The Damned Old Man

will admit, the only stereotype I had of feminist as I started Women's Studies course was that I believed that most girls in the class could either be lesbian, or really strong opinionated women (who could pass as lesbian). It was not until further readings and interpretations of the class that I discovered a different perspective on some of the notions that go on today. I do believe that people in America still view feminist as empowered lesbians all bitchin' about God-knows-what. I think this very biased appeal on them discourage many women to fight for what they know is right.

I can understand the point where women can be afraid to become part of any feminist movement. It's the fear of association. Society has a big impulse on any type of gay, lesbian, feminist group. Society quickly goes on the attack and oppresses many of these groups until they are harassed to death. What I learned in this class, i to not be afraid. I was never afraid to stand up for what I believe is right, but I was a bit uncertain about the idea that society might label me as a homosexual for showing interest in homosexual rights. I am not a homosexual-- I always thought to myself, why should I stand up for their rights... because it's wrong. I was afraid of what people might think of me. I believe with a strong opinion comes a good point, when society labels feminist movements and groups as being lesbian, it's just a threat because people are afraid of the success over the years of such groups.

Blog #10 Fear of Feminism

After reading Hogeland's essay on Why Young Women get the Willies, I saw that she made a very good point about women being afraid of homophobia when it came to being a feminism. She states, "Allying across differences is difficult work, and is often thwarted by homophobia-by fears both of lesbians and of being named a lesbian by association." She also states that the fear of feminism is somehow molded by the reinforcement of heterosexuality in our society. I thought this was very interesting because, just like there are certain stereotypes for race and culture that people consciously and subconsciously use against people, there is a stereotype for feminism that may lead women to have the wrong idea about feminism. This fear of association she talks about is also a very legitimate claim because many young people are very worried about being categorized by the people they hang around with and therefore would be afraid to put themselves in the feminist category in fear of being called a lesbian. The fact that society views homosexuals as bad and heterosexuals as normal also brings many women to fear feminism also because of the association it has to being a lesbian.

Feminist is not so scary!

As I read through the section titled “Fear of Feminism” I could only think of myself and the survey that we had taken at the beginning of the semester. On that survey, I stated that I was not a Feminist…. Oh how wrong that I was and how right Valent was- I was a hardcore feminist in denial. This section illustrates why women are so afraid to be labeled as feminist or identifying as one. Fear of political reprisals, homophobia, being taken out of the dating pool, being labeled in negative ways and so on and so on. Even after so many years of education, it saddens me to think that I fell for all of this nonsense. It is not only young girl that fear feminist labels but older educated women as well (as seen in the results of our class survey!). I consider myself to be an intelligent person, but this reality was definitely an eye opener. I strongly believe that everyone should be required to take a women’s study course in their education it is essential in our culture that highly values equality. I am glad that I will not leave Cal State Fullerton thinking that I am not a feminist. Now that I realize this importance, I kind of feel embarrassed for not initially accepting that I am indeed a feminist. Thank you WMST 302 for taking off the blindfold from my eyes and making me that much less ignorant on the topic.

Need for more "Real Men"

Real men join the movement! Men are more than ever are going movements that are being labeled as pro-feminist men. I think these movements are important to moving the idea of equality between genders to the next level and to be more effective in the world and America more importantly. I feel that men are afraid to join the movement because of what others will say, it was not too long ago when women were scrutinized for being apart of such movements. I think that men do not even have to join such profeminist groups but just be true about who they are and what they feel toward the feminist movement. Men need to act like men and be who they really are. Too much of the time people are elated about things that do not matter but when it comes to important topics such as feminism they shrink back. You must stand up for what you believe and not be afraid to step up and talk. I know that our class is exactly like this, we all write in our blogs and are all serious, blunt and objective with our points but yet we get to class and there are very few who talk and share their opinions in person. Why is this so? Are we afraid individuals? We need more real men!

I'm one of them, or was...

After reading the article by Hogeland, I began thinking to myself that it sounds like she's describing me. I was a part of the young women when she says "of course young women are afraid of feminism". I never realized that I do have a fear of feminism. Before taking this class and listening to the discussions, I just thought it was going to be an easy A. I quickly discovered how wrong I was. I had no idea I would learn so much in such a small amount of time. I am one of those, or was one of those that just saw things how they are. Before learning about how cruel the world has been towards woman in every day life, I honestly didn't even care. I didn't acknowledge that things could change, I just went along with things because I assumed that's just how things were supposed to be. Growing up I was never exposed to what feminism was and certainly never even heard of some of the things I learned in this class. In the beginning of the class I answered to our survey that I was a feminist, only because I thought well I'm a woman so I guess I have to select that choice. I chose it without any kind of background information, it just sounded good at the time. Now if I were to take it again, I could honestly give reasoning for why I am a feminist and not just because it seems like the right thing to pick. There's always one way to tell I learned a lot from a class and when I truly enjoyed it is when I find myself talking about what we learn outside of class. I found myself talking about it quite often. It definitely has changed my mind set for the better.

Be Not Afraid

The article, Fear of Feminism, reminded me of when we first took that little survey at the beginning of the semester and we were supposed to state if we were a feminist or not. I honestly had no idea what to write. I really didn't know much of feminism, just the basic stuff of fighting for womens rights and what not. So to say whether I was or not confused me because I think that all women should fight for their rights, but I personally couldn't see myself going out and really making a difference in the world, maybe in my own life, but not everyone elses! Then I went on to read and came across that idea again about people relating feminism with being a lesbian - as if they're one in the same. It shouldn't be about sexuality, but so many people relate the two, and what heterosexual young girl would want to be a part of that group. Then guys wouldn't want to bother with her! Because of course, young girls are only interested in boys! Also, most young girls, or even women don't experience anything that may harm them physically, emotionally. Therefore, those women "of course" aren't going to do anything about fighting for women, and "of course" fear the idea of feminism. I think once someone's life is impacted by some type of struggle, then they can truly experience it and the meaning of what it is to be a feminist. Like the reading said, it is a scary and fearful thing to stand up for yourself (and others) when you know people will look at you a certain way. It would be a tough challenge, but in the end wouldn't it be worth it? To put your hard work and effort into making your life and the life of all women that much better? There is a lot at stake, be not afraid!!

No End.

In the article, Fear of Feminism, several arguments are made as to why women are not more involved, or do not identify themselves as feminine. I think in addition to these ideas another important idea to consider is the fact that people in general simply want someone else to solve their problems. We all want life to be easy and relaxed. After all it is so troublesome to actually get somehow involved right? Its hard for me to get up out of my comfortable bed every Tuesday and Thursday for my early classes, but I do it anyways because I know that it is best for me to do so. People do things they do not necessarily like every day. So why is it not the same sort of concept when it comes to feminism and political involvement? First of all, the results of their actions would not be seen for a long time to come, so there is a loss of the common feeling of instant gratification. I think it is the idea of an easy, relaxing life in a world of material envy, which so many people want, that keeps them from taking political action. People think that the government is in control of everything and it is somehow keeping us in the dark and controlled, but what the people need to do is see that they should not be blaming the government for upholding this inequality. Instead the people should be blaming themselves for a lack of political action. If we remain the way we are, longing for the easy, relaxed life, then the problem will never end. In the end, the end has no end.