Feminism

21st Century Feminism

January 20, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

In this era of equality in the workplace and on the homefront, many ask if feminism is irrelevant, if the women’s movement is a thing of the past, and as such, should be laid at the wayside.

It’s a valid argument, and one that needs to be taken seriously. But feminism should not be allowed to just fade into the darkness, because it needs to provide structure, encouragement, and support for up and coming young women, and to encourage young men to continue with equality.

Young women need to be shown that it is OK to be a strong, powerful, brilliant woman, and that there is satisfaction in being all of those things and yet being feminine as well. Feminism in the 21st century needs to provide support for girls, role models for both genders, and open itself up to the support and encouragement to youth no matter their gender. They need to know that they can achieve anything they put their minds to, irrespective of gender, because they are smart, capable people. They need to be shown that nothing is off limits, that nothing is impossible.

Perhaps feminism need not be gender-defined any longer. Perhaps it should move into a wave of gender non-specific unity and encouragement, particularly in light of recent political machinations toward same-sex equality. The force of the feminist movement, should it collectively stand up for the rights of all people, gender and sexual orientation irrelevant, would continue to bring about changes in society as it has in the past.

Feminism, as a whole, is a movement that needs to be continued, strengthened, and fortified. It needs to be expanded into new fronts, but maintain it’s devotion to equal rights for ALL, not just women. Feminism needs to remain in the forefront of the political scene, to continue to encourage the discussion of womens rights.

Filed Under: Feminism, Society Tagged With: Feminism, Feminist movement, Gender equality, Sexual orientation, Young Women (organization)

Pretty in Pink, or Green, or Blue

January 15, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Why must Barbie be dressed in pink? Why must young boys be bombarded with images of masculinity only defined in terms of guns and power? Why does society continue to define itself by strict, archetypal gender stereotypes?

Computer Engineer Barbie has recently come onto the scene, entering into a field that is classically defined as male. And yet, despite this advance, Computer Engineer Barbie is marketed with her pink laptop, and her iPhone, wearing heels that, if a woman wore while attempting to string cable, would result in, at the very best, a sprained ankle. We show young women that these ‘manly’ jobs are no longer out of reach, but that they must be performed within the strict confines of femininity. The girls can play the boys games, but as Ginger Roberts said once, they must do it backwards and in high heels. Girls are constantly shown that they are allowed to be in historically male positions, but that they can not eschew their femininity while doing so. And has Ken, Barbie’s companion, yet ventured into the realm of ‘girls jobs?’ No, of course not, because it wouldn’t be appropriate for our boys to have Secretary Ken dolls.

We continue to define ourselves within the confines of our gender. We continue to encourage our boys to play with G.I. Joe dolls, but not with Barbies. We continue to subjugate girls, telling them that they only have value if they can be pretty in pink. We do not encourage children to see beyond stereotypes, and stretch themselves to the limits. For as advanced a society as we’ve become, we’ve struggled to break out of our ingrained, gender-associated stereotypes, and in doing so, we have hindered ourselves. The question becomes, in confining young girls to pursuing strictly lady-like careers, have we discouraged some of the greatest minds from pursuing their dreams, leaving them to go unfulfilled?

Filed Under: Feminism Tagged With: Barbie, Computer engineering, Girl, Sprained ankle

Mothers and Moving Forward: Assisted Living Facilities

December 14, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

You are a tribute to your memories: a collection of wisdom and inspiration passed down between smiles and easy conversation. Your parents taught you well — and you have sought always to follow their examples, to do what was right (and never simply convenient). Your choices have been proofs of good judgment. Your days have been devotions to sense. You are a wife, a mother and a believer in all things familial. And, this is why it becomes such a terror when it’s revealed your parents can no longer live alone.

You refuse to accept it at first. It is a mistake, a tragic miscommunication. They are just as strong — and capable — as you always knew them to be. Their lives are not changing. Their abilities are not weakening. They are immune to such things, you’re certain. They will not succumb to age.

But they do.

And it is your duty then — as both daughter and parent — to understand what must be done. You must consider all possibilities, finding one that is beneficial to all.

Assisted living facilities may become such a choice.

Providing care for failing health is never easy; but the on-site professionals at these facilities make it a far more convenient idea. Medication is given without fail and those monthly check-ups can be done within the privacy of a room (rather than within an unfamiliar office). Your family will be allowed to forget all of the worries of home, devoting themselves instead to each other and the companions they will find. They will not be alone. They will instead be happy.

That is all you have ever wanted for them.

It is an undeniable fear to place your parents among strangers. It is an undeniable relief, however, when those strangers become friends and prove themselves worthy.

You can make the choice. You were given the strength long ago.

Filed Under: Feminism, Society Tagged With: Assisted living

The Value of Feminism

December 14, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Feminism appeared notably in the 19th century, after seeing some literature to precede the common topic of feminism. This era and movement ushered in one of the more important movements in social history, arguably.
The changed allowed under feminism is considerable. The feminist movement has allowed for changes in everything from women’s suffrage to workplace concerns.
Protecting women against domestic violence and sexual assault has also been a target of feminism. Encompassing crime, economics, social and reproductive rights, and more topics of note, feminism over the past few centuries has made a large number of great changes in society.
These contributions to the well-being of women and the overall scope of society are easy to see. It is crucial that individuals acquaint themselves with such progressions, regardless of gender or age.
The value and role of feminism must be kept intact in order to move onwards. While there have certainly been a large number of issues that have become remarkably changed for the better over the years, there is still room to progress and grow in areas.
Learning about feminist movements that have occurred in history is a great way to familiarize yourself with such changes. While education will provide some of this knowledge, there are endless areas with which to learn.
Don’t forget to keep in mind such ongoing transformations in feminism. In some areas, there is still much room to go, which should be kept in mind for those that follow such issues politically, within the community and beyond.
Such efforts have made the world what it is now, which is considerable in light of the progressions that feminism has spearheaded. Understanding such strides is vital if society is to create further progress in related issues.
Realizing the effect and value of feminism is essential for all, regardless of gender and other characteristics. Feminism has come a long way in a short amount of time, providing strides of equality in a wide range of areas for women and men.

Filed Under: Feminism Tagged With: Feminist movement, Women's suffrage

Finishing Your Education as a WAHM

December 12, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

If you’re a work at home mom (WAHM), you are in the unique position of being able to work and complete your schooling from the comfort and convenience of your own home. If you haven’t yet finished your degree, or are considering going back to school for an advanced or post-graduate degree, now is the perfect time.

Some of the benefits of attending school as a WAHM include:

Options: Because you are working from home, it’s easier for you to fit either a campus school or an online school into your schedule. Online schooling is ideal, as you can work from the comfort of your own home and at your own schedule. If you have a campus that’s close, you can still take a few classes here and there without interfering with your work schedule. One site that will help you find the perfect school, whether online or on campus, is earnmydegree.com.

More opportunities: The more education you have, the more doors will open up to you. Going back to school for your degree allows you to gain valuable education to get more or better jobs in your field, or get a raise. Some WAHM’s even go back to school to learn how to start their own businesses.

Flexibility: Not only do you have more options as a WAHM to finish your degree, you have flexibility as well. This means you can finish your degree on your own schedule, whether it’s taking night classes from a local community college or working on your online classes in between your work at home.

The WAHM has plenty of opportunities and excellent reasons to go back to school and finish her degree. You’ll be amazed at the opportunities that open up to those who have an advanced degree.

Filed Under: Feminism, Society Tagged With: E-learning, Work at home parent

Politics can Even Affect Renters Insurance

December 6, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

When it comes to politics, many people are left scratching their heads. They don’t really have a complete understanding of how the system works. Others misunderstand the process, and still more people choose a side and stay with it, no matter what evidence they are provided with. Of course, there are also plenty of people who do understand politics and don’t have an agenda that’s tied to a political party. They just want what’s best for the country, no matter who will be doing it. The main reason that politics is so complicated is because it affects so many areas of life.

Everything from health care to taxes to renters insurance is affected or touched in some way by politics — either on a national scale, a more local scale, or both. If you’re interested in understanding politics and getting involved in what’s happening in your community and your country, the time to start learning about it is now. You’ll never get to the knowledge level you want if you don’t start working on it. If you aren’t sure where to get started, there are plenty of people and plenty of organizations that can help you.

Just remember that getting involved in politics can provide you with a lot of conflicting information. Automatically believing everything you hear or read isn’t such a good idea. Take the time to find out whether what was said is accurate, or whether it’s a twist on what’s really true and correct. It’s not a secret that politicians often try to make other politicians with different party affiliations look bad, so keep that in mind when you’re learning about the process. With some research, thought, and common sense, you’ll be better able to make the right political decisions for you.

Filed Under: Feminism, Politics, Society Tagged With: Apartment, Insurance, Landlord, Politics, Rahm Emanuel, Rent, United States, White House

Nazi a poor comparison

October 3, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

High levels of extreme hyperbole entered the American political scene years ago. With money and influence at stake there has been little reason to hold back when speaking about political opponents. Everything including accusing the opposition of being the anti-Christ goes so long as it gets a candidate into a desired office. And of all the comparisons made to create a negative connection few are employed more liberally or unnecessarily than calling someone a Nazi.

That Nazi Germany carries on as an enduring symbol is a credit to the effectiveness of Nazi propaganda and of the extent of their crimes. The Nazis looked the part as Adolf Hilter was a screaming banshee of a man complete with the odd signature feature of his tiny mustache. There is no reputable debate on the horrors of Nazi crimes, which makes this era in German history an archetype for an evil totalitarian regime.

While comparing a modern candidate to Hitler might make for a easy headline, unless his or her actions are so horrific that no other comparison will do tying a modern politician to the Nazis is usually a lazy and dangerous practice. Despite perceptions to the contrary, the German National Socialist Party was made up of men. Deeming their actions as horrific is fine, but singling out this regime elevates its status and in its own way honors Nazi criminal acts as unique. This gives into the Fuhrer myth that surrounded Hitler and his followers. They declared themselves as transcendent. They said they were the master race. Instead they were common criminals and part of a regime that quickly flamed out due to their propensity for violence.

The lessons of the Nazis should not be forgotten, but there are rarely good comparisons to the Nazis in modern American politics. Bringing the Nazis into the debate serves to cheapen the rhetoric of the discourse, while also distorting the facts of the historical lessons produced by the Nazi era. Calling someone a Nazi is a lazy and generally inaccurate statement.

Filed Under: Feminism, Politics Tagged With: Adolf Hitler, Germany, History of Germany, Nazi, Nazism

Bush Stands Alone

October 1, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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George W. Bush’s first term was a roller coaster of approval ratings that eventually reached a plateau, which made his reelection an uncertain proposition. Bush had won his office in a highly contested election that had to be determined by a Supreme Court decision. Once in office, Bush saw his approval ratings plummet after the media reported on his multiple vacations. His presidency also lacked any signature legislation. He appeared to be headed for a forgettable one term presidency, until Sept. 11, 2001.

The World Trade Center, which had been the target of Islamic terrorists in 1993 were not so lucky the second time around. From the smoldering wreck of the World Trade Center the presidency of the second Bush in the White House rose from the ashes. He earned support of the vast majority of he American public. He vowed to hunt down the perpetrators of the 9-11 attacks. His “dead or alive”pledge seemed to resonate with an American public that wanted revenge.

Bush almost immediately cashed in his political capital to launch a series of military attacks. Bush invaded Afghanistan to attack members of the terrorist group Al Qaeda and the radical Islamic Taliban regime. While most of the world supported American military action in Afghanistan, Bush’s proclamation that the United States reserved the right to make unilateral preemptive strikes anywhere that the nation deemed necessary was greeted by the international community as a bridge too far.

After all, America remains the only nation in human history to launch a nuclear attack, and while sympathy for America united the world after 9-11, the rest of the world began to see the Bush Administration as overreacting to the terrorist attacks.

By 2003, it became known that the United States was not satisfied only fighting its war on terror in Afghanistan. An old foe, Iraq and its dictator Saddam Hussein entered into American cross hairs. The world had marched with Bush into Afghanistan, but going into Iraq would mean that Bush and America would be isolated. Bush was willing to act alone and run for re-election on that conviction.

Filed Under: Feminism, Politics Tagged With: Al Qaeda, George W. Bush, Saddam Hussein, September 11 attacks, United States, White House, World Trade Center

Bush Versus Science

September 12, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

As the George W. Bush Administration left office there was a gasp of relief from a community that seemed to always be at odds with the president. Scientists felt the pinch of an administration that looked to the heavens instead of laboratories for answers. Science became a political issue especially in the areas of climate change and the definition of human life.

Bush had a definite interest in denying the scientific evidence that humans were behind global warming. He had adopted Texas as his native state. Many of his investments as a young businessman were oil ventures. A large portion of the Bush family fortune was made in oil. To take a wait and see attitude towards global warming made sense for his political and personal interests.

When it came to his views on stem cells, abortion and sanctity of human life, tracking Bush’s influences were far more difficult. Bush had become a born again Christian after a public battle with alcohol. Bush often spoke about his faith during his time on the campaign trail. He even said that he often used prayer as a way to help him make decisions as president.

His Christian ideas then showed during his presidency. He was staunchly antiabortion as his faith would dictate. And as a result he carried this to be against stem cell research. This might have won him votes form the faithful, but it cost him in the eyes of the scientific and business communities. Technological breakthroughs are the number one way to drive an economy and promote new economic growth, and stem cells were one of the most promising avenues for a breakthrough in the lucrative field of medicine. Opposing something that had a clear financial value shows that for all of his faults, Bush was not a hypocrite when it came to his faith.

He might have benefited from being seen as a God-fearing Christian, but he also appeared to truly believe in the scriptures he quoted. The morality of his actions can be debated. What cannot is that Bush did no favors to researchers.

Filed Under: Feminism, Politics, Society

Women’s Literature

September 2, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Women’s literature, or feminist literature, has been around arguably longer than feminism. Movements of feminism are typically acknowledged in the 19th century, in the United States and the United Kingdom.

In terms of literature, the first works were in the early 15th century. Christine de Pisan’s works in this timeframe established the makings of feminism, long before feminist movements occurred. Pisan challenged men’s dominated realm of the arts and the stereotypes present in the current medieval era in which she lived.

Over history feminist literature has played a great role in women’s issues and feminism as a whole. It has provided insights into a wide range of topics in which feminism has pinpointed for change to occur. As a result, feminist literature is a great place to start to become integrated with feminism as a whole. It is seen in a number of categories, such as feminist-based novels, scholarly works, and other topics, such as feminist science fiction.
If you would like to learn more about feminism, becoming acquainted with such works is advisable. Decide on a time frame or a certain issue to help narrow the available choices down. Or, alternatively, you may choose to narrow down your potential selection based on a particular author.
In time you should find your understanding heightened in certain matters. You should also help develop your historical perceptions of certain issues, which is helpful in today’s society, where change has occurred drastically from past battles. Moreover, your interest should be incited into more works of women’s literature, to which there is an endless array of options for enjoyment and education.
Take the opportunity to learn more about feminist literature. There are a wide range of choices, from subject matter to historical basis, in which to learn and enjoy a number of writers and topics. It is especially important to become acquainted with changed that has occurred or is forthcoming in society.

Filed Under: Feminism Tagged With: Literature