Eromidayo Olayiwola (Harmony)

Prof. Hollis Glaser

GWS 100-1300

Discussion 2

I became aware of my lack of knowledge of feminism and Sex/Gender after reading bell hooks and Sex and Gender 101 by Kyl Myers. It helps me better grasp what it means to be inclusive and knowledgeable. There is still patriarchy and gender discrimination in some areas of the region, despite the fact that I am from a civilized nation (Nigeria). Due to cultural barriers, one of my friends lost her inheritance to the family’s first son in 2008, leaving her as a female child with nothing. I think that by promoting “feminist,” we may attain equality and put an end to unfairness and inequality.

According to Bell Hook, a woman can assert that she would never choose to have an abortion while also stating that she supports women’s right to make their own decisions and that she supports feminist ideology. These are instructive to me to read, and I believe that any choices you make regarding your own body should be honored without prejudice.

I have this misconception about sex and gender and its well explained in “Sex and Gender 101” analyzing sex orientation which is biological and gender as an expression or creativity and is subject to change. I learned that one can be creative with your own body and appearance.

People used to refer to me as a “tomboy” while I was growing up because of how I liked to dress. The neighbors will stare at me, point fingers, and force me to change into what they consider to be “normal” because my mom always wants me to dress up in a certain way. Even as an adult, I frequently feel the need to apologize for being true to who I am and for being pressured to conform to society’s “feminine” ideal.

For me, “feminism” was more about attaining equality in terms of duties and rights in marriage, the workplace, and society as a whole, which was dominated by men. I learned more after reading “Feminist Politics: Where We Stand.” It focuses on the role that males may play in promoting gender equality for all, ending sex exploitation, oppression, and discrimination against non-conforming people of gender.