The definition “a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression” is a true feminism meaning to me. Connecting to Hooks, I believe it shows that we are not anti men. Hooks mentions how feminism isn’t what it’s made out to be in society. Feminism is usually in a bad light, especially from mens perspectives. They are usually caught off guard when a feminist promotes equal rights and not belittle men. This assumption causes the movement to be overlooked or not taken seriously. I admire Hooks’ take on this, as it is refreshing to see a woman that wants to be equal, not more powerful or dominant. The definition also refers to women and how they play a role in sexism. “As a consequence, females can be just as sexist as men”(pg.4). Taking accountability for the female gender is something not pleasant, but needed. Women become wrapped up in sexism, causing them to believe that men should be less in power. In order for feminism to progress as a movement, we must look at both sides. Compared to what i thought feminism meant before this reading, It was quite similar. I always believed that this movement was deeper than “hating men” or “being dominant”. Hooks makes it clear that equality is the goal. Getting rid of the negative stigma feminism has around it can lead to more support and a healthier society. After reading sex and gender 101, i have a different take on gender. It really dives deep into what gender means in society. I always assumed sex equalled gender, but it is just what we are assigned based on social and cultural roles. This leads to expecting a female to be feminine and a male to be masculine. Society putting pressure on each other since children to act a certain way based on gender is why many aren’t comfortable with themselves. The article made me realize how gender has caused toxic masculinity, lack of women’s rights, oppression, sexism, and much more. It mentions how gender is why some cultures view boys’ education as more valuable, whereas women aren’t valued. If masculinity and femininity wasn’t assigned to sex, many of these problems wouldn’t exist. Should gender be assigned at birth? I can see why many may be against it now. People may be able to grow up without the pressures of acting a certain way because of a social construct.
4 thoughts on “Amirah Avila discussion 2”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Hi Amira,
You are absolutely right about how women should also take responsibility in perpetuating sexism. I think sometimes we forget that we women can also be sexist because of the historical oppression we faced. But it is only natural that being raised in patriarchy can affect the views of all genders. Also, I honestly think someone’s biological sex should only be relevant in a medical setting so they can get the right kind of service their body requires. Other than that, I don’t see why people should fuss about someone else’s genitalia or sexuality or identification. It’s literally so easy to just mind our business and be respectful of other’s existence.
Hi Amirah,
I do agree with you that the women who perpetuate sexism should take responsibility but we also have to ask ourselves.. who are the ones that set these motions in the first place? Secondly I do also agree with your take on the second reading of sex and gender but it can also relate back to social norms in the first text for example how women are meant to be feminine while male are suppose to be masculine. These social norms are patriarchal and harm both sex because society is teaching women that anything less than feminine is wrong and shameful and even wanting to challenge these norms or becoming a feminist is seen as wanting to be a male. Where as men are expected to be tough and bottle up their feelings and anything less than that is also shamed.
Hi Amirah,
You couldn’t say it better the pressure society has been putting in children’s honestly be putting more pressure than it should on children’s messing up their emotions. But it is our job as a parent to educates our self in order to help them.
Hi Amirah,
I agree with everything you said. I have 3 nieces all 5 and under, and just the talk about schools teaching children about their body parts, scare me. I feel like they’re confusing the kids more and I feel like they need to allow the kids explore on their own time.