I absolutely LOVED Feminism is for Everybody by Bell Hooks. Although this week’s discussion post was based on the first chapter, I couldn’t help but keep reading beyond. As she stated in her introduction, it is a short handbook written in simple text reminding us to never stop imagining a world “where there is no domination. Where females and males are not alike or even always equal, but where a vision of mutuality is the ethos shaping our interaction. Imagine living in a world where we can all be who we are, a world of peace and possibility.” It saddens me that when many people think about feminism or the feminist movement, the central message is often forgotten and the belief that the movement is “anti-male” outshines it. Am I upset that, as a woman, men get preferential treatment because they are male? Yes, I am, but that does not make me anti-male or anti-anything for that matter. As Hooks continuously mentions in her book, it’s the principle. But as usual, and as many of us have seen, I feel that the media does not always make things easier by showcasing a false narrative to the world. As much as we would love to see men succeed, we would love to do just the same. We are all created equal.

Sex & Gender 101, as I also stated in my discussion post, gave me great insight into sex vs. gender. There were certain terms, such as cisgender or gender expressions that I have been exposed to in past conversations or have seen on social media, but I never really looked into their definitions so it was great to sit and read a simple article explaining each term in-depth.