When I first heard the term “Gender and Women’s Studies,” I was immediately intrigued by the thought of taking a class where I would essentially be with like-minded people. I am well aware that we all have different life experiences, and our thoughts/ideas will vary. However, I believe that taking a class such as this means that one would be open-minded and overall willing to be challenged to think outside their own being. I at least see this to be true for myself.
As Audre Lorde states, “Oppression is as American as Apple Pie,” in the simplest way, acknowledges the norms of white supremacist ideals in America. That, therefore, hinders the ability of all women to break free from systemic oppression. Hooks makes the point “white women, ceased to even consider revolutionary feminist visions, once they begin to gain economic power within the existing social structure.” Understanding that a successful future for ALL women comes only when the “existing social structure” is ultimately erased and redesigned. However, this process only happens when we embrace differences among women; age, race, and class.
“Even though individual black women were active in contemporary feminist movement,… they were not the “stars,”… who attracted mass media,” stated Hooks. When this movement first began, I imagine that it came with the notion that it would benefit all, in due time. Inevitably losing the vision for all women, and leaving, specifically women of color, behind.
Alice Walker, American Novelist, author of The Color Purple, said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” I believe this class serves as a stepping stone that instills and gives knowledge to men and women to produce lasting change in a world that is pitted against them.
