Author Archives: Nohelia Gonzalez

Discussion 13- Quarantine Series

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Here, I share the art work of my sister in law, Marialejandra Gomez aka Cachito. Right before the pandemic, she was living in NYC while working at a tea shop and living with her sister. Like many of us in this city, this coronavirus pandemic hit and left us all to quarantine without a second to think about it. All of our lives changed drastically into the unknown. To adapt to this new way of life caused a lot of depression and anxiety worldwide, including Cachito’s. It was so easy to find comfort in the darkness of our own homes and minds. She found a way to express her emotions and dark mind through art and she started what she called “Quarantine Series”. Day by day, surviving. she kept her head high and advocated for positivity through social medias to remain positive through these tough times. There was a lack of therapists for some time, and sometimes having that social media positive quotes and mantras potentially helped strangers all around. Including myself. Though she may not be an activist per se, I am proud of her and the positivity she created from the darkness of it all. That is the greatness of art. Whether it be music, painting, literature, film, dance, etc its about the change that can be created from it.

My favorite from the article read was Tania Bruguera that allowed others to speak freely as part of her own work, I find it very admirable that she created a safe space for others, especially immigrants to share their feelings, opinions and overall passionate thoughts. As a child care provider we are taught to create safe spaces for children to be themselves and find comfort in speaking their mind/thoughts. i often wonder why we dont do the same for adults. The fact that Bruguera advocates for these human rights is truly inspiring

Discussion 10

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  • 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.”
    The quote from the Combahee River Collective Statement suggests that Blacl women since they are are the bottom as the most oppressed group, have the potential to spark a revolutionary movement that would result in the end of all oppression. The statement is suggesting that the liberation of black women is not only a goal in itself, but also a necessary step towards the liberation of all people who are oppressed.
  • What does the Combahee River collective mean by “identity politics”? How do you see this operating in Paris is Burning?
    It refers to the idea that political struggles are shaped by the specific experiences and identities of the people involved. Since the Combahee River is specifically about the struggles and experiences of black women, and to create space for those experiences to be heard and recognize. In the documentary Paris is Burning, we see identity politics through the ballroom scene, which provides a space for queer and trans people of color to express themselves and find community. The ballroom is a form of resistance, it allows them to celebrate their identities and create their own culture.
  • What do race and gender have to do with capitalism?
  • Both of these systems rely on the exploitation and oppression of different groups in order to maintain power and gain wealth. Capitalism relies on the exploitation of labor which historically has been women and people of color. The systems of racism and sexism serve justify and reinforce the exploitation of these groups. Racism and sexism support capitalism and the only way to dismantle it, its if we dismantle them all.

Discussion 9

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  • What do you understand the liberated woman to be?
    The liberated woman is someone who is free from the traditional gender roles and expectations. She is someone that has the freedom to make her own choices about her life, career and relationships, that does not care what “society” might think of her because of the stereotypes that have been put upon her. It is a woman that chooses happiness in every decision, and does not let anyone influence any part of her own journey, a trail blazer.
  • How might the liberated woman be important for women’s liberation?
    The liberated woman is important for women’s liberation because she is the one that challenges the status quo and provides the role model for other women to follow, she is the goal and the liberation movement is the journey to achieve it. By breaking free of the stereotypes and traditional gender rolls, the liberated woman demonstrates that any woman is capable of achieving their goals and pursuing their dreams regardless of what society might say about it.
  • How do these pieces show that “the personal is political”
    The idea that “the personal is political” is that the individual experiences and struggles that we go through are all connected to the larger political and social issue. Both essays show this by how personal experiences of sexuality and domestic labor are deeply connected to the broader structures of power and oppression. They demonstrate that individual actions can have political and social significance, and contribute to the broader struggle for justice and equality.

Discussion 8

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  1. How are suffrage, labor rights, and equal rights amendments related?
    I believe that suffrage, labor rights and the ERA are related because they all have to do with social justice and equality. The suffrage movement that fought for women’s rights to vote and be treated equal as men, while the labor law movement fought for all worker’s rights to have fair wages, safe working conditions and the right to form unions in any level. The ERA, sought to ensure equal rights for all citizens regardless of sex,including the right to vote, work and receive equal pay. All movements are just looking for the world to become a fairer place for people.
  2. How/Why are labor rights also issues of gender justice?
    Labor rights are also issues of gender justice because women have been historically discriminated against and have suffer from inequality on the workplace. For example, women have been paid less for doing the same job, denied promotions and leadership positions, and they have been subjected to sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination. If we fight for fair labor right for all then we are also fighting for gender equality and justice.
  3. How do you see these historical issues enacted in today’s society?
    In today’s society we continue to see issues of these types, although maybe not as prominent it still affects our everyday lives. While women have gained the right to vote, voter suppression and limited access to ballot boxes is still something we see today, especially for women of color. WE also continue to face discrimination and unequal pay in the workplace, as well as harassment. The ERA is still not fully implemented equally by all states, with some interpretations being very different depending on the situations. This means that these problems still need our ongoing attention and we need to get to a place that it ensures that all people regardless of gender, race or any other factors, are treated equally and fairly in our society.

Discussion 14- Abortion

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Where to even begin on this topic… I am enraged to see that individuals still want to have a right over a woman’s body and making her own choices. Abortion should be left for one person to decide and one person only, and that is… the woman pregnant herself whether or not she chooses to continue to have the baby or not. What sucks about this topic is that not everyone truly looks into the close details about this… the different reasons that women may decide to either choose to keep a baby or not. some more personal than others, but truly, cannot believe that we are living in a world that this is a debate. Watching the videos on medical intakes where you have to answer such ridiculous questions just to get financial help is sad…. I dont believe such decisions should require so much questioning. I understand that it is a medical procedure that will require some form of financial sacrifice, but if you prove unable to afford an abortion how can they deny that and then expect the woman to afford a baby? -sometimes I feel like if the roles were changed (Men were the ones getting pregnant) i am sure abortions would not be a such a debate. Taking rights away from women from their own bodies just feels like once again, men wanting to be in control. Although these decisions are being made by all types of people, trying to revoke some of the rights is absolutely insane to me. It is sad to see the world continue to go backwards.

Reflection 6

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The video “Untold Stories of Black Women in the Suffrage Movement” explores the contributions of African American women to the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. The video showcases the work of prominent black suffragists, including Ida B. Wells, Mary Church Terrell, and Sojourner Truth, who fought for both women’s and civil rights. It focuses on the challenges that these women faced as they sought to break down barriers and fight for equal rights in a society that often ignored or dismissed their voices. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences and contributions of all women in the struggle for equality and justice. Overall, the video aims to shed light on the untold stories of black women in the suffrage movement and inspire viewers to continue the fight for justice and equity for all.

Journal #5

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This reading helps understand that patriarchy and capitalism are tied to keep women at the bottom.

“Patriarchy and capitalism are intricately linked at the core. Commodification of women’s labour is at its peak courtesy the unequal power structures normalised by capitalism.”

Though capitalism is the very obvious notion that rich are above and in powers, it connects that men already have the upper hand in power and power=money.

Nohelia Gonzalez- Discussion #6

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Patriarchy puts men at the top. Capitalism puts the rich at the top.

When I think “rich” , the richest person I can think of will be an old, white male. Truth is: Both patriarchy and capitalism tie together leaving women at the bottom.

My position to capitalism is simply living in the United States and having the option of a minimum wage job. Now to grow from there is where you see the difference. If I can’t afford to go to school and rise then I am more likely to remain where I am and have my future led by capitalist decisions. There is competition in corporate jobs because women have to prove themselves capable of accomplishing the same amount of work ethic as men.

In my current job, as a early childhood teacher, you rarely see males. As if there is this idea that men cant be teachers or nannies. Below I am attaching a research summary with statistics

“Research Summary. Using a database of 30 million profiles, Zippia estimates demographics and statistics for preschool teachers in the United States. Our estimates are verified against BLS, Census, and current job openings data for accuracy. After extensive research and analysis, Zippia’s data science team found that:

  • There are over 2,176,693 preschool teachers currently employed in the United States.
  • 93.6% of all preschool teachers are women, while 6.4% are men.” (Zippia, The Career Expert)

What may seem like there is an advantage to women in this job position, but currently there is a shortage of teachers globally due to underpaid teachers, HIGHER PERCENTAGE INCLUDE WOMEN.

The pattern that relates to me is that a job that is accepted for me to have because I am a seen as a woman but should not expect to make as much money. Perhaps teachers (and many other job positions) would make more money if it wasnt seen as a “womans job”

Nohelia Gonzalez- Discussion #4

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This experiment was so interesting to see. I love how a combination of diverse individuals were holding hands in the beginning as a form to show that they are united, but as everyone starts taking steps whether it was backwards or forward to accept where they stand on certain points, they realize that out of their own control, they are separated. Unfortunately, that is what society has made this out to be.

Growing up, my mom had a favorite line she would repeat to my siblings and I when we were picky about eating food: “There are starving children in other countries, you don’t know how lucky you are” . Of course as a bratty child, I would more than likely roll my eyes and continue my picky habits, not fully aware that what she meant is true. That word “lucky”- Lucky to have food options, lucky to have my mom at home making warm home cooked meals. That was my privilege. I started to understand my mom as I grew older, that she did not have the same food options when she was a little girl. Having been raised in a poor town in Guatemala… My mom always ensured to remind me of all the ways I was lucky. The opportunity to go to school, which to me was normal because everyone my age was in school. Having multiple pairs of shoes and clothing options, etc.

Though I had my ways of being privileged, Growing up I had moments where I didn’t feel so “lucky”. Having classmates that teased me for not having name brand clothing, not realizing that my family just couldn’t afford it. Or seeing how others would talk about summer travels, and I was unable because my family was immigrants and could not travel. Both children or adults treating me or my parents differently for not knowing proper english at a point. The list could go on with both “lucky” and “unlucky” experiences. I guess it’s all a matter of whos point of view is looking at my life to decide.

One way I feel oppressed is walking the streets hand in hand with my partner. Luckily, (it’s a privilege to live in NYC), we live in a city where not too many people give a crap but we still face judgement. Depending on where we are in the world or who we are talking to, sometimes we have to mask that by pretending that we are just friends or roommates.

Physically: Hispanic female, tattoos, piercings, colored hair. Not the immediate ideal candidate for pretty much anything.

Discussion #3 – Beyond The Gender Binary

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When reading the sections of this book, I find it very interesting that Alok answers questions i’ve asked myself quietly in my mind be answered. Additionally, some of the comments that are made that may sound ridiculous but 100% real to face. In some I realize I am still not fully aware of all the meaning behind it and I am open and willing to learn.

In my opinion, I allow others to choose what they want with their lives. If someone approaches me and communicates with me “hey, this is my name and this is what I would like to be referred as” then who am I to decide not to? It’s basic manners and respect.. We all are aware that we have reached a time in generations where we will face differences in our everyday encounters. In this reading, I understand that it is more than just tolerance but acceptance that is wanted and deserved. Gender is about self-expression and should not be something an individual is categorized by.

If I have accepted to refer to myself as a female, therefore a cisgender woman. Does that stop me from deciding to wear a suit and tie for a family event, work out until I have big biceps, grow a mustache, and have a love for racecars? Absolutely not! Why? Because those are considered hobbies and preferences that should not be correlated to any gender but unfortunately we live in a society that connects those.

When mentioned that skirts are comfortable in the summer time…AGREED! Now who is socially acceptable to be seen in one? If you think of an answer other than ANYONE! Then we start to think…. what is the problem?

I agree that unfortunately, we are still following certain things out of habits and choosing to follow “norms” … but what really makes anything “normal”

People should be allowed to be people without being put into boxes based off, well, ANYTHING. Including having to choose a gender. And having to pick “non-binary” is sill forcing a labeled box. Aloke states “The best way to eliminate a group it to demonize them, such that their disappearance is seen as an act of justice, not discrimination” BOOM. yes.