Feminism often seems to be a taboo topic or at some point was. It seemed improper to explore the topic of what it meant to be a woman or have an open dialogue because it wasn’t polite. The readings we looked at this week explored sex, gender and what came with the titles. It’s an important discussion because I notice that there’s still many places where inequality seeps in. Not only that but when I have tried explaining the difference between gender and sexual orientation to my mother she seems confused as to how they don’t necessarily influence one another. 

  Raising Zoomer’s article explores the notion of educating on these topics. Kyl Myers’ approach to educating a child on sex and gender is a parenting choice not traditionally taken. I wonder if this would be a form of feminism.

  The article says that biological sex can be categorized into male, female, and intersex. Then gender becomes a greater topic influenced by social and cultural roles. Myers explains the difference between gender assignment, gender identity, and gender expression. Gender assignment is the masculine or feminine gender which one is categorized as depending on their external genitalia. Gender identity is how a person thinks of themselves in regards to gender. Gender expression is how one displays their gender. Myers then explains that sexual orientation is more like who someone is attracted to. 

  Bell Hooks’ explanation of reformist feminists really sparked something within me. It struck a cord because I’ve noticed in many ways how sometimes the fight for gender equality becomes trivial because some women will use their position to overtake and do not mind stepping on other women that stand beneath them. Hooks explained a reformist feminist’s intentions lied in an effort to sustain their ground without changing the system. They sought “equality” in a way that would mainly benefit them. As Hooks put it “while sexism did not end, they could maximize their freedom within the existing system”. This is why intersectionality in feminism is so essential. Hooks also explains that true feminists cannot pick and choose which women to support and when. 

  One of my classmates, Anevay Darlington, writes that she was given a book about women by her mom. I found this really interesting because as I wrote in the beginning of my response, many women are taught to shy away from feminism and I think it’s only in recent years that it’s been encouraged to teach one’s children about these values. Anevay also wrote that men don’t typically engage in feminism because they don’t see a personal use for it. This speaks to what Hooks mentioned. The psychology behind what we support is what it can do for us many times. As a whole we need to be better than this. 

  Emely D. also included an image that says “women’s rights are human rights”. While this is a quote many of us are familiar with, there’s more to dissect. The quote implies that women aren’t always seen as human and that’s true. Women are sometimes seen as expendable and sometimes it’s because we do more than we are valued for. Women give and give but take with caution. 

  These topics are great to explore and we should encourage one another to talk about them!