Privilege, oppression, and intersectionality are words that have taken over the media over the past few years and, more importantly, the lives of innocent individuals. Privilege is a term regularly used to describe race, sex, and class disparities as it gives a particular category of people a natural advantage over another disadvantaging party. Because privilege is present amongst so many topics, it also relates to intersectionality as it impacts a wide variety of social groups and plays a role in many social issues. In the article written by Peggy McIntosh, privilege is used in terms of race as the author elaborates heavily on white privilege. White privilege can be described as the automatic advantage placed upon white people primarily because the structure of our institutions was designed for their benefit and the detriment of people of color. McIntosh brings up an essential point regarding taboos as, most often, those in positions of privilege are extremely comfortable and typically oblivious to their advantage. Therefore, those benefiting from such injustice try not to discuss their privilege, leading to the taboo culture surrounding such an unjust issue. McIntosh raises an excellent point contributing to this idea. She basically says white people do not acknowledge their privilege the same way males do not acknowledge theirs. When they do, why would that be something they want to be taken away from them? Anyone would want a head start; however, not enough people are compassionate about those they simultaneously disadvantage. Throughout the article, the metaphorical image of a knapsack is furthered as it symbolizes the heavy baggage people of color must carry to complete the same journey their white counterparts so effortlessly conquered.

Marilyn Frye elaborates on oppression on a slightly different level in a separate article as she breaks down the word oppression to examine its true meaning and effects. Frye brings the root word of oppression, “press,” to the reader’s attention as she describes it as reducing something in bulk. Thus, explaining the pressing matter of oppression on several levels, including race, socioeconomic, sexual orientation, and gender, especially since no human is exempt from social structures. Marilyn Frye also uses imagery and metaphorical language to further her claim as she compares a caged bird to the lives of the oppressed. Similar to white privilege, there are also two roles in oppression. There is the oppressor and the oppressed alongside a structure of systems weaponized and run by the oppressors. And once again, those in positions of power who are socially capable of doing the oppressing do not have much to complain about, which leads to a further lack of compassion and understanding for those in the position of the oppressed. Considering the roles can and will never be reversed, this article furthers the point that Black people will never amount to the mass power white people have, like the relationship between men and women and the wealthy and the poor. Both articles subconsciously support the fact that reverse racism does not exist simply because the roles will never be reversed, and the damage is already done.

During the feminist movement, there were a few major concerns for women. The concerns were centered around gender issues, women’s sexual liberation, reproductive rights, job opportunities and safety for women, violence against women, and changes in custody and divorce laws. While through our in-class lessons we learned a magnitude of information concerning this monumental movement, the articles 100 years towards suffrage: an overview and the video untold stories of black women in the suffrage movement provide new perspectives concerning the fight for women’s rights and finding their voice is society after so many years of silence.

One can begin by looking at the article, 100 years of suffrage which provides the long timeline of the journey towards women’s voting rights. The movement dates as far back as 1776 with Abigail Adams who insisted her husband and the men writing the declaration of independence include women however women are deliberately excluded in the wording of all men are created equal. One is able to see the progress, as well as setbacks women in America faced as they fought for their voices By 1878 women’s suffrage amendment, is introduced to Congress but it wasn’t until 1919 when the 19th amendment was officially signed into law Although women were granted the right to vote, they still did not have equal rights as men, which led to the equal rights amendment being proposed which prohibits discrimination based on gender. This amendment was never added to the constitution and today is only written legislation in 38 states.

As we think about the struggles of women over time it’s vital to also acknowledge the struggles of minority women, who had to live in America as double minorities. While white women advocated for rights alongside these women, they in no way considered African American women as part of the movement and could care less if black women had the same rights. The untold stories of black women provide a look into the women’s suffrage movement through the eyes of an African American woman. Despite the hardships women of color faced during this movement, there were many great women that arose as a result of this movement. These women include Ida B Wells who sought to combat prejudice and fight for equality and spoke on behalf of African Americans, especially the women who didn’t have a direct place in the conversation of women’s suffrage. However, the rise of black women didn’t stop with Ida B Wells, black women everywhere began to organize their own groups such as the national association of colored women, which focused on the advancement of African American women. The rise of Black Sororities also played a large role in making changes for women of color. This is just scratching the surface of the powerful women who stepped out to make a change in their communities

In conclusion, society has made a great amount of progress especially in the community of African American women. Although we continue to fight for other liberties and against systemic oppression women especially black women have made their place in society and will continue to do so for years to come.

Feminist concerns were far-reaching, touching various sectors of society including the Labor market. One major part of the feminist movement was labor organizing and the fight for better working conditions under the equal rights amendment which didn’t allow discrimination on the basis of one’s sex (male or female). Labor organizing was one of the major points of the feminist movement and obtaining equal rights.

These aspects of the movement are discussed in depth in the video The Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire and in the article “Virginia Just Became the 30th State to Pass the Equal Rights Amendment: Heres What To Know About The ERA”. The Video on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire discusses one of the biggest preventable tragedies of the industrial revolution.

  This fire took place in new york near Washington square park in the triangle shirtwaist factory. Described by the video as a sweatshop the factory was consistently packed and dense with over 500 employees and extreme shifts ranging anywhere between 11-12 hours a day every day. The factory had extremely unsafe conditions and the overall workspace was not regulated properly. The majority of these workers were women, the majority immigrants but still working women, sewing shirtwaists day in and day out for mass production. Unfortunately on March 25th, 1911, the end of the workweek, tragedy struck the factory. A fire started and there was no way to put the fire out because the water hose was rusted shut and rotted away. With no sprinkler system in place, the fire spread quickly.

The building was equipped with one fire escape which collapsed as it could not take the weight of so many people and of the four elevators only one operated in the entire building, breaking down after 4 trips. Many jumped to their deaths while some attempted to take the stairs but to their demise the factory kept exit doors locked shut from the opposite side. While fighter fighters tried to put out the fire their hoses were just a floor too short. While some opted to jump out of the building ending their own lives many died in the fire or were crushed in the chaos to escape, killing a total of 146 people in 18 minutes. One of the deadliest workplace incidents to ever take place.

Sparking public outrage, this incident led to major funeral protests about workplace conditions with more than 350,000 individuals taking the streets to advocate on behalf of those who lost their lives. The factory owners although indicted for manslaughter were found not guilty Despite this unfortunate ending this fire did bring about change in the labor force and the growth of labor unions that advocated to protect workers. This fire led to many of the code requirements workplaces have today that require businesses to be up to a particular standard before an operation to ensure the safety of workers in the future.

In terms of women’s rights, this incident was another factor that pushed women to continue to fight for equal rights and protection in the workplace under the law. However, even making this change has been a long time coming and a long way to go The Equal Rights Amendment has first proposed nearly a century ago and has still not been added to the U.S. Constitution but is upheld by states – it is not enforced federally. In 2019 Virginia became the 38th state to pass the amendment meaning there are several states that are still behind the times. This amendment is crucial not only to women but to society as a whole. If we seek to put an end to disasters and incidents at the hands of oppression then such amendments are necessary to be enforced. Without such legislation companies and individuals will continue to carry on their behavior in ways they see fit because there is no level of accountability on remembrance of the lives that were lost nearly 100 years ago it is time for true federal change across the board. Equal rights should not be optional.

Gender Binary is the way we as individuals are categorized based on sex . Males fall on the more masculine side while females are on the feminine side. According to dictionary.com “a classification system consisting of two genders, male and female.”, it is also defined as “a concept or belief that there are only two genders and that one’s sex or gender assigned at birth will align with traditional social constructs of masculine and feminine identity, expression, and sexuality”. In our constantly changing society, beliefs, ideas, and so on concerning gender are consistently changing to create a safe space for those who may not identify or go against such traditional or societal norms.

Alok V Manin discusses Gender binary in-depth and concepts beyond the gender binary in his publication “Beyond The Gender Binary”.Within this excerpt, Manin takes a non-binary approach urging society to take a different look at gender. Manin believes that gender is not as black and white as we may view it be and that who an individual is in terms of personality and the things they enjoy. Manin who is non-binary, meaning they do not identify as a man or woman in terms of gender ultimately argues that gender is flexible and should be used as a means of truly expressing one’s self. It is no secret that deciding to go against these norms comes with its own backlash, Manin even discusses meeting other people who were once like him and changed due to societal pressures quite like the individual who stopped them in the grocery store to ask why they dress like that from a place of curiosity  and people who just downright don’t agree with liberating oneself from the restriction of gender and tend to be more hostile

Gender fluidity is complex, especially in a society that is conditioned to think a certain way. The concept of identifying as non-binary for many can be confusing because our sex is so closely linked with our gender. Today more than ever those willing to step outside the box especially those from minority groups are being targeted by legislation and political agendas thus taking the conversation beyond the gender binary. As argued by Manin, the pushback regarding gender and gender binary ideals is rooted in control and establishing power within however many do not realize this because it is portrayed more as a body argument than what it truly is another means of oppression and control. In conclusion, as a society, we must begin to seek a deeper understanding of the things taking place around us and the behaviors of higher-ups when those who are oppressed begin to create a space for themselves. The hands of the oppressor seek to add a political or religious influence to these things and not in an effort that is for the betterment but in an effort to maintain control at all times.

The 19th and 20th centuries were a detrimental time for women everywhere. It was a time to fight for equal rights so women can exist freely in the same nature as their male counterparts, women were actively pursuing suffrage, educational rights, better working conditions, and putting an end to restrictive and stereotypical gender roles. Women, everywhere we’re taking a stand and fighting for the opportunity to be more than housewives

There are various publications where one can learn about the extensive history of the feminist movement and the ideas & attitudes behind it. One can begin by analyzing The Politics of Housework by Pat Mardini for a better understanding of these attitudes and what they wish to convey. This article discusses the cycle of “servitude” experienced by women in regards to their husbands, which was much of the root of the feminist movement. Women began to grow weary of this constant battle between their own happiness and the happiness of their husbands. Mardini discusses the difference between liberated women and women’s liberation and how it is linked to housework. Ultimately Mardini highlights that women’s liberation is not a political movement. I find this interesting because while there were political aspects like suffrage many of the changes that needed to take place and still need to take place today can be easily fixed on a societal level. She discusses the nature behind housework and that it shouldn’t be as complex as it has become- as to people in a relationship there shouldn’t be expected roles but room for both parties to contribute evenly based on their own strength. She also explains that it is easy to see why men are the way they are as they have been able to maintain a particular lifestyle at the hands of a woman their entire lives however it is up to the wives to put their foot down and ultimately end this less than productive cycle that has been causing a rift for decades. Once a woman chooses to be liberated and free from this oppressive cycle things may change but women deserve to be just as free to move and exist as men even in terms of taking care of the home.

Similar ideas are discussed in the article the myth of Vaginal Orgasms (Koedt 1970) and fragility taking the conversation beyond housework to even the oppressive nature of sex and the lack of satisfaction for women. Koedt states that Fragility, as defined by men, is the failure of a woman to have a vaginal orgasm. The issue, however, is men’s lack of understanding of the female anatomy where there is a large confusion concerning Vaginal organisms which are less common, and clitoral orgasm which are more common. Instead of men learning and understanding this, the fault is placed on the woman when the men simply don’t understand the female anatomy. The article also discusses the pressure put on women during sex and even feeling the need to fake an orgasm to avoid upsetting their partner or them thinking something is wrong with her. The article also discusses bisexuality lesbianism more so as a fear of men’s giving women finding more sexual liberation in same-sex relationships.

In the same nature as housework, sex is also something that can be discussed within society to create a change in household and public narratives. This is also an area where women need to become liberated and break from the restrictive expectations associated with sex and the completion of housework.

The documentary Paris is Burning takes place in America, contrary to its name. Moreover, this 1990s New York City-based documentary elaborates heavily on the experiences of being a minority, specifically Black, gay and male, along with the challenges and disparities they face along with the many accomplishments within their own community. This movie represents history and acts as a historical landmark as being gay was not nearly as accepted as it is now, in the 1990s. Hence, it took a lot of courage and pride for these people to publish and record themselves doing what they love without shame. The drag culture is very fluent throughout the documentary, and it even includes snippets of different shows. Throughout the documentary, it is clear that when the drag performers are performing, they are the freest regardless of their circumstances once they walk off the stage. For instance, after some shows, many of the performers did not know where they would sleep or if they would even eat that night, but while they walked the stage, these struggles disappeared. Being a gay minority and having the ability to be and do anything you want with the support of an entire audience is what many of the performers look forward to, as that is something they lacked in the outside world. The coemption is what draws many of the drag performers back. This era is undoubtedly a significant piece of Black history. It is relevant today as many of the terms frequently used throughout the documentary are popular slang terms used today, including “work” and “slay.” This documentary also subconsciously supports today’s popular topic that is typically referred to as body positivity. In each clip, a drag queen of all different sizes and shades is shown, and they are all celebrated and supported the same. It is imperative to remember that though the overall tone of the documentary is empowering, the climate outside of the venues was unfortunately not as welcoming.

The 1977 Combahee River Collective Statement captures the thoughts of a group of black feminists who exist and study living and operating in systems operated and catered towards the white male. This group states, “Above all else, our politics initially sprang from the shared belief that Black women are inherently valuable, that our liberation is a necessity not as an adjunct to somebody else’s may because of our need as human persons for autonomy.” Black feminism can be described as the belief that Black women are valuable and include the advocacy for equity and the celebration and recognition of Black women. An essential piece of the work these Black feminism advocates complete includes their incorporation of the struggles of others into their work. For example, “Although we are feminists and Lesbians, we feel solidarity with progressive Black men and do not advocate the fractionalization that white women who are separatists demand. Our situation as Black people necessitates that we have solidarity around the fact of race, which white women of course do not need to have with white men, unless it is their negative solidarity as racial oppressors. We struggle together with Black men against racism, while we also struggle with Black men about sexism”. This quote in itself says a lot about the nature of Black women and their overall unacknowledged stance in society. 

The abortion debate has been an extremely sensitive conversation for an abundance of years. A debate that has caused consistent strife in the relationship between women, their moral compass, and the government while receiving criticism from conservatives, pro-life radicals, and men.

As they continue to debate this touchy subject there must be a moment of self-reflection…. “ what would I do if I was In this situation? “ while taking into consideration why these women might be in that situation. What is their story? What is their truth? Is it t ideal to abort a developing child, a unique life? Of Course not. However, it may be necessary. Life is unpredictable. Everyone’s story is different. Some things people have no control over but there should be an effort to protect those on the other side. Abortion should be legal because some pregnancies are a result of a crime, many expecting women don’t have the resources to support their unborn children, and women may want a better quality of life for their kids.

The frontline documentary The Abortion Divide discusses these issues full-throttle including the views of women who have had abortions and the women who decided to keep their children. It discusses how heavy the decision is Regardless of what side of the spectrum one may be on. It’s important to understand that no one can understand the true magnitude of such a decision but the women who are faced with the dilemma of whether or not to abort their child.

Even businesses are finding their place in the abortion debate and determining if a woman truly has the right to terminate her pregnancy. One company that has been more than vocal is hobby lobby. Arguing against abortion because it goes against the owner’s Christian values. These comments made all major outlets including late-night shows like  Tonight with John Oliver. Oliver discusses how these companies are seeking freedom of religion and not having their money be allocated towards things like abortion. I believe that a lot of these large corporations that business and personal should be kept separate.I also believe as a society we need to understand the true magnitude of Abortion and that it’s not as black and white as keeping or aborting a child as a whole.

Overall, If one truly takes into consideration the various reasoning behind abortion you may find that pro-choice in reality is pro-life, despite the differing feels on both sides. Many pregnant women don’t have the resources to support their unborn children.  There are also many pregnant women who cannot carry full-term pregnancies or can possibly die if they do carry to full term. Not allowing these women the opportunity to have a choice in such a life-altering situation is almost inhumane. The nation must protect our women. there are many instances where abortion may be called for. The nation has to learn to stop policing these women based on what we see and work in becoming more educated so they can make these decisions based on what they know and less on how they feel. These women are forced to make one of the hardest choices in their lifetime. A pain that none of us can feel but we can stand by these women. We can be kind and show compassion. we can raise awareness for our sisters who may have no other option. We can change the narrative. Pro-choice is pro-life and there are plenty of lives to be saved.

The conversations surrounding sex, sexuality, gender, and even feminism have grown increasingly complex in recent times. One can begin by analyzing the ideas surrounding sex and gender. Now more than ever, people are beginning to realize and acknowledge that sex and gender are not the same things. These two concepts are often confused, and the article Sex and Gender 101 seeks to provide a basic understanding of the differences between the two and the changes we are seeing in today’s society surrounding both.

The article begins by defining sex. Sex is the biological makeup of an individual and is directly defined as “ the anatomy and physiology. This includes sex chromosomes, sex hormones, sex organs, and external genitalia.’ (Myers, 2016). Myers then discusses sex in detail from differences in sex and even special conditions where a person may be intersex or have male and female reproductive anatomy. Myers ultimately highlights the many differences across people in terms of biology; At the same time, sex doesn’t change or is easily altered. Everyone has a unique makeup, and no two people are exactly alike.

The article then discusses gender, defined as “the social and cultural roles that males and females are expected to subscribe to based on their biological sex. Gender can be broken down into three main categories: gender assignment, gender identity, and gender expression.” (Myers, 2016). While it is no secret that conversations concerning sex are becoming increasingly extensive, especially amongst this new generation, Gender and gender roles have been long debated up until; this very day. The critical difference between the two is that “Biological sex is universal and static. Gender is a cultural construct that shifts between societies and across time” (Myers, 2016). When one looks at the main concepts of gender, which are gender assignment, gender identity, and gender expression, one can notice that all these behaviors are learned based on societal expectations. Gender categories limit simultaneously; this can first be seen in gender assignment, where our sex, male or female, determines the gender we will take on. As individuals, we have no say; our gender is what we are born into. As we grow, we are socialized, carrying out the specific attributes of the gender we closely identify with based on previous association.

 As discussed in the article “ In America, boys are taught and expected to be tough, risk-taking, wild, athletic, strong, aggressive, rugged, handsome, not emotional, messy, loud, heterosexual studs, uninterested in domestic chores and care-taking, unromantic, interested in sports, cars, guns and climbing the corporate ladder, and have an insatiable interest in superheroes and the color blue. On the contrary, girls are taught and expected to be soft, submissive, cautious, delicate, graceful, prim, pretty, weak, passive, emotional, tidy, quiet, heterosexual prudes, interested in domestic chores and care-taking, romantic, disinterested in sports and cars with zero career aspirations and have an insatiable interest in princesses and the color pink.” (Myers, 2016).

 Eventually, these socializations lead to the development of gender identity, which is how an individual sees, but because gender is social, it does not always fit the person. Not every woman is highly feminine is neither is every man. These conflicts in gender ultimately expose how restrictive genders can be and how they create barriers and prohibit individuals from truly living the life they feel best suits them. We see gender identity and gender roles conflict in various concepts such as feminism, which is discussed extensively in the publication Feminism Is For Everybody, which discusses the long history of feminism and feminist and its roles in society and politics but ultimately what this article presents is the feminism is for everybody. It’s rooted in true equality for women and creating a space where all people can exist as themselves. Women, unfortunately, have been hit the hardest throughout history with gender expectations and being held to unfair standards, unlike their male counterparts. Feminism serves to signify that women are just as capable in all sectors as their male counterparts and that gender role ultimately brings about more societal damage than good.

I don’t believe gender roles are inherently wrong, but they should be closely monitored as times change. Gener roles can be restrictive and cause issues in society because they limit our abilities to think beyond whether someone identifies as a ma or woman and what that entails. Overall I believe that gender is what we make it ad if society continues to seek to change the narratives in the right way. Change can flow seamlessly with little conflict surrounding the ideals and people’s personal beliefs and solutions.