. Both males and females are hurt by this idea. Often men take their violence out on other men. However women’s lives are also affected
With out this idea of masculinity equals violence, both male and female lives would improve. In order to do the images portrayed in the media need to change. Women also need to let men know that is it okay to be sensitive and that being a dominant male is not always necessary.
I completely agree with everything that Katz talk about. You can see these ideas everyday in the media and even in your everyday life. Men have the idea that if they are tougher and more powerful they will have dominance of women and even other men. Being tough is considered a form of power.
The idea of why violence plays such an important role in masculinity is brought up by Jackson Katz. Jackson Katz says that the “tough guise” is the image the men and boys feel that they need to put on in society to be accepted. Today words that are used to describe masculinity are physical, strong, independent, powerful and tough. Men do not want to be considered wimps or sissies.
There are several reasons for these ideas according to Katz, one being the media. The media often portrays men of color as violent. This gives the idea of it being socially acceptable. Also men think that women want tough guys. Families and communities also encourage these ideas of toughness.
Because of these ideas it is often considered that being violent is often an accepted part of masculinity. Both males and females are hurt by this idea. Often men take their violence out on other men. However women’s lives are also affected
With out this idea of masculinity equals violence, both male and female lives would improve. In order to do the images portrayed in the media need to change. Women also need to let men know that is it okay to be sensitive and that being a dominant male is not always necessary.
I completely agree with everything that Katz talk about. You can see these ideas everyday in the media and even in your everyday life. Men have the idea that if they are tougher and more powerful they will have dominance of women and even other men. Being tough is considered a form of power.
Sexual scripts reflect social norms, practices and workings. In turn they provide frameworks and guidelines for sexual feelings and behaviors. In our society males typically dominate and are considered the center, a term known as patriarchy. This idea of patriarchy then allows it to be socially acceptable for women to take the more “back seat” role in relationships. The roles or positions in a relationship that a person holds are known as the “politics of sexuality.”
Depending on your gender, male or female, often dictates the role you play in the relationship. Traditionally men play the more dominate, authoritative roles, while women are considered more passive. In society men are also considered more the economic provider and women in contrast are supposed to take care of the home. If a woman does work home chores are still considered a responsibility and often times it is the priority. These roles that we are supposed to maintain are a product of out culture and society. These roles also change over time and throughout different cultures. For example boys are often taught not to show emotion while in girls it is encouraged. Also men are taught to play more dominant roles. As a result of these standards roles often encourage male dominance in heterosexual relationships. The text also states that “romance is one of the key ways that sexism is maintained in society (pg 175).”
Society also sets standards for what is socially accepted within relationships. Typically the societal norm in the United States is a heterosexual relationship, one between a man and a woman. However today there are also homosexual and bisexual relationships. The sexual preference of an individual is known as their sexual identity.
Even within these groups some are considered more acceptable than others. Bisexuality often carries the most negative connation by both straight and gay communities. They are often considered “over-sexed” individuals who are simultaneously have male and female sexual relationships. But in reality being bisexual doesn’t mean this at all.
Another negative stigma that occurs in none heterosexual relationships is that gay couples will raise gay children. Some people think that gay and lesbian couples will not make proper parents. However research shows that they can make just as acceptable parents as heterosexual parents. Despite this adopting and even working in jobs relating to children can be considered a challenge.
Overall this section illustrates another way the society sets norms and standards for people. Once again women typically are not the dominate individual and often do not hold an equal role.
Depending on your gender, male or female, often dictates the role you play in the relationship. Traditionally men play the more dominate, authoritative roles, while women are considered more passive. In society men are also considered more the economic provider and women in contrast are supposed to take care of the home. If a woman does work home chores are still considered a responsibility and often times it is the priority. These roles that we are supposed to maintain are a product of out culture and society. These roles also change over time and throughout different cultures. For example boys are often taught not to show emotion while in girls it is encouraged. Also men are taught to play more dominant roles. As a result of these standards roles often encourage male dominance in heterosexual relationships. The text also states that “romance is one of the key ways that sexism is maintained in society (pg 175).”
Society also sets standards for what is socially accepted within relationships. Typically the societal norm in the United States is a heterosexual relationship, one between a man and a woman. However today there are also homosexual and bisexual relationships. The sexual preference of an individual is known as their sexual identity.
Even within these groups some are considered more acceptable than others. Bisexuality often carries the most negative connation by both straight and gay communities. They are often considered “over-sexed” individuals who are simultaneously have male and female sexual relationships. But in reality being bisexual doesn’t mean this at all.
Another negative stigma that occurs in none heterosexual relationships is that gay couples will raise gay children. Some people think that gay and lesbian couples will not make proper parents. However research shows that they can make just as acceptable parents as heterosexual parents. Despite this adopting and even working in jobs relating to children can be considered a challenge.
Overall this section illustrates another way the society sets norms and standards for people. Once again women typically are not the dominate individual and often do not hold an equal role.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Midterm
Sex and gender are two terms that in society are commonly used as interchangeable words with in society. However, so far in this women’s studies class the differences between the two were made clear. Gender can be defined as “the way society organizes understandings of sexual differences.” (pg 1) The text also states that gender involves the way that society creates, patterns, and rewards our understanding of femininity and masculinity. Sex deals with more the biological factors, male or female.
Gender is one of the factors that shape’s a person’s identity. Gender is not static and is a constantly changing idea. Interactions within society help shape each individuals idea of gender. There is no correct interpretation of what gender is it is open to each individual’s ideas.
One of the major things that the idea of gender odes in society is provides ideas of norms that each person should adhere to. These societal norms are not necessarily correct, they are just social standards. These norms dictate how boys act and how girls act. The ideas of typically began to be defined at a young age. One example that the text uses is the idea of the tomboy and sissies. It is acceptable for girls to be considered tomboys but boys can not be considered sissies. Certain actions are considered acceptable for males and females. These ideas mold behaviors.
To many people gender is a concept that is commonly confused. Three frameworks that help gender be understood are social construction, Kate Bornstein idea of the gender pyramid and Anne Fausto-Sterling’s idea that two genders are not enough.
First is the idea of social construction. Judith Lorber states the first step in gender construction is labeling depending on the genitalia that you are given at birth. Babies are then typically dressed accordingly. As you get older you are then treated differently depending on your gender. During your teenage years you know what is expected from you because of you gender and you began to fill those roles. Gender also constructs ideas of what certain role are supposed to entail. Mothers and fathers have two totally different parenting roles. When this “norm” is broken people are looked at differently. For instance in today’s society it is very odd for a man to be the “stay home dad” but it is completely acceptable for the women to stay home while the man goes out into the work force. Gender creates norms that member within society function by and these norms are learned at a young age.
The second framework that makes sense of gender is Kate Bornstein idea of a gender pyramid. Bornstein says that in society we need to separate gender and sex. She says that you do not have to identify as either male or female but you can be a mixture of both. She puts the ideas of gender into a pyramid like structure. The majority of people should be able to fit into one of these categories.
Another similar framework is that of Anne Fausto-Sterling, and the idea that two genders are not enough to classify every individual. One of her major points in that some people do not have a correct “sex”. Biologically they do not fit into either category of male of female. Her question is then were do they go? This is the basic idea for why there should be more than two genders.
One other are that gender plays an important role is in science and technology. Gender from the beginning has been shaped by science and technology. From the beginnings of science gender was present. As Nelly Oudshoor points out in her article in the beginning stages of anatomy there was a one sex model. Later on the female was thought of as simply the lack of male genitals. Today every part of the human body (except the eyes) can be identified as either male or female.
In comparison certain ideas about gender also shape science and technology. For example today on the internet people have the freedom to not have to identify with a specific gender and they can also have to ability to become the opposite gender.
Today technology and science are two very important aspects in our society. Women’s studies scholars see the importance of distinguishing the roles of gender in these areas to help better define them.
Gender is a concept that will always be evident within society. However as stated earlier it is one that can be changed over time. As the idea of gender changes certain thing will become more socially acceptable. Making certain aspects more socially acceptable will further help lead to equality among the genders and less definition of roles based on being male or female.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Gender Aptitude
The gender aptitude test allows people to see that way that they see gender in society. A lot of what Kate talks about is separating gender and sex and not letting yourself be defined by the gender that you are. Kate Bornstein does not identify herself with either male or female; she chooses to be a mixture of both.
The test allowed me to see like the readings that it is very hard to have a clear understanding of what gender really defines in society. It is another way to put people into categories. Kate Bornstein compares the way that gender defines us and puts us into society as a pyramid. I think that this is a very accurate way of describing it but still leaves areas where some people wouldn’t fit in.
Overall I think that Kate Bornstein’s point of how gender further puts us into categories came across very well. The gender aptitude test also allowed me to see how I heavily rely on gender to categorize people.
The test allowed me to see like the readings that it is very hard to have a clear understanding of what gender really defines in society. It is another way to put people into categories. Kate Bornstein compares the way that gender defines us and puts us into society as a pyramid. I think that this is a very accurate way of describing it but still leaves areas where some people wouldn’t fit in.
Overall I think that Kate Bornstein’s point of how gender further puts us into categories came across very well. The gender aptitude test also allowed me to see how I heavily rely on gender to categorize people.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
In today’s society there are two very clear views of how men and women are supposed to act and the roles that they are supposed to have. This is due in part to the ideas that we have toward masculinity and femininity.
Main stream masculinity has traits of intelligence courage and honesty. The text points out that there are two main points to this idea, machismo and the provider role. The machismo role involves violence and the sexual aspect. On the other hand the provider role involves ambition and confidence. Masculinity is further broken down based on other characteristics that we have talked about such as race and economic status. White middle class men have the emphasis on success wealth and fame, the provider role. Other races are more often associated with the machismo element.
Femininity is often viewed as being soft, passive emotional and domestic. Women often have to work against the double bind concept that we talked about in chapter 2. The role of women in society is starting to slightly change. Today’s idea woman not only has the characteristics of being soft and passive but also can prosper in the business aspect of life. As the text states it she “is to be able to do everything.”
These standards of what society considers normal about being male of female is one of the reasons that if you were to ask a boy if he was a “sissy” when he was younger he would not want to admit, yet when asking a female if they were a tomboy its much more accepted. Society has socially constructed two distinct differences among the two.
The idea that gender is embedded in our culture is something that we learn from a very young age. When you little and a girl you get the play kitchen set and the little make-up kit. Boys get the tool sets and start playing cops and robbers. This is the beginning of society starting to mold us into what were supposed to be; girls the domestic housewife and boys the strong provider. However as the text points out today women are starting to embody both sets characteristics. Yet it is still only socially acceptable if the women works they are still responsible for most of the household chores.
Another area where the basic ideas of masculinity and femininity come up is in the area of athletics. I’m sure that everyone has heard the expression of throwing like a girl. This idea is due in part to the fact of gender socialization; there are certain behaviors that go with being a boy or a girl. Boys are supposed to know how to throw a ball while girls need to be taught the proper way. According to Nelson, men are not necessarily better athletes then women but instead sports are developed to reflect the strengths of men. Most sports that are popular nationally are not female dominated sports.
In today’s society gender is learned from a very young age when a child’s nursery is decorated a certain way. Then the parents begin to but toys that correlate with a specific gender. Certain behaviors are expected depending on their gender. Even as you get older there are certain rites of passages that distinguish you as either male or female. In the United States and Latin America teenage girls have a Quinceanera which signifies them coming out into society. Cotillion is another way the teens become to come out and present their self to society. They must learn proper etiquette and how to dress and dance, typical activities that embody femininity.
In conclusion masculinity and femininity are around us everywhere in society. They are learned behaviors and put separations on male and females. The idea of femininity is beginning to change to embody both male and female characteristics; however it is still very rarely accepted for a man to be sensitive. Until this occurs this is just another way that society is separating male and females.
Main stream masculinity has traits of intelligence courage and honesty. The text points out that there are two main points to this idea, machismo and the provider role. The machismo role involves violence and the sexual aspect. On the other hand the provider role involves ambition and confidence. Masculinity is further broken down based on other characteristics that we have talked about such as race and economic status. White middle class men have the emphasis on success wealth and fame, the provider role. Other races are more often associated with the machismo element.
Femininity is often viewed as being soft, passive emotional and domestic. Women often have to work against the double bind concept that we talked about in chapter 2. The role of women in society is starting to slightly change. Today’s idea woman not only has the characteristics of being soft and passive but also can prosper in the business aspect of life. As the text states it she “is to be able to do everything.”
These standards of what society considers normal about being male of female is one of the reasons that if you were to ask a boy if he was a “sissy” when he was younger he would not want to admit, yet when asking a female if they were a tomboy its much more accepted. Society has socially constructed two distinct differences among the two.
The idea that gender is embedded in our culture is something that we learn from a very young age. When you little and a girl you get the play kitchen set and the little make-up kit. Boys get the tool sets and start playing cops and robbers. This is the beginning of society starting to mold us into what were supposed to be; girls the domestic housewife and boys the strong provider. However as the text points out today women are starting to embody both sets characteristics. Yet it is still only socially acceptable if the women works they are still responsible for most of the household chores.
Another area where the basic ideas of masculinity and femininity come up is in the area of athletics. I’m sure that everyone has heard the expression of throwing like a girl. This idea is due in part to the fact of gender socialization; there are certain behaviors that go with being a boy or a girl. Boys are supposed to know how to throw a ball while girls need to be taught the proper way. According to Nelson, men are not necessarily better athletes then women but instead sports are developed to reflect the strengths of men. Most sports that are popular nationally are not female dominated sports.
In today’s society gender is learned from a very young age when a child’s nursery is decorated a certain way. Then the parents begin to but toys that correlate with a specific gender. Certain behaviors are expected depending on their gender. Even as you get older there are certain rites of passages that distinguish you as either male or female. In the United States and Latin America teenage girls have a Quinceanera which signifies them coming out into society. Cotillion is another way the teens become to come out and present their self to society. They must learn proper etiquette and how to dress and dance, typical activities that embody femininity.
In conclusion masculinity and femininity are around us everywhere in society. They are learned behaviors and put separations on male and females. The idea of femininity is beginning to change to embody both male and female characteristics; however it is still very rarely accepted for a man to be sensitive. Until this occurs this is just another way that society is separating male and females.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The question of if a person is born gay or if their environment has made them into a gay person is a major question within our society today. Carol Vance addresses the question in her article about the social construction theory.
Carol Vance argues that ideas about gender and sexuality must not be understood as natural or unchanging truths but as social constructions (29). She means that you are not born with a certain set of sexual feeling inside you. Your environment, where you’re from and how you’re raised can affect these ideas. Overtime you can also change perceptions of gender and sexuality, they are not static.
The social constructionist view would say that you are a product of your environment and your culture. The text states that “relationships between sexual acts and sexual identities is not fixed and is projected from the observer’s time and place.” The “place” refers to the fact that all cultures have a different idea about sexual acts and depending on which one you’re in you have a different set of norms. A sexual act does not carry a universal sexual meaning. However people over time do not have to carry the same idea of that sexual meaning, there is ability for the meaning to change as the person matures.
On the other side of the argument there is the idea of biological determinism. This is the thought that you are born with these characteristics in your body and in your genes. They do not allow for change. Essentialism, a set of characteristics that are part of the object or person, can also account for this. There is again the idea that these are unchanging. Religious people who are against the idea of evolution cling strongly to the idea of essentialism.
Through out the readings another area that I found interesting was the sex and the body article by Nelly Oudshoor. Being a biology major I am constantly looking at diagrams of the human body, to think that at one point they did not even differentiate between the male and the female body astounds me. Oudshoor points out that until the late 18th century there was a one sex model in drawings of the human body. The idea that they were the same was based around the idea of “theirs are inside the body and not outside.” The female body was a lesser version of the male but not a different sex. Today in drawings the eyes are the only body part that is not differentiated by sex. Also today’s scientist focus on sex hormones that also show differences in the sexes.
Today science plays an important role in some of the ideas of women’s studies. The perception of women has changed since the early start to provide for more equality among the genders. As read about in this section science also plays an important role in trying to explain sexual orientation. But like everything there is still much more to be done.
Carol Vance argues that ideas about gender and sexuality must not be understood as natural or unchanging truths but as social constructions (29). She means that you are not born with a certain set of sexual feeling inside you. Your environment, where you’re from and how you’re raised can affect these ideas. Overtime you can also change perceptions of gender and sexuality, they are not static.
The social constructionist view would say that you are a product of your environment and your culture. The text states that “relationships between sexual acts and sexual identities is not fixed and is projected from the observer’s time and place.” The “place” refers to the fact that all cultures have a different idea about sexual acts and depending on which one you’re in you have a different set of norms. A sexual act does not carry a universal sexual meaning. However people over time do not have to carry the same idea of that sexual meaning, there is ability for the meaning to change as the person matures.
On the other side of the argument there is the idea of biological determinism. This is the thought that you are born with these characteristics in your body and in your genes. They do not allow for change. Essentialism, a set of characteristics that are part of the object or person, can also account for this. There is again the idea that these are unchanging. Religious people who are against the idea of evolution cling strongly to the idea of essentialism.
Through out the readings another area that I found interesting was the sex and the body article by Nelly Oudshoor. Being a biology major I am constantly looking at diagrams of the human body, to think that at one point they did not even differentiate between the male and the female body astounds me. Oudshoor points out that until the late 18th century there was a one sex model in drawings of the human body. The idea that they were the same was based around the idea of “theirs are inside the body and not outside.” The female body was a lesser version of the male but not a different sex. Today in drawings the eyes are the only body part that is not differentiated by sex. Also today’s scientist focus on sex hormones that also show differences in the sexes.
Today science plays an important role in some of the ideas of women’s studies. The perception of women has changed since the early start to provide for more equality among the genders. As read about in this section science also plays an important role in trying to explain sexual orientation. But like everything there is still much more to be done.
Friday, September 7, 2007
CRJ 2
Every person in the United States acknowledges that there is a difference between them and other people within our society. Rather it is race gender age or event the way we look. People also know that we need to work on some areas of our society to make it better as whole. We can admit that certain groups of people are disadvantaged within society; however when it comes to admitting that one is over privileged we have a problem admitting this.
Our society naturally recognizes differences among people and ranks people within society depending on there race, gender, class and other characteristics. As the text states the mythical norm is “white, middle class, heterosexual, abled thin and a young adult.” The hierarchy that is created through these rankings leads to privilege and inequality. People would much rather talk about being disadvantaged than to being over privileged.
Why is this? In Peggy McIntosh’s article “White Privilege and Male Privilege” she points out that is one this for a man to be supportive of women’s rights but it is completely another for them to admit that their behavior may need some modification to reach this goal of equality. She says “These denials protect male privilege from being fully recognized, acknowledged, lessened or ended.” Men say that they want equality between the genders but in the end are they really willing to lessen their own status.
Personally I know that I am guilty of not admitting to being over privileged. In the learning activity in the chapter it lists some characteristics of being over privileged and I am five of the six with male being the only exception. As McIntosh states people are taught not to recognize these privileges only to know that there is an opposite of each that puts another person at a disadvantage. People don’t want to admit to it because it may put their privilege at risk.
People not acknowledging their privilege gives way to ideas like the bootstrap myth. This idea, that with hard work and determination you can have any type of economic success that you may want. People that do not of economic successes must be the result of lack of motivation. The bootstrap myth does not take into account the fact the institutions have a set of standards and values that may put a person at a disadvantage because of their gender or race among other characteristics. These prejudices are internalized into our thoughts and people may actually begin to believe that they are not worthy because of flaws within them and not because of the inequalities that are presented in many of the institutions and throughout society.
One other point that the text talks about is the relationship between homophobia and sexism. The book says that homophobia works as a weapon of sexism; heterosexism creates the idea of the norm being heterosexual. Compulsory heterosexuality is the idea that the patriarchal family is what is accepted and is the norm within this society. According to Pharr beginning a lesbian affects all women in society because being considered a lesbian can stem from a variety of things. A woman who is powerful and confident within herself in the work place can be considered a lesbian because she does not need the man to support her and be the head of the house. Lesbian is just simply a nasty word to label women to make them step down and to “step back into to place”. After all most women would rather do this than being considered an “outcast” within society. Two of the three people I interviewed actually did associate the word lesbian with being a feminist. The word lesbian is just another weapon used to hold women down and keep that feeling of inequality. A word to make feminists seem even more outside the societal norm.
Our society naturally recognizes differences among people and ranks people within society depending on there race, gender, class and other characteristics. As the text states the mythical norm is “white, middle class, heterosexual, abled thin and a young adult.” The hierarchy that is created through these rankings leads to privilege and inequality. People would much rather talk about being disadvantaged than to being over privileged.
Why is this? In Peggy McIntosh’s article “White Privilege and Male Privilege” she points out that is one this for a man to be supportive of women’s rights but it is completely another for them to admit that their behavior may need some modification to reach this goal of equality. She says “These denials protect male privilege from being fully recognized, acknowledged, lessened or ended.” Men say that they want equality between the genders but in the end are they really willing to lessen their own status.
Personally I know that I am guilty of not admitting to being over privileged. In the learning activity in the chapter it lists some characteristics of being over privileged and I am five of the six with male being the only exception. As McIntosh states people are taught not to recognize these privileges only to know that there is an opposite of each that puts another person at a disadvantage. People don’t want to admit to it because it may put their privilege at risk.
People not acknowledging their privilege gives way to ideas like the bootstrap myth. This idea, that with hard work and determination you can have any type of economic success that you may want. People that do not of economic successes must be the result of lack of motivation. The bootstrap myth does not take into account the fact the institutions have a set of standards and values that may put a person at a disadvantage because of their gender or race among other characteristics. These prejudices are internalized into our thoughts and people may actually begin to believe that they are not worthy because of flaws within them and not because of the inequalities that are presented in many of the institutions and throughout society.
One other point that the text talks about is the relationship between homophobia and sexism. The book says that homophobia works as a weapon of sexism; heterosexism creates the idea of the norm being heterosexual. Compulsory heterosexuality is the idea that the patriarchal family is what is accepted and is the norm within this society. According to Pharr beginning a lesbian affects all women in society because being considered a lesbian can stem from a variety of things. A woman who is powerful and confident within herself in the work place can be considered a lesbian because she does not need the man to support her and be the head of the house. Lesbian is just simply a nasty word to label women to make them step down and to “step back into to place”. After all most women would rather do this than being considered an “outcast” within society. Two of the three people I interviewed actually did associate the word lesbian with being a feminist. The word lesbian is just another weapon used to hold women down and keep that feeling of inequality. A word to make feminists seem even more outside the societal norm.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
"A Girl Like Me"
As I watched the video “A Girl Like Me” I realized what internal struggles go on in black females. The video led me to the assumption that the concept of race decreases self worth in a child. As I watched the video the most disturbing part to me was the baby doll test. 15 of the 21 black children chose the white doll over the black one. This was not nearly as eye opening as when the women giving the test asked which one is the good baby and most of the children picked the white doll and then asked which one is the bad/mean baby they picked the black doll. They are being taught by society that the white means good and they are striving to be like the white doll. As the text states we put rankings on the different groups and these rankings form a hierarchy with the more valued characteristics at the top. This is evident even at the young age of these children.
As these children get older they are still struggling to reach the top of that social hierarchy. Even within their race there are certain characteristics that are considered more desirable over others. Black women are taught that lighter skin is more valued than darker skin. One girl in the video even brought up the fact that some go as far as to bleach their skin to obtain a characteristic that might be “higher” up on the social hierarchy. Hair is clearly another division. Good hair isn’t the natural hair that they were born with. The more that you relax or perm their hair the better and more socially accepted it is.
The video clearly showed that black women have to struggle within the race as well as struggling with their gender. The idea of “white privilege” is clearly still evident in our society. People will do anything that will make them closer to the top of that hierarchy. Society instills these ideas into people at a young age. The video brings up the point of Barbie. She is a thin white female with perfectly straight hair. Three characteristics that women strive to have.
The white privilege idea is also present in many institutions and organizations. Many of the leadership and authority roles are held by white males. These people most often convey the mythical norm. The text defines this as being “White, middle class, heterosexual, abled, thin young adult”. This norm sets up areas of inequality for some many groups of people, however will let it persist because it is what we think is socially acceptable.
Until we break down this idea of what is socially more preferable, what is at the top of the hierarchy of desirable characteristics we will have difficulty getting anywhere in striving for areas of equality. It people are taught to believe that they are inferior to another group of people they are going to be less likely to take a stand for themselves. Less likely to want to change these ideas of inequality.
As these children get older they are still struggling to reach the top of that social hierarchy. Even within their race there are certain characteristics that are considered more desirable over others. Black women are taught that lighter skin is more valued than darker skin. One girl in the video even brought up the fact that some go as far as to bleach their skin to obtain a characteristic that might be “higher” up on the social hierarchy. Hair is clearly another division. Good hair isn’t the natural hair that they were born with. The more that you relax or perm their hair the better and more socially accepted it is.
The video clearly showed that black women have to struggle within the race as well as struggling with their gender. The idea of “white privilege” is clearly still evident in our society. People will do anything that will make them closer to the top of that hierarchy. Society instills these ideas into people at a young age. The video brings up the point of Barbie. She is a thin white female with perfectly straight hair. Three characteristics that women strive to have.
The white privilege idea is also present in many institutions and organizations. Many of the leadership and authority roles are held by white males. These people most often convey the mythical norm. The text defines this as being “White, middle class, heterosexual, abled, thin young adult”. This norm sets up areas of inequality for some many groups of people, however will let it persist because it is what we think is socially acceptable.
Until we break down this idea of what is socially more preferable, what is at the top of the hierarchy of desirable characteristics we will have difficulty getting anywhere in striving for areas of equality. It people are taught to believe that they are inferior to another group of people they are going to be less likely to take a stand for themselves. Less likely to want to change these ideas of inequality.
Monday, September 3, 2007
For the IAT I decided to do the gender career, sexuality and weapons tests. I was very surprised by the results of the tests. Personally I was not aware of some of the biases/ prejudices that the results said that I might be prone to. This activity is very good to do at the beginning of this class because it really opens people’s eyes to biases that they might have.
Many people immediately when asked the questions of having prejudices would say no because they know that it is socially unacceptable. Having prejudices has a very negative connotation; people do not want to be considered racist or sexist. If we do not know that we have these prejudices toward certain groups of people we can never learn to change our mentality and will continue on ignoring and being ignorant towards it.
Of the three tests that I took all three said that I had a bias toward one group over another. For example the weapons test said that I had a “Strong association of Blacks with weapons.” Personally if you would have ever asked me this I would have considered myself neutral on the issue. The tutorial pointed out however many of the biases that we may come from the media or the values and morals we were brought up around when we were younger. When you’re watching the TV the majority of the time the people that they portray as gang members or criminals are black males. This may subconsciously being putting the association into our minds.
The tutorial also mentioned that one of the other major outlets for hidden prejudices come from when you’re young. Your parents and teachers begin instilling in you a certain set of ideas. These ideas are hard to go against even when you know that some of them are prejudice.
These hidden biases may lead to discrimination. In order to stop this we first need to acknowledge that these are present. Taking these tests is one way that this can be achieved.
Many people immediately when asked the questions of having prejudices would say no because they know that it is socially unacceptable. Having prejudices has a very negative connotation; people do not want to be considered racist or sexist. If we do not know that we have these prejudices toward certain groups of people we can never learn to change our mentality and will continue on ignoring and being ignorant towards it.
Of the three tests that I took all three said that I had a bias toward one group over another. For example the weapons test said that I had a “Strong association of Blacks with weapons.” Personally if you would have ever asked me this I would have considered myself neutral on the issue. The tutorial pointed out however many of the biases that we may come from the media or the values and morals we were brought up around when we were younger. When you’re watching the TV the majority of the time the people that they portray as gang members or criminals are black males. This may subconsciously being putting the association into our minds.
The tutorial also mentioned that one of the other major outlets for hidden prejudices come from when you’re young. Your parents and teachers begin instilling in you a certain set of ideas. These ideas are hard to go against even when you know that some of them are prejudice.
These hidden biases may lead to discrimination. In order to stop this we first need to acknowledge that these are present. Taking these tests is one way that this can be achieved.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
CRJ 1
As the textbook states “women’s studies is an examination of women’s experiences that recognizes our achievements and addresses our status in society.” In women’s studies women are at the center at the main ideas. Today in the United States we function as a patriarchy, meaning that men are at the center of society. The textbook terms this as “androcentrism”.
Many people male and female believe that male and female rights should be equal. They saw that in the 19th century in the United States that women had very few rights compared to their male counterparts. This realization and need for equality brought about what we now know as the feminist movement.
This movement has brought about such rights for women such as voting (suffrage), the right of choice when dealing with pregnancy, and the ability to keep property when married. Reading 2 “A Day without Feminism” illustrates this. Many of the aspects that she discusses in this article we today take for granted and don’t realize that at one point in history we did not have them. Today we would no longer think that when a woman gets married she would have to give up her rights to own property or even to keep her own last name. To women of the 21st century this is all natural.
This is possibly why some people think that the concept of feminism is over, and that no more needs to be done on the issues of women’s rights. This is postfeminism. However if you take a closer look into society there are still many aspects that are unequal between men and women. Men still make more money on average in the workplace. Most executive positions in corporations are run by men. The United States has yet to have a female president. In the home women still carry the majority of the burden of house hold chores. Politically today even the right for a woman to choose is a hot topic. These are issues that the United States has to deal with; many countries throughout the world have even more inequality.
The feminist movement has come a long way from its start. However I believe that it is far from over, there are many more areas that need to be addressed when considering the equality of women.
Many people male and female believe that male and female rights should be equal. They saw that in the 19th century in the United States that women had very few rights compared to their male counterparts. This realization and need for equality brought about what we now know as the feminist movement.
This movement has brought about such rights for women such as voting (suffrage), the right of choice when dealing with pregnancy, and the ability to keep property when married. Reading 2 “A Day without Feminism” illustrates this. Many of the aspects that she discusses in this article we today take for granted and don’t realize that at one point in history we did not have them. Today we would no longer think that when a woman gets married she would have to give up her rights to own property or even to keep her own last name. To women of the 21st century this is all natural.
This is possibly why some people think that the concept of feminism is over, and that no more needs to be done on the issues of women’s rights. This is postfeminism. However if you take a closer look into society there are still many aspects that are unequal between men and women. Men still make more money on average in the workplace. Most executive positions in corporations are run by men. The United States has yet to have a female president. In the home women still carry the majority of the burden of house hold chores. Politically today even the right for a woman to choose is a hot topic. These are issues that the United States has to deal with; many countries throughout the world have even more inequality.
The feminist movement has come a long way from its start. However I believe that it is far from over, there are many more areas that need to be addressed when considering the equality of women.
Monday, August 27, 2007
As I interviewed three people it became clear that all three had an opinion in common about the word “feminist”. All three felt that the word came with somewhat of a negative connotation when you hear it. Two of the three even went as far to say “man hater”. However once they thought about it a little more they changed their view so that it had some positive meanings, like the fight for the equality of women, and strengthening the female community.
Still they did not know truly what would be studied in a women’s studies class and were confused as to why women would go as far to become a “feminist”. All three people thought that taking this class would be an excellent way to broaden my outlook and learn more about the subject.
Personally I do not believe that I would ever become a feminist. I strongly believe in the equality of women but I am still very unclear on some aspects of the movement. Hopefully this course will help clarify some of these.
Still they did not know truly what would be studied in a women’s studies class and were confused as to why women would go as far to become a “feminist”. All three people thought that taking this class would be an excellent way to broaden my outlook and learn more about the subject.
Personally I do not believe that I would ever become a feminist. I strongly believe in the equality of women but I am still very unclear on some aspects of the movement. Hopefully this course will help clarify some of these.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Hi my name is Brittany Loy. Im a junior, biology major here in Blacksburg. Im originally from Lovettsville VA, a small town in Northern VA. Currently I have no clue what I want to do when I graduate. When I started at Tech I wanted to go to med school, but now most likely Ill do somethng with environmental issues.
This is my first womens studies class that I have ever taken. Im taking it to fill one of my core requirments. This is the first class that I have taken online which makes me a little apprehensive but that fact that I can work on my own time is very conveinent. Im very interested to learn about womens studies because its something Ive never really learned about
This is my first womens studies class that I have ever taken. Im taking it to fill one of my core requirments. This is the first class that I have taken online which makes me a little apprehensive but that fact that I can work on my own time is very conveinent. Im very interested to learn about womens studies because its something Ive never really learned about
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