Category: Final Project

I dedicated my statement to struggle. Not only the political struggle we undergo as women under white supremacy and the heteronormative patriarchy, but also the internal struggle I undergo as a person with trauma, fears, and cultural identity that shapes a large part of who I am. I hope that with my writings and my photos, I am able to display my truth, and how I see the value of my fight in every single woman, femme, and vagina owner that I have had the blessing of encountering in this life. I was writing with the purpose of understanding power better, of being able to see where it lies and where it is taken away precisely. I realized after working on this project and after a meeting with my community organization New York Boricua Resistance that there can be two truths that co-exist. While men are the first ones needed to divest from toxic masculinity before we can do anything for gender equality and justice, it is women’s position as a marginalized group that has allowed for us to see the mechanisms of the system at play. Feminist deconstruction is what granted us this understanding and gave the beast a name, therefore, men’s liberation will always be a feminist struggle too. Nevertheless, I aimed a lot of my discussion on women’s liberation towards the brutalization of black and brown women by men in our communities. It’s relevant to me given the current state of things in Puerto Rico. I hope you enjoy it. 

GLORY                 
A monolouge written by Jasmine Maldonado. 

When I was like ten years old all of my friends and I would always talk about what we wanted to be when we grew up- like my best friend Cristal-- well she wanted to be a teacher and there was this boy from mrs.chadicks class, oh what was his name (pause) anyway his would change like every week, doctor, astronut, football player. (caught in a daze) what about me? right duh well I think being the only girl out of five boys, my family had some pretty high expectations for me-- like a vet maybe or I dont know a lawyer or somethin, and my grandmother-GLORIA- she would always say "oh my chickadee God loves you so much, God bless you mija." Man she is always praying over me. trust me I'm not complaining--You know when I was younger we would go to church every sunday together, we would really spend so much time together, its funny shes always telling me that im her favorite, but makes me swear to keep it a secret. I dont know I guess Im always aiming to please.---- oh so I was ten when I figured that in order to make my family proud- I would have the holiest job possible, and geez you wouldnt believe, when youre a girl, religion is no exception to the things that the patriarchy has us limited to, I suppose if you think about it, its pretty fitting. who knew! so it was setteled (pause) a nun! and you know I dont know if GLORIA still thinks I'll be a Holy sister of St Franssics and the Blessed Sacrament of Immaculata evetually but with all the stuff she sends me im pretty much set up to start anyday now. I got a rosary in every color practically and spot too! of course in the bible, by my bed, my wallet. and if youre ever in a pickle- a little somethin GLORIA taught me when I was younger. Jesus,Mary,Joseph (x3) dang, shoot, darnit, ahh God forgive me, I probably should have used that one a few years ago before I had sex with my ex- but dont worry I looked it up, you can acctually still become a nun and NOT be a virgin, Jesus totally forgives that sorta stuff, havent you ever heard of Mary Magdalene-- man Id be such a good nun with all my biblical refrences.    

As a young girl, I was practically raised in the church. Told to fear God and to never behave in a way that would call shame upon myself. Unfortunately, this caused me to hold secrets of my own. So while I silently experienced emotional abuse and sexual harassment I fell into a never-ending cycle of guilt, shame, and disappointment all within myself. I was truly alone. My boyfriend at the time was also religious, more so the stereotypical westernized Christianity than my traditional Catholic practice. Often I would hear from him that my own religion was not worthy, for it wasn’t what he knew to be “right by God.” This became a sore subject throughout much of our relationship. Debating whether it was right or wrong, for our hypothetical non-existent children to be baptized. Would we get married in the church? Looking back almost a year later after the ending of an almost three-year relationship, my most serious I might add, I have gained a much clearer understanding of the logistics of my own religious beliefs. Coming to know how they coincide with my day-to-day ethical and moral values. I have realized that while defending my own religious institution I was also, however unintentional, judging out of feelings of righteousness. Moving forward to now, where I am self-assured, confident, and aware that all who are worthy of you accept all of you regardless of differences. So moving forward I intentionally accept and acknowleged not only others but myself as well. Living life the way that makes me fufilled.

Elba Leon

 I thought my parents were heroes, happy, flawless individuals. I mean they came with literally nothing but the clothes on their backs. When I was younger, say around eight years old, I truly believed that nothing could happen to them. We would be the “American dream” I mean I didn’t actually think the words the American dream, I had no idea what that even meant. I was not exposed to so many places around the country, not even the English language until preschool. Then my life changed for the worse, I had a hard time in school, at home, and to be honest I did not have any friends.

 The problem did not start externally, the media, and society did not ruin it for me. In fact, it was my own parents. I saw how emotionally abusive my father was towards my mother. When he first said he was leaving our family, I was in fourth grade, he decided it was a great idea to start threating he was going to leave us. At the time I was extremely heart broken, that’s just what a child thinks at the time. But now I take my time and I mean how dare he you know. I mean sure I understand divorces happen everywhere, no one should stay married or have to live with each other if there is so much toxicity. But how could he say all those things when he knows that he is the breadwinner of an undocumented immigrant family. Sure, my brother and I are born in the U.S but they aren’t, something happens and who knows if we’re going to be ripped apart since both could be deported. Do we end up in foster care? With our uncles? Or do we leave with them? I mean did my father does not care about us when he hits us or yells at us and broken walls, tvs, phones. My mother wanted him to leave but time and time again this happened, and months would go by and we wouldn’t speak to him until things cleared up and it would happen again.

The way my father has acted towards us, his immediate family, truly has shaped the way I am. When I was in middle school, he pulled the same trick, “I’m leaving”. That pushed me to become depressed, I actually couldn’t handle it, I was bullied at school, didn’t have a group of friends I could count on, I was so unstable, yet again because of my father. Time flew by and I was happy when I went to high school, finally I thought out of that middle school, I made so many friends and I was winning awards for being one of the best on the swim team, transferred to another school, kept making more friends, more awards, and joined clubs, sports, the orchestra. I mean I was absolutely happy. My father comes out of the blue with his famous phrase “I’m leaving” I was tired of it. Absolutely done with his manipulation, for me it seemed that whenever I was so happy, and the family was peaceful his anxiety or whatever it is rushed him to say that we would be abandoning us. At that moment I told him straight to his face that I was done and that the door was there so he could leave whenever he wanted to. He did not have the courage to leave after he saw that I would not cave this time and let him manipulate me. The same way Ijeoma A.in “Because you’re a girl” told her cousin to “do it your damned self” the utter shock and disapproval look and vibe he gave me after I told him to leave.

I mean I was never truly happy deep down. My parents’ marriage seemed like a soap opera. My father is an alcoholic, he will truly never stop being one, sad to say but that is the truth. My mother always being pushed around emotionally by him, she’s fiery and resilient but I cannot handle this anymore and that is why whenever there is an argument, I need to speak up. I’m tired of holding my feelings in.

My true inspiration, motivation, and my drive to be the most successful person I could be is my mother. One thing that I could say so proud is getting able to do a study abroad program during high school. I heard about it my first year of high school and it lit my eyes up but I knew that we would not be able to afford it. Nor my Hispanic parents would let me go because they would not even let go to a sleepover at my cousin’s house in Elmhurst. I mean I was extremely persistent with my school and the program that’s a trait that my mother has encouraged me to have, she grew that little flame I always had. I wrote essays and was in touch with the people that allowed me this opportunity and I was able to go, received a scholarship for seven thousand dollars all I had to do was pay for my flight. This was one of my victories I am proud to say because who would think the daughter of immigrants would have the opportunity to do such a thing. This experience truly meant the world to me, to stay an entire month in another continent it was my second time flying out of the country, I barely know what the U.S. has to offer. I met 50 people from the whole nation, stayed with a host mom and their daughter and made a close friend group that I absolutely adore.

Just like in module nine, the “nuclear family” limits other members to be recognized a legitimate family. For example just like “Beyond Sex Marriage: A New Strategic Vision For All Our Families & Relationships” brings out to advocate for other structures of families. Families do not have to be romantic. They can be platonic, for instance grandparents with their grandchildren, close friends, siblings, and care givers. That’s what I acquired when I went onto high school a second family. My friends like Aaliyah, Adrianna, and Jordan are so close to me and I keep them close as my definition of family since my father ruined my perspective on what it means to be a biological one. The funny part is that my child psychology professor told us to take an attachment theory test and the results were not shocking to me but the way my father paints it to others is that were the best family and that he’s the perfect father. My attachment theory came out to be secure because my mother took part in that and that’s how my connection is with my mom and friends and my father and relationships give me fearful avoidant. Secure attachment means that an individual feels connected, trusting, confident and let individuals have independence but caring as well. The fearful avoidant attachment style affects individuals by making them live in a state of being afraid of being both too close or to distant from other individuals.

Throughout my whole life I have seen my mother go from feeling oppressed to feeling more comfortable in her own skin and being able to stand up to my father. My mother implemented the eating lunch/dinner at the table around three pm every day since I was a baby so she would cook these typical Mexican dishes that are absolutely delicious, and my father would always complain why he had to eat greens and vegetables and then when I was in middleschool/highschool he complained when there weren’t any vegetables or mixed greens at the table, if the food was not salty or too salty for his liking. I always thought the food was spot on delicious, anything my mother made I knew it was going to be good. My father made everyone insane especially when he would drink. I mean this man chugged the whole bottle of don Julio on one occasion and we woke up to find him on the floor the next day. Covid definitely had such a major impact on us that we order food from the 311 food for NYC program, and he can eat whatever he wants or whatever there is to eat, and she no longer worries if he’s going to like the food or not.

Also, the pandemic has pushed us to find ways to make money, I started to sell my lightly used items on an app that is called depop. My mom works as a housekeeper at this five-story brownstone. And My mom’s attitude about money is so smart, she said she will be budgeting our household in order to have some savings and if another pandemic occurs or if were in this situation much longer we have something to fall on. Which we have to hide from our father because he’s so toxic that 20 years ago when my mother started a college fund for me and my brother my father said it was useless and drained the account.

Now I just hope with time my life just keeps moving forwards and I prosper into what I am meant to do. My mother keeps being such a motivation for me and what has stuck with me the most, is how my mother mentions to me that I should be my own priority. Which is what has made become such a strong, persistent, and bright person. We evolve and that is what I take from this marriage, sure it traumatized me, but it left we with that message. It only means I can go up from here. I want to work in the mental/public health sector. I would definitely would like to work with individuals and becoming a therapist, social worker, or a patient representative. Which might just be another way that reflects that I had endured so much and that I would definitely want to be there for others.

*letter*

*My goals in life is honestly to be happy, yes it does sound cliché, however that doesn’t matter to me. I do nails that makes me happy, I ride my bicycle that makes me happy, I help others that makes me happy. I want to do constant things that make me happy. I also definitely understand that I have to have sad moments. I see it painted in a way a graph is. There is a happy line and if that is all we know, well it gets pretty pointless and that is the mundane, throw in some sad or frustrating moments and that is the balance that is needed to understand that the feeling needs to be there and a constant push and pull in order for me to feel like its normal. My goal in this final project is to finally write down the way my home life has been, and it being seen. I also think honesty is working just fine in this project.

I think I’m a little clueless on what else to add. I feel like I’m the type of person when someone says one word it triggers thousands of different responses. Maybe the clarity or the timeline is something I could definitely work on. I have the main idea how my home life has been the exact opposite of the American dream. But I also know that I haven’t had it the worse and its not a pity party I just like mentioning a lot. Any pointers on where I should expand or what I should not include would be greatly appreciated, as to sometimes I don’t realize if I have rambled, or it was transferred from my brain to paper the way I wanted to.

                                    Women’s problems in Georgian society

  Georgia is a country where women are given the status of a goddess.  Especially, mother has a huge role in every man’s heart. A lot of Georgian famous poets write about mothers and their values in the world. There does not exist drinking-bout where toast masters and other men will not stand up and say toasts of women, wife, house keepers and mothers. After all of this, they drink one or more glasses wine.  Georgian women are perfect for Georgian men. Georgian men think that Georgian women have a unique beauty, though they like Slovak and Russian girls.  Women are source of a new life. There are a lot of words, where “mother” is basic part of Georgian words in the language. For example: mother tongue ( დედაენა), the earth ( definition is mother ground, დედამიწა)  and so forth.

Unfortunately, reality is radically different in our society.  I can bravely say that women have a lot of problems in our country. I will start from women’s childhood. There are framework if how must grow up baby girl. Parents think that girl and boy do not have equal terms. In this case, if boy has a freedom that means that they can do what they want, girl cannot live similarly. There are the famous sentence- you are a girl and you must … there are a lot of version how will I finish it; you must study better, you must be sophisticate, you must do house works, you must stay at home and your promised bride will find you, you are mirror of our family, you must eat accurately, you must come at home early, you must be virgin and etc. Also, I can say that a lot of surgery make operation of renewal hymen repair. When you are a girl, almost everyone try to control your life; not only your parents but also your brothers, friends of brother, neighbors and so forth. Everyone try to control you. They want to know everything. If you are a boy, you do not have a problem.  No one try to control you. If a boy has a lot of sexual partner, it just means that he is cool. Almost every boy is proud of this fact and they attract more and more girls. They do not need a high education and accurately manners. They just know how flirt with girls. There are a huge number of boys who have psychological problems. They have a lot of complex and low self-appraisal; they try to cover it with bulling other girls. Georgian men are proud and sometimes they do not want relationship with girl who is more successful. Because of this fact, they try to bulling women; generally boys have a better experience of relationships. Boy start bulling like this, you are short, you have a long nose, you have short hands or what do you know? You do not have an enough knowledge or where do you live? Are you from village? Do you live in suburb?..  This type of man try to oppress woman and try to kill woman’s self-confidence. The man start toxic relationship with his partner. After all of this, he is proud and he thinks that he is better. Unfortunately, a large number of good girls are victims of this kind of relationships. The problem comes from childhood. There does not have mean how much perfect you are; girls always are under the critic. Parents, teachers or society want to be better and better. Parents a lot of observations give to baby girls and they forget to encourage own children. Because of this fact, from childhood woman have serious problems of self-confidence and when they grow up they become easily vulnerable.

 I want to notice religion role in the above-mentioned problems. Orthodoxy has a huge influence in our community. 83% of citizens are Christian in Georgia. The patriarch is idolized by people. He is   more influential person than other members of political figures. Christian religion preaches us that the man is a head of everything. The woman must not have sexual partners before marriage, she must get marriage just once etc. For example, my friend got married with a man who was divorced years ago. (Person can religiously wedding 3 times in life) This one was second for the man. Because of this, the priest said that religious wedding and prayers will not be traditional, and it will be different in this case, the woman is not virgin. My friend was virgin; the man was proud.  Christianity sermonizes that woman must have more sense of patient. She must be honest… There is patriarchate. A lot of things are wrongly taking from the Bible. I cannot say that a huge part of men are churchgoers, but they use church to control women. They are good manipulators. Old traditions take a big place in our society; today, is different time and they are useless. I can say that years ago everything was differently. There were more gentlemen. Women were estimated by men. For example, the fight between two men could be stopped by the woman who thrown a headdress between them. The Soviet Union have changed a lot of things in our country. Today, I think that social media has a huge influence on the people. For example, they take new trends from the USA and Europe; unfortunately, the above-mentioned trends are disfigured. They cannot take it correctly.   

Additionally, I want to speak about women’s role in our economic system. Our country has a really hard economic situation. We beautiful country, and there is every source in order to be rich capital, but we do not have a productive government; people do not have jobs. A huge number of women are emigrants. They keep our country’s economic system. They send us money. Women are sacrifices. They are abroad. They work for their family. There are a lot of cases, when they cannot come back in own country, because they are illegal. They stay 5, 10, 15 years, and more long time in abroad. They are nurses, and they go outside two or one days per week. Sometimes, they die in other country. There are some problems. For example they send money, and their husband get married with other woman; children (30-40 years) do not want to come back mother because they will not have more money, and etc.

  Also, I think that women’s role in family is a caustic issue. A lot of women are under the stress. Often, men violence toward women. They do not need reasons. Men jealous; they afraid of everything. For example, if couple separate, he continue control of ex-wife. He do not want to comprehend that the woman is not object; she has own life and she can contact with other men. There are a lot of case where ex-wife was killed by ex-husband, and where ex –wife are beaten or raped by husbands or ex-husbands. Violence take place of every level of society. There are large number of famous women who have own bad experience. Fortunately, step by step everything is changing. Years ago, I mean 7 or 5 years ago women do not speak about this problem. They shame on society. They used to start thinking, I must endure it; what kind of reaction will have people; everyone will speak about me and my family and etc. Social media has a huge role in our lives. Today, everything is transparent.  Women know that they are not alone. There are NGOs that can help to them and they can fight for them.

  Finally, I hope that one day everything will change. Fortunately, every boy and man do not look like each other. We have good persons in every generations. Everything needs time. “Rome was not build in a day.” People wakes up. Almost everyone realizes that they need innovations. I know a lot of boys who do not like that their mother are abroad. Almost every emigrant wants to come back in Georgia. We love our homeland. There everything is differently better for us. I hope that one day we will not have the above mentioned problems. I believe that my and future generation will change everything.

Nathaly Peguero

Final Project: Manifesto

May 11,  2021

Since the past, we see how men and women were treated differently. Let’s talk about a feminist manifesto. Gender inequality, from the past when we used to have more opportunities and were able to do whatever they want to do. Such as going to work, being able to vote, being able to speak and make decisions on their own. However, women were the ones that didn’t have the opportunity to express themselves and make the decision that they wanted to make at that time.  

We  see that the roles for women are house cleaning and work as well as being the prime parent to take care of the children and take care of their siblings. When I mentioned women did not have the choice to make decisions, I can relate this topic to what my mom passed through. My mom is one of the oldest siblings of her family. I remember that one day, I was talking to her about how she used to live and things like that. You know what she told me. She told me that she really wanted to go to school, to increase her knowledge and learn new things. She was so anxious to go to school, but guess what? My grandparents did not let her go to school. Any of the girls. Her brothers were able to go out and go to school because they were boys and were able to go by themselves. I did research on the possibility of why girls may not be able to go to school. 

Some possibility are the following one: 

I had to look after my siblings: They are also more likely to have to look after younger siblings while their parents work to put food on the table. These gendered expectations affect the time girls spend in school, putting their progress at risk. 

There is no safe way for me to get to school: Girls who live in rural areas with poor roads or transport links have an even more difficult time getting to school. Some have to walk for hours to get there. In some cases it’s not safe for them to walk miles for school, threats can come from groups who don’t believe girls should be educated and do everything in their power to prevent it.

I’ve got to go to work: For many poor families the long term benefits of sending their children to school, especially their daughters, are outweighed by the immediate benefit of sending them to work or keeping them at home to help with house work.

I’m getting married!” or “I’m pregnant!”: In some parts of the world, girls are forced to marry young  sometimes before they even reach puberty to men who might be three or four times their age. And instead of attending school, they are likely to have children at a young age, which takes them straight out of the education system, with a high likelihood of this cycle repeating for their daughters.

Because I’m a girl: In some places, girls are viewed as less worthy of an education than boys, so when a family has limited funds, they’ll educate their sons instead of their daughters

Most of the reasons that I already told you, may be related to what my mom and aunts pass through.I have a really big family. My mother has 16 siblings. All of the girls did not finish school at that time when they were young. Her brothers were the ones that may have the opportunity to study. So many people take opportunity for granted. My mother and my aunts really wanted to go to school, but did not have the opportunity. Therefore, my uncles were able to study, but they did not like it. 

As I mentioned  some possibilities, we can imagine how difficult it could be for someone that really wants to study and is not able to do it. Returning back to my mother’s case. She could not finish high school at that time because she used to take care of their siblings. Also she was responsible for doing the housework. Moreover, she got married so young. She was not able to finish the study at a young age, but after she got my sisters and I. She moved to another town and was able to finish school. I am so proud of her because she taught me that the time has passed and maybe we are not able to do it at the time that we want, but later yes we can. She finished even though when she was young she could not have the opportunity to do it. 

According to Brady, “I Want a Wife” (1972). When the story says,  “I want a wife who will take care of my physical needs. I want a wife who will keep my house clean. A wife who will pick up after my children, a wife who will pick up after me. I want a wife who will keep my clothes clean, ironed, mended, replaced when need be, and who will see to it that my personal things are kept in their proper place so that I can find what I need the minute I need it. I want a wife who cooks the meals, a wife who is a good cook. I want a wife who will plan the menus, do the necessary grocery shopping, prepare the meals, serve them pleasantly, and then do the cleaning up while I do my studying. I want a wife who will care for me when I am sick and sympathize with my pain and loss of time from school. I want a wife to go along when our family takes a vacation so that someone can continue to care for me and my children when I need a rest and change of scene. I related this with my mom’s story, as she was taking care of her siblings. She was the one who was responsible for doing the work at home such as cooking, laundry, cleaning and babysitting. This could be one of the possibilities that made her unable to go to school because her parents need to work to get everything for their children.” Men should be able to do those things too, without a wife. Everyone is able to do many things. 

Finally, equality should be for everyone no matter what. As women are able to do work and housework, men are able too. Opportunities should be for everyone too, try to do not make excuse for their child to go to school because of their sex or gender. 

Being the only son and an older brother raised in a traditional Asian family, there were many expectations that were placed upon me at a young age. Phrases like “as a man, it is your job to protect women” or “males need to do all the heavy lifting because you guys are stronger” were told to me on a day to day basis. Having become an adult now, I have realized that such thinking’s are not only outdated but also detrimental to a child’s upbringing, which I can speak from first-hand experience. It is important for us to change these old methods of parenting and teach ourselves and others the importance of gender/sexuality acceptance to push for an accepting society. This brings me to my first point: gender norms and expectations being placed on children.

Although I was born here in Brooklyn, New York, I was raised by my grandparents in a rather suburban neighborhood located in Fuzhou China. This meant more traditional ideals amongst the people which included my grandparents. Being young, I didn’t really fully grasp the concept of gender roles other than the small simple things that my grandma told me. Statements  like “boys need to play with toy guns and not Barbies” and “stop watching those girly cartoons” didn’t really resonate with me since I didn’t understand what she meant. All I knew was that as a male, I was discouraged from anything feminine. This led to me being a more outgoing kid with other guys around my age. I only really played with them, not paying attention to females since I thought that hanging out with females would make my grandma mad. Little by little, I also adapted the misogynistic behaviors displayed by my family. For example, when my sister showed interest in shows or toys that I enjoy, I started telling her that these kinds of things are for girls and that she should stick to Barbies and play dates. Obviously when I told those things, I didn’t fully understand what I was doing. As kids, we are impressionable therefore I learned those behaviors from our grandparents. I honestly don’t blame them since it’s basically our heritage, all of our ancestors including our grandparents were brought up that way. What’s important is that we need to understand that this type of parenting is no longer good. It’s filled with misogyny and harmful gender expectations that not only hamper kids who want to explore their gender and sexuality but also raise narrow minded people who aren’t accepting of people who are different. I am thankful that I’ve learned this lesson earlier into my childhood. Otherwise, I’m afraid that I would be a very different person than I am now.

Incidentally, I believe it’s also important to bring up the subject of sexual orientation since it is also connected to gender expectations. Like many others, I’m sure we were raised up with the expectation to like females. I’m always asked the question “What type of girlfriend do you want” even when I was young. Most of the time, the adults are joking as they obviously know that it’s too soon for us to be thinking about relationships but it was something that was uncomfortable for me every time they asked. It got even worse when I moved to the US back in middle school and found out about my sexuality at a young age. In school, I realized that I was not like other kids. While all the boys were asking about which girl they “liked”, my attention was more focused on the boys in my class. It was hard for me to pretend that I liked girls when I obviously didn’t. As times progressed, I started taking on stereotypical behaviors of gay men. My voice is higher than the average male and I started acting more feminine. This gave me a lot of unnecessary attention at home and at school as I was not comfortable with coming out at such a young age (and still haven’t even now). At school, it was fine since I can downplay it to the fact that I was still in puberty but at home was different. Most of my family members didn’t care as we literally grew up together but there was a particular uncle that did not like my “femininity”. He would often comment on my behavior when I’m around him or ask questions to my mother like “why does he act like that?” or “he has such a squeaky voice like a girl.” At first, I would not pay attention to these comments since I simply didn’t care. But as I grew into puberty and started to somewhat think for myself, I would often get irritated or simply embarrassed by the way he talks to/about me. I often pondered what I did wrong to him to receive this treatment, it wasn’t like I was speaking to him with my “squeaky” girl voice. That being said, I put up with him for the remainder of the time I stayed in PA until I moved.

After my move, I was with family members that didn’t mind my femininity which was honestly a breath of fresh air. I mean I felt like I could finally breathe for the first time in my life. Of course school was still the same story but I slowly came out of my shell and met those who are like me. Nowadays, my way of speech easily gives away my sexual preference and I don’t deny it (unless it’s a family member). This leads me to my point of how damaging homophobia can be especially to young children who are exploring their sexuality. I was lucky enough to grow up in a family where homophobia was not very present but I cannot say the same for a lot others. Even though incidents with my uncle were memorable, they weren’t even that bad. I mean yes it was annoying to be called “girly” all the time, but compared to those who have openly homophobic family members, I’d say that I had it easy. I mean take a look at children who grew up in homophobic households. Not only are they close-minded, they are also likely to be misogynists that believe that man is the superior gender. These children also have a higher tendency to bully others who have different sexual preferences than the. It just goes to show how toxic growing up in a homophobic household can be. It’s even more sad for those who are gay growing up in that kind of environment, having to listen to your role model’s tell you that you sexual preference is a “sin” and that it’s unnatural for someone to be gay when they themselves [the kids] didn’t choose to be that way. That’s a whole issue in itself, that people think that being gay is a choice. Being gay, lesbian, queer, etcetera is not a choice; it’s not a lifestyle that you can just adapt to. I myself have lost track of how many times I wished I was straight, how my life would be so much easier if I just liked females but sexual preference doesn’t work that way. Why would anyone choose to be oppressed if they had the choice to have an easier life? It’s because of this notion that being gay is a choice that resulted in conversion camps. These camps aim to get rid of peoples “gayness” but in reality, it’s just a place filled with trauma and regret. All of this just goes to show how homophobia is so damaging to our society, especially our youth. I’ve only listed a few of the problems that’s in this topic and there are a whole lot more. This is why we need to continue preaching about how being different is okay, that it’s not a “sin”. I would even suggest having LGBTQ history be taught in school because again, kids are impressionable and since this is such an important topic. However, I am just one person, I cannot do anything by myself. This is why I hope that whoever reads this can maybe take my story as a way of encouragement and use this as fuel to make changes themselves. We as individuals cannot hope to change society, only through united efforts can we shape our ideal future together. 

Introduction:

Qué vale la pena?

 Daniel Morales‐Doyle poses this question in his study on curriculum, and offers the translation, “What is worthwhile?”. According to Doyle, asking Qué vale la pena as an expression emphasizes the further sidelining of marginalized communities at the hands of hegemonic curriculum. [1] The battle over what is worthy of teaching and learning is one that has always existed.

In this paper I seek to explore facets of curriculum that uphold hegemonic curriculum content, and, therefore, can be understood as a struggle for power, for control over the narrative of human history, and ultimately the ability to influence how future generations grow to see the world and interact with it in ways that uphold dominant oppressive structures. This being a Gender and Women’s Studies class, and with this being such a broad issue, this paper will primarily focus on the erasure of women and the intersectionality of erasure from Social Studies curriculum.   

Pt 1: Social Studies – Erasure of Women is the Norm:

I recall noticing the absence of women in history and social studies textbooks in grade school. It was around when we learned about Harriet Tubman and Joan of Arc, and I realized they seemed to be the only women in my history book that weren’t mentioned as merely a supporting character to a more notable man. Pages and pages of accounts of men, stories of their experiences and upbringings and motivations were the foundation of history, and women were relegated to supporting roles, or tokenized. Where were all the women?

Turns out I was picking up on a hard truth. According to a study performed by the National Women’s History Alliance in 2019, only three percent of educational materials contained information relevant to the contributions of women measured against total contributions referenced. In their study, 53% of these references to women included domestic roles of women, while only 20% included the women’s suffrage movement. A paltry 2% contained women in the workforce or depicted accomplishments for the sake of accomplishments. Moreover, when women are included in history books, they are often portrayed in stereotypical gendered roles, and most often, are only mentioned in relation to their husbands, and most represented are those from socially and politically conservative circles [4].

Some might argue this is in large part due to the very oppression of women, since for so long women were barred from academia and the workforce, but this would be a copout. A lack of equal military, political and academic achievement should not be reason enough to exclude 50% of the human population from history. It does, however, offer a relevant opportunity to provide context for this oppression and to illuminate the lived experiences of women through, and their resistance to, that oppression.

Minimizing women’s roles in history contributes to the very culture that continues to diminish the labor traditionally associated with “women’s work”. By omitting descriptions of this labor from our history books we confirm that we do not value this work, which is fundamental and foundational to the survival and progression of humanity. But history is written from a male perspective that places value on politics and war and robs us of a more holistic view of the lived experiences of those that came before us. When you don’t see yourself represented in ways that value your contributions to society, it becomes harder still to think of yourself as capable or worthy of taking up space, defying norms, and daring to break barriers of achievement, in this way representation is everything.   

Pt 2: Intersecting Erasure: A Whitewashed Curriculum:

“Seeing the Chicana in light of her history, I seek an exoneration, a seeing through the fictions of white supremacy, a seeing of ourselves in our true guises and not the false racial personality that has been given to us” – Gloria Anzaldua, La Frontera

Intersecting with the erasure of women in history is the erasure of all non-dominant groups, so much so that it’s hard to mention one without mentioning others, even if you could write a lengthy individual thesis on the systematic erasure of each separate group.

In attempts at writing inclusivity into modern textbooks, the mark is missed because those powerful groups who dictate what is taught, how it is taught, and how that knowledge is assessed are typically controlled by members of the dominant culture. This cycle, even under the best of intentions, leaves groups with comparatively less power and voice to continue to be left out of the history books, and curriculum at large. Those with such hegemonic, dominant-group identities are often unable to see the mechanisms upholding their own privilege, whereas those groups who experience oppression or invisibility would be in a far better position to contribute a more comprehensive view of history and social studies as it is shaped into curriculum. As it stands, much US curriculum is legitimized by existing faulty education, so the very act of seeing the need for this shift of mindset in curriculum writing is obfuscated [4].  

In fact, most of the recent inclusion of traditionally underrepresented groups are presented within standards that award and make heroes of those individuals that assimilate to white culture. The Black activists featured are those whose actions have been sanitized to make them “more palatable” to white teachers and students. Many stories that include Native Americans seem progressive on their face but speak mostly to the resistance and reaction to white expansion, and very little has to do with independent representation of their culture and who the people are independent of an overarching white narrative. [6]

Major rethinking of the way we tell our history would have to take place to make steps toward creating an anti-racist curriculum. One initial step is to decenter Eurocentric norms on curriculum and pedagogy that consistently prioritize white authors and instead focus more on inclusive curriculum, but also on using these imbalances as a sounding board for where we can begin dialogues about why there is an imbalance in the first place. As discussed in A Qualitative Study of Black College Women’s Experiences of Misogynoir and Anti-Racism with High School Educators; “Researchers suggest that teachers must “consider whose perspectives are at the core of their curriculum, who put them there, and why—what are the politics within their subject?”[8]

It becomes clear how much additional effort must be exerted to argue for intersectional reforms, especially for BIPOC women and nonbinary groups, and especially those from working class, immigrant and other marginalized backgrounds when a Eurocentric, whitewashed, economically oppressive and misogynistic narrative is presented as culturally neutral or politically objective and even incremental change remains sluggish and uninspired. [7]

Our standard for our baseline level of historical and social knowledge for grade school and higher education must be reexamined. What we view as being a story worth telling about how humanity got to where it is now should be deeply inspected, especially present in these examinations should be those that live at the crossroads of intersectionality, whose stories are not fully told. For example when Black women are positioned between the feminist and antiracist identities.  Both groups tend to ignore intragroup differences. But identities are shaped by lived experience as black women specifically. This indicates a necessity for educational reform initiatives and pedagogies that consider the tangible needs of women who are students of color. [7]

Research reveals that much of Black girls’ acedemic challenges with teachers and school administration involve discriminatory practices at the intersection of racism and sexism, falling under the description of misogynoir [9]] Misogynoir is a term referring to the ways in which racism and sexism intersect and contribute to specific harm against Black women and girls. [8] . So much is in a name, and naming something gives it more power, so more specific language can be enormously helpful in ensuring groups can have an identity when they are faced with intersecting forms of oppression resulting in an entirely unique set of challenges.

Understanding a concept such as misogynoir can help educators and scholars to better represent these inequities in the classroom, not just in terms of the course materials, but the ways educators and administrators react to how racism is intertwined with everyday routines and practices in the very structure of schools. Moving closer to anti-racism in schools requires that teachers openly examine the age-old institution of U.S. classrooms as sites of oppression for Black girls and other students of color [8]. Considering the ways in which gendered experiences are racialized, and experiences with racism are gendered, and how both factors burden students with an undue social pressure to conform to a society that is oppressive.

 Research suggests women of color and immigrant families work to assimilate to and navigate a school system that does no work to bridge gaps of difference. When we don’t create supportive environments for students to self-identify their oppression or feel seen through their curriculum and the practices of learning it, a lack of confidence in oneself emerges in a student. This vacuum of representation, which is often paired with exposure to negative stereotypical messages, creates a cultural dissonance that harms the self-esteem of these growing individuals.[9] Schools in every level of learning need to establish classroom environments that allow those individuals that carry the burdens of intersecting oppressive forces to critically examine their experiences with the curriculum they are fed, with opportunities to create a greater dialogue about how they are represented, or not represented.

Conclusion: A Perspective on Progressive Change:

In some states, notably Texas and Florida, the organized right exerts enormous sway in textbook selection, ensuring that topics such as global warming and evolution are downplayed in science texts and issues such as racism, sexism and imperialism remain embroiled in the messaging [7]. This reflects accessibility to advocacy being related to the privilege of having extra time, or extra money, usually the two are linked.

In the public school system, some districts wind up with more funding, more resources, smaller class sizes with better teachers, newer editions of textbooks first. Indeed, “students of color are concentrated in under resourced schools, are more likely to be suspended, have less access to high‐quality rigorous curriculum, and are taught by lower‐paid teachers with lower qualifications” [10]. Starting off with less of a solid foundation academically is hard enough, the additional curveballs thrown to those who learn a history they are scrubbed from adds insult to injury, and more injury to that injury. We are what we are taught, and then we become more than that only if we have acquired the skills to seek knowledge of our own accord in life, and both critical thinking and an honest, comprehensive evaluations of our past is missing from most school’s curriculum today.

Because curriculum is controlled by state and local governments, it is imperative to unite educators and activists in school districts across the country, particularly those from traditionally marginalized groups. We will need to demand textbook reforms that more accurately represent the past through more than one dominant perspective, but from many angles that reflect the complexity that is our past and recording it, while remaining accountable for the fact that we don’t have all the facts. We need people for progressive reforms aggressively running for local school board positions with as much zeal as those conservative groups pushing regressive agendas. We should be looking to models such as Critical Race theory, which are conceptual frameworks with which to understand better social justice driven issues. We should be re-organizing the organizations that create curriculum, innovating accessible means of communication for feedback from communities. It’s an uphill climb for those who have traditionally less access to higher education to fight their way to positions of power within the very system they seek to change, but the good fight is being fought all the time.

References:

[1] “Students as Curriculum Critics: Standpoints with Respect to Relevance, Goals, and Science.” Journal of Research in Science Teaching 55.5 (2018): 749–773. Web.

[2] Zeidler, D.L. STEM education: A deficit framework for the twenty first century? A sociocultural sociocentric response. Cult Stud of Sci Educ 11, 11–26 (2016). https://doi-org.bmcc.ezproxy.cuny.edu/10.1007/s11422-014-9578-z

[3] “Students as Curriculum Critics: Standpoints with Respect to Relevance, Goals, and Science.” Journal of Research in Science Teaching 55.5 (2018): 749–773. Web.

[4] Rayle, Crystal, “Herstory: An Analysis of the Representation of Women in Middle Grades U.S. History Textbooks” (2020). Student Research Submissions. 374. https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/374

[5] http://www.corestandards.org/about-the-standards/

[6] Situating the Georgia Performance Standards in the Social Studies Debate: An Improvement for Social Studies Classrooms or Continuing the Whitewash

[7] Other People’s Daughters: Critical Race Feminism and Black Girls’ Education

[8] A Qualitative Study of Black College Women’s Experiences of Misogynoir and Anti-Racism with High School Educators

[9] (Carter Andrews et al. 2019; Davis 2020; Morris 2016a; Neal-Jackson 2018; Watson 2016)

[10] Museus, Samuel D, María C Ledesma, and Tara L Parker. “Racism and Racial Equity in Higher Education.” ASHE higher education report 42.1 (2015): 1–112. Web.-  Racism and Racial Equity in Higher Education

The truth about gender inequality within the workplace is that it exists and it is a reality that most women live in their day to day lives. Many like to argue that opportunities are based on experience, skill and qualification, but in reality: men have more opportunities than women and will therefore affect the overall earnings between men and women. Men have been in the running for many generations, and although we have gone through many revolutions and fought for many rights, there is still inequality within our system. Since the late 1980s, there has been an enormous increase in women earnings but even with this immense rise, women still end up earning less than men in almost every profession. The reason may lie in the ideas of misogyny, contempt towards women, failed opportunities and the acts of patronizing women within the workplace.

With that being said, I want to introduce a fictional story that portrays the common circumstances women are forced to face as an employee or even an employer. The reason I’m choosing to portray this kind of idea as a story is to highlight how frequent these conditions are. Women have shown time and time again that they are worthy of achievements and recognition but are time and time again overlooked due to their gender status/standing. With this story I hope to aid my readers to imagine a picture the struggles of women today in modern society.

Story

A story of an independent and strong individual, Joy, who is ready for her expected promotion at her long-lasting job of 5 years. Instead of the victory she anticipates (and not to mention, deserves), she is instead bombarded by the news that she was not expecting. This is a short story that reveals the true reality of rising females that experience inequality (specifically) within the workplace. Even with the support of noncompetitive coworkers and encouraging friends, Joy will forever be obstructed by her gender.

Background: Joy is a middle aged women working in a office like establishment in NYC. She is surrounded by many supporting friends like the doorman (Ricky), her best friend (Joie) and her coworker (Mark). Each supporting character has a little scene with Joy to show how those around her do in fact see the potential that she carries. Joie has been through every failed promotion and still believes in her. Ricky has seen her commitment each day as she goes to work. Mark sees Joy’s potential first hand in the workplace and looks up to her. After many years of failed promotions, Joy believes this year will finally be her chance. Joy operates and manages a team all while promoting the company’s publicity unlike any other employee. Although Mark and Joy are partners, Joy has more authority than Mark, giving Joy the possibility of believing she has a chance at a promotion this year. There will be no other competition like previous years since Joy has shown her dedication countless times unlike any other manger/operator and team.

Scene I (bar) The night before, Joy gets a couple of drinks with Joie due to nervousness: main character (Joy), best friend (Joie)

“You should try some affirmations, you look stressed and you need a confidence booster” said Joie.

*Sigh* “It’s not even that Jojo. I know I’m going to be fine, it’s just so nerve racking. And it’s like, I have a really good feeling about it this time. I think this might be it. I’m not trying to sound cocky but *it has been years*, and I mean years, I just don’t want to be let down again by my own imagination” 

Jojo stared at me with her drunk self and smiled, “It’s not your imagination Joy” she says confidently as she takes another swing.

*Laugh* “Thanks Jo, that definitely boosted my confidence. (Pause) Look, I’ll catch you later okay, it’s getting pretty late and I gotta get in early for the big day tomorrow, so don’t drink too much okay Jojo? You know how you get”

Joie laughed, “Alright Mom”

Scene II (walking to work) Joy talks to herself on the way to work: main character (Joy)

So I tried what Jojo suggested to me last night and, I don’t know, it felt weird. I think the alcohol got to her. (Pause) Oh don’t get me wrong, I love self care and what not but it just felt so silly to do. Anyways, I don’t need to tell myself those things, I am confident, and again, not in the cocky way. I just know I’m going to land this promotion. I *deserve* this promotion (smiling) Oh gosh I need to stop smiling so hard, my cheeks are starting to hurt!

Scene III (work) Joy had just encountered Ricky: main character (Joy), doorman (ricky)

“Did the sun just come out or did I just get blinded by the brightest star?” Ricky said jokingly. 

*Teasing* “Rick”

(Pause) Ricky gently grabs Joy’s hand and sighs, “I am so proud of you Joy, after years of working here, I have never seen a more dedicated person before (pause) and hey maybe you’ll finally get some more sleep huh?” he chuckles and lets her hand go.

Joy couldn’t help but smile, “You are the best, you know that? Thank you Ricky” she says as she walks towards the elevator.

“Yeah I know” Ricky shouts, laughing.

Scene IV (elevator) Joy encounters her work partner, Mark: main character (Joy), work partner (Mark)

“Hey Sunshine” Mark smirked as he held the elevator door for Joy.

Joy jokingly rolled her eyes, “Never gonna happen Mark”

“Hey, a hundreth time’s a charm right? Also, I hope you didn’t forget what today was” Mark questioned.

Joy gave him the eye, “How could I? I’ve been nervous all week. I’m sweating already”

Mark laughs at her comment, “You be fine Sunshine. (pause, serious) Hey, seriously Joy, you probably heard this a thousand times already but we all know it’s been way overdue. You deserve this more than anyone, congratulations” Mark said as he reassured her.

Joy smiled and reached over for a hug, almost tearing up.“Thanks Mark”

Scene V (office) Derek makes the big announcement in front of all the employees: main character (Joy), work partner (Mark), boss (Derek)

“Can I have everyone’s attention please!” shouts Derek. Everyone slowly brings their smalltalk to a halt as they turn their attention to him.

“Thank you, thank you, now as you all know, this is a very big day for a special someone. And I believe they know who they are. But before I give the big announcement, I just wanted to say that this person has done a lot for the company and we wouldn’t be here without them. Not only do I see their potential but so does everyone else”. Joy begins to tense up, but in a positive way.

“You’re sweating sunny” Mark whispers towards Joy as Derek continues to ramble on.

Joy nudges Mark because of the comment he made but it made her chuckle, loosening up her mood.

“Anyways, enough of that snappy talk. It has been such an honor to work with all of you… and it has been an amazing honor especially to you, Mark! Congratulations on your promotion and to many more years!”

The sound of cheer and applause filled the room. But it echos away quickly as the color drains away from Joy’s face.

“Uh.. thank you so much Derek, thank you guys..” Mark chuckles awkwardly as he looks over at Joy “Joy.. I-”
Joy comes back to her senses and turns to face Mark, “Congratulations Mark, you deserve this more than anyone” she says with a forced smile and turns to walk away.

Scene VI (bathroom) Joy doubts, questions and belittles herself: main character (Joy)

Why..? Why did *Mark* get the promotion. I deserve it… right? My head was spinning, I felt sick to my stomach. I thought that maybe after 5 years of working for this company, I would have earned it. But no. Why? I do just as much work… maybe even more. First it was Jack, then Simon, and even Qiqi, but that was his wife! It just baffles me because no matter what I do, I just don’t stand a chance, I can’t compete… (Pause, breaks down crying) I’m so happy for them, they truly do deserve it but… so do I.. right, I deserve a promotion don’t I? I work just as much as them, my efforts have been proven and shown time and time again.. so why? Why am I getting overlooked? Why have my efforts been unnoticed? Why..? I guess I don’t deserve a promotion… (realization).

End

Society has shaped the ideas of dominance and subordinates between male and female. This can be found in many families, in different professions and at school. Within the workplace, it is common to find male dominant figures, men who make the last decision, men who are at the top of the food chain while women are found to come in second. Although this may be common, there are many women who have worked hard for their position as a superior. But even with this, there is still a wage gap between male and female that obtain the same job. Throughout many occupations ranging from janitors, barbers, teachers and managers, men earn a higher weekly earning than women do. Even the jobs that women have been given many years ago have become undervalued due to gender: “Workers in female-dominated fields are paid lower salaries than workers in male-dominated fields, even when the jobs require the same level of skill, education and training” (AAUW 3). There is no scientific or logical reason that claims that women who do the exact same job as a man should receive less than they deserve which leaves many like myself to believe that gender plays a role in earned income. Gender should not account or determine the value of a person but it unfortunately continues to play a part in modern society.

Not only does gender affect a person’s worth but one’s race does as well. There is a huge gap for many women of color that is wider than the overall gender wage gap due to women of color working at low paying jobs. This is due to the lack of opportunities that women of color receive. These individuals struggle with educational opportunities which then affect their job opportunities making their wage gap an endless cycle of low paying jobs that are undervalued and undercompensated as well. With all these factors coming to play it is apparent that these factors: “race, age, education, physical ability, migration status, sexual orientation and so on—the wage gap varies dramatically. But in each group, women earn less money than their male counterparts” (AAUW 2).

The underrepresentation of women in many occupations can also be influenced by patronizing dominants who look down on others due to gender and/or race. Even with the same opportunities that both male and female receive, women tend to make less than men,

“Although women have made some progress over the past thirty years in some professional occupations such as law and medicine, women work in the lower-paying specialties of these fields, and they remain in the same low-paid jobs in which they had always worked, such as office support and service occupations.” (Marlene Kim 1). 

At the end of the day, women continue to be oppressed by the acts of superiors. Although this is true there will be a continuous growth and increase in women earnings throughout every race. There has been an increase of 4-26% within women earnings promoting the rise in women wages compared to men. Based on these projections, there will be a continuance of growth within the years to come and women across all races will soon reach wage equity between male, female and race.

Assessment: I feel as if my project did meet my goals, originally I did not plan for how this would go but I am glad it did. I didn’t plan to write a story but I believe it was a nice spin to it and can help readers relate to it more because reading a story is much more enjoyable than reading text by text. I incorporated feedback from Dr. Munshi and fellow classmates to strengthen my story and point. If I had more time to work on the project I would add more details to the story, add more details between characters and future situations. I had a lot of fun writing about my final project. I thought writing a story would be a creative spin towards a serious topic. I would give my final project an A because although I was able to create a creative spin to this project, I made sure to add text which includes quotes from materials that we discussed in class.

Final  Project Zine

Final Project – Accompanying Doc

 

I believe that I accomplished most of what I set out to do with my final project. If I had more time, I would try to interview more people, certainly a more diverse group if possible. I would love to see not necessarily negative experiences with feminism, but just more varied stories. Unfortunately, people are busy! So I am very grateful to the friends who took time out to participate.

The feedback I received during my presentation and from Professor Munshi was very helpful. I decided to take Prof. Munshi’s advice and include an accompanying document with my zine so it didn’t become clunky, and I could provide more context as to why I chose this format and to include the information that I did.

I think graphically the work I’ve submitted is strong. I had really hoped to make a physical zine, a little grittier and DIY than what I came up with – maybe something I can do later on! However being able to work in a creative capacity definitely made this a super fun final project, and helpful breaking up the monotony of final papers.

I think given more time, I would have been able to present a zine that feels more like me. Given that my classmates only know me from the short time we’ve been able to spend together this is a little vague – but I hope I’ve come across in my work. I think because I would have liked more time to complete this, I would give my final result a B.