• What is meant by the following quote?: “We might use our position at the bottom to make a clear leap into revolutionary action.  If black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression.”

My interpretation of the quote suggests that we must take action to address the economic marginalization, racial oppression, and gender oppression that black women face, which puts them at a disadvantage in all areas. This action would eliminate all forms of structural racism, systemic oppression, and domination by white men at all levels. Black women, regardless of their individual traits, deserve representation at all levels to put an end to male dominance, stereotypes, and various forms of oppression, including prejudice against black men.

• What does the Combahee River collective mean by “identity politics”? How do you see this operating in Paris is Burning?

Identity politics pertains to how individuals identify themselves. However, this often results in a battle. When societal politics oppose one’s sexual, racial, or class identity, it becomes necessary to fight back. Black families use this concept to combat oppression and social injustice. Women who identify differently, such as binary trans or by skin color, have encountered similar struggles. They have had the courage to share their experiences, as seen in the Paris burning. They have expressed their desire for an equal society where women can thrive, but recognize that unity is required to achieve this goal. Together, they are confident in their ability to fight for freedom.

• What do race and gender have to do with capitalism?

Capitalism is an economic and political system where people of different genders and races control a nation’s trade and industry. However, institutional racism within this system leads to unfair situations for black people who are forced to work in unfavorable conditions while being regarded as tokens. This results in unequal power, rights, and exploitation of marginalized groups. The male supremacy within capitalism also contributes to women being relegated to lower level positions. To end systematic oppression, it is necessary to address the problems of capitalism, patriarchy, and imperialism which are all interconnected.

Labor rights, and equal rights amendment, are related because both aim to provide equal opportunities and rights for individuals. In terms of labor rights, the state is required to protect labor, promote full employment, and provide equal opportunities regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. Moreover, The equal rights amendment was designed to eliminate all legal distinctions based on gender after women gained the right to vote. As a result, women were guaranteed equal access to employment, education, and all other opportunities as citizens. The amendment guaranteed women’s freedom in public space.

Due to the fact that women are treated unfairly in the workplace and in their communities, labor rights are also issues of Gender justice. There is discrimination and inequality faced by women in every country. They are subjected to violence, abuse, and unequal treatment at home, at work, and in their wider communities, and they are denied the chance to learn to earn money and lead. It is well known that women have fewer resources, less power, and less influence than men and can also experience further inequality due to their ethnicity, class, and age as well as religious and other fundamentalism.

We can see little signs of change in today’s society in regards to suffrage, labor rights, and the Equal Rights Amendment in various ways since some women were able to get jobs that were usually available only to men and received equal pay for equal work for some but not all jobs.

• In what ways do you experience privilege?

As an immigrant I think that I have been very privileged in my life. Being in America I have a lot of things to access that people in my home country do not have. I am able to have free education, food, and access to better health care. Even having a phone at a young age. In my home country you can not have a good education or go to school if you’re not rich or have the money to pay for it every month. Like what she says in the video, i have access to water if i am taking a shower, I will take how long i want it. But some states in my home country have limited water to use every day. I also have the privilege to say so in my life what I want and don’t, there are people who I know that do not have. I have a lot of privilege given to me as being a woman over man.

• In what ways do you experience oppression?

Being a muslim my experience of oppression. Is people judging me as being a muslim because they think that I am a terrorist or people trying to see what is inside or under my hijab asking me if I am hot or not. And some people think that I’m way too dark for my skin complexion. 

• How does watching this video and doing the readings help you define the concepts of privilege and oppression and what are your current definitions

After watching the video and doing the reading. I have a better understanding of privilege and oppression. Because I did not know the privilege I have. I think that the My perception of privilege is still being determined. Cause i know that people who have a lighter skin complexion have more privilege than me. I did not know much about oppression, how we are treated differently because of our sexuality, age, race, gender, and religious belief. 

What does it mean to move beyond the gender binary for Alok?

Alok sees moving beyond the gender binary as an ability to see beyond a person’s gender or what they are able to see. What matters more is how a person feels and displays it in their daily lives. Alok also discusses how gender preconceptions and expectations are restricting, limiting, and how harmful it is. Like many others, Alok struggled with self-hatred and shame for years before they found peace and acceptance with themselves because they couldn’t conform to the expected binary. The transgender community is more questioned and gets more looks on the streets than other groups because they are questioned more frequently. “Gender non-conforming people face considerable distress not because we have a disorder, but because of stigma and discrimination. There is nothing wrong with us, what is wrong is a world that punishes us for not being normatively masculine or feminine.” 

In what ways does your gender identity go against the binary norm and in what ways does it fit the binary norm?

I grew up in a different environment and people so my knowledge about the non-binary people or community was limited. When I came to this country and I saw a man wearing makeup or a dress I was so confused because I was not used to seeing that. All I know is the binary people like myself and the people I grew up with. After reading this book it makes me think how the non-binary people feel when I pronounce them wrong. and it made me realize that there is no way that I could ever imagine the amount of pain that non-gender conforming individuals experience on a daily basis. I am a female  and I like to be called her and she. i am really feel comfortable about it.

• Explain what you understand this definition to mean.

My understanding from this definition is that Feminism generally refers to the movement for social, political, and economic equality of men and women. According to bell hooks, feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation and oppression. The point of her discussion is that women cannot come together under one banner unless they confront their own sexist thoughts. She also emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in pointing out that when women continue to oppress other women then they cannot unite under one banner. Because of their varying overlapping marginalized identities, such as race or class. 

• How does this definition compare with what you thought “feminism” meant before you did this reading?

Before I did this reading I didn’t know much about feminist. According to my understanding of feminism, women are primarily committed to gender equality, equal pay for equal work, and sometimes women and men share household chores and parenting duties with mens. I have gained a deeper understanding of feminism and my belief in gender equality after reading this essay. Women shouldn’t have to be harassed or discriminated against simply due to their race and gender. I think Hooks makes an excellent point when she suggests that if women come together, the feminist movement will be able to include women of all races and colors. I believe this is a very compelling statement because so many women face inequality due to their race and gender. The outcome could be significant if all women united to fight similar struggles. I think that women should not have mens questioning what she does with her body. 

• How does the reading Sex and Gender 101 compare with what you thought about gender before you did this reading?

Before reading sex and gender 101. I honestly did not have any knowledge about it, I am sorry but I thought that people only used she, her, and them as pronunciation. This article makes me understand It is important to understand the difference between sex and gender.  A major change in my thinking in the way I viewed people labels. I now respect all labels, such as pronouns, and the variety of ways people identify and express themselves. And also i did not force myself to learn any of this because in my religion we only used the pronunciation she and he. However we have to give respect to how people identify themselves.