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.

Fear of the Unknown

We have discussed in the class earlier in the semester as to why young women do not identify themselves as feminist. We came to the conclusion that many young women do not know what exactly a feminist is or what feminism can do for them personally. We have also talked about how there are not enough women in politics and many of the women in out class admitted to not being fully engaged in politics. In Fear of Feminism, Hogeland briefly talks about the fear of politics in women. I think this is a major reason as to why young women fear feminism. If women do not know what is going on in the political sphere, how can they fight for women’s rights? It would look quite foolish to strive for women’s equality when you do not know what those inequalities are. Politics can be complicated especially if it is something that you aren’t interested in. Although everyone should have some interest because it ultimately impacts you, it can also be quite intimidating. This goes back to not having enough women in politics to represent women and their needs. If more women held political positions, I think more women would become more involved in politics and less fearful of being a feminist.

I think another major why women fear feminism is because they have not been personally affected in a way to be concerned. Young women may have the mentally “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it” in their head. Hogeland made a good point in her essay saying, “the longer you live, the more likely you are to have experienced men’s violence or to know women who are survivors of it and thus to have a range and scope of that violence.” This is not just talking about violence against women, but all issues in feminism. If young women haven’t experienced any personal issues in feminism, they feel nothing is wrong and that women have reached equality. There is then a fear to explore the unknown of what they have never experienced. Many young people in general want to experience things for themselves. They want to learn the hard way despite someone telling them “I’ve been there and done that”. For some young women, they may not listen when they are being told that feminism is something to fight for. They may wait until they have experienced something for themselves that leads them out of the dark and tells them what feminism really is, making it more personal.

Men in the movement

Reading the article "Real Men Join the Movement" we begin to see the benefits that start to take place. From men counseling other men and even spreading word of the movement. For men to join is a must. However problems are that not many men are aware of the movement. On top of that some even find it a laughable matter. Feminism may very well lead to better relationships, less violence, less rape, and more intimacy, however, again feminism needs to be known. For this to happen feminism needs to be advertised. Advertised not only by those who claim to be feminists but also by those in society. True change only occurs when everyone starts to know and understand what your doing. The fact that feminism is hardly advertised already puts the ideal on hold. Men in the movement however if advertised by the media will lead to equality not only among women but also among people of color. Equality throughout I feel is the true goal of feminism. And if these ideal gain ground we go that much closer to ridding ourselves of that idea to label people be them of color or of different sex or gender. By ridding ourselves of labels based on looks well lets just say society would end up making a great stride toward future equality. People fear what they do not know. Make feminism known and instead of inspiring fear, belittlement, and insults toward feminism you end up gaining more followers and more people looking for equality.

everyone.says.goodbye

At the conclusion of this week, I have discovered that feminism is stressful. Feminism makes you write blogs in response to reading assignments. Feminism makes you go to class at 8 in the morning. Feminism makes you conduct research and write a ten page essay on your findings. Had I known what I was getting myself into I would have done a bit of investigation (“investigation”, meaning going on rate my professor) and avoided a semester of thinking critically of issues “impacting” our everyday lives. Ho hum, how I wish I could go back in time. Who needs to know about horizontal hostility, or how spheres of oppression encompass all aspects of our lives, or how personal is political—whatever that means. Who needs to go out and fight for issues that don’t pertain to my well-being? I don’t have a problem with having to walk to my car late at night with keys and mace in hand. I don’t have a problem with having people in Congress trying to take control of my reproductive rights. I don’t have a problem with being part of a frightening statistic about rape, or domestic violence. What do you mean I’m marginalized for being women? Pish posh. White privilege, inequality, social constructions of beauty, gender and I don’t know what else are of no interest to me because I know that these are irrelevant to me.


I’m hoping by now you notice that I was speaking sarcastically. I thought I would mention that, in case, any of you feminists don’t have a sense of humor! Anyhow, I would have said most of these things before ever taking this class but no matter how cliché this may sound this class truly changed my perspective on things. Okay maybe I did know what I was getting myself into or perhaps I did have a lot of prior knowledge about the topics discussed in class, but I’m hoping others were able to notice how terribly, ugly and unequal our world is after taking this course. I’m also hoping a lot of things written and promised in these blogs will be fulfilled. I confess I still fear feminism. I admit that I occasionally mock the 19th amendment and women studies classes around my friends just to get a laugh but in all truth I am a frightened, budding feminist. Some people may argue that feminism is long lost and an unnecessary cause while others full-heartedly parade through streets for equality. I sort of just fall in the middle. I came into this class with intentions of completeling my last GE class but instead of satiating my thirst for knowledge and all that is feminist and right I've only hungered for more. My place in the middle of these two spheres are a result of this class, I don’t know how further I can go. Hodgeland’s essay clearly points this out and my feelings towards feminism are only further perpetuated by the prospect that speaking about gender issues among my friends will no longer be unexcused by my enrollment in the class. What will I do now? I could say that I have triumphed over the mighty beast and have quenched this undying thirst for equality for men and women through just writing blogs and reading scholarly essays and writing a research paper, but I would be lying. I don’t feel prepared to step out of my comfortable niche that is room 34 in the Education building. Maybe I am well off to make a revolution and change a power system that is suppressing a minority or maybe I will return to my idle, boring life of school, work and friends. I don’t know what the future awaits me but all I know is that feminism is frightening.

Don't be afraid to take a stand!

As I read “Fear of Feminism” I was brought back to some of the earlier readings that mentioned the various reasons women feared feminism, whether it was fear of being called a lesbian or fear of being marginalized, the reality still is that young women walk away from feminism. Hogeland makes many valid points as to why young women are so afraid and a particular point I found interesting was the one of complacency; apparently, young women have become complacent through “gender consciousness”. It is true, we are normally afraid and alert when walking through lonely, dark places but I had never really thought of this as a reason to fear feminism. I guess this consciousness brought up through social constructions gives young women the idea that they are to “play their feminine role” and remain vulnerable not loud women’s rights activists. Like Hogeland says, young women feel it is “far easier to rest in silence” and avoid any consequences that come with becoming involved with the feminist movement.

I admit I am not one to go out and join the feminist movement; I recognize I am a feminist, but I wouldn’t necessarily organize a protest. I feel one of the main problems today with young women is the lack of awareness toward feminism. Before taking this course I would not have considered myself a feminist, young women need to be properly informed so they aren’t stuck believing the usual negative stereotypes. Women have the right to be heard and the right to fight for their place in society, the problem is that most are afraid to take a stand and get noticed.

Sparks of Rebellion

Wherever rights are cut and people abused there will always be rebellion. Ofglen represents this rebellion. Gilead, a state with absolute control and measure taken to keep control will continue to spawn rebels such as Ofglen. In other words executions such as where Ofglen had to end a man's life to bring his suffering to an end will continue to occur. More and more rebels will be born due to the natural human feelings of desire and hope. Gilead may abolish these feelings in the weak willed, but there will always be those willing to resist. An example of this is Ofglen where she hung herself in fear of the eye approaching and the brutal torture they bring. The loss of Ofglen essentially caused Offred to give up. She contemplates suicide thinking there is no hope. Of course on a point of no return, when a vehicle representing the eye is coming to pick her up, she loses further hope. Nick however goes to Offred and tells her that these men are with the underground. Although many have been killed, there will always be rebels where there is strife.

Of course in the world we live in today this is a fact. People standing up and fighting against unequal rights has been apart of our history for so long. Think of men and woman such as Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King standing up for rights for all colored people. They saw strife and a restriction of equality and fought for against such cruel treatment. They fought when dogs were unleashed on them, when churches and homes were bombed, when fellow brother were hung from trees, they still fought. They fought until they won. This book shows that even in absolute hopelessness, the human spirit to fight against what is wrong will always be present.

Misplaced Fear

This reading by Lisa Marie Hogeland brought me back to the first day of class when we took the survey and one of the questions was whether or not if you identified yourself as a feminist. And although some people agreed to the principles of what feminism is about they didn't call themselves feminists. For the most part I think it was because they had a negative association with the word feminism. Over many decades the idea of feminism has been discredited and tarnished by the media and people who wish to derail the movement. That for the most part has caused many young women to shy away from feminism and women's studies and other aspects that deal with their rights. It takes education and knowledge to get people to let go of their preconceived notions of feminism from what they created in their minds. People seem to be afraid of what they don't understand or have been led to think is bad but in actuality is in their best interest. Many institutions profit and have too much interest in the subjugation of women. So, by discrediting the means by which they can fight for their equality and against injustice they silence these women and brainwash them into believe that it is better to live under a system that doesn't have any or your interests at heart. I think it is time to change the system in which we live rather having to adjust to unjust circumstances.

The Silence of Feminism

While reading the article “fear of feminism” written by Lisa Hogeland, there was a few points that caught my attention. In the reading it mentioned the reasons why women are afraid to join the movement of feminism. One of the points mentioned is that they are afraid of standing up for what they believe, women are also afraid about political power shutting down and opposing their movement. Since, the movement still continues to grow, it is not as strong as they wish, many women are afraid to oppose power in fear of what may happen. Along those lines, they are afraid that when men find out that they are feminists and have joined the movement, many women are afraid that they will not establish their homes, and wonder what type of men will be willing to form a commitment with them. What feminism really requires is a woman who has a voice and trusts her voice! A woman who is not afraid to speak up for the rest, especially not afraid of being judged by society, a woman who is not afraid to be loud, intellectual and to step out of her small bubble like the traditional norm implements upon them.
I think in response to this reading, and in response to the fear that many women face by joining the movement. I would suggest to not take the freedom we have achieved this far for granted, just how the government has granted certain rights over the years in this country, with their power and as long as men still remain in high power positions, all these rights and changes achieved could be taken away the same way they were given, unless women decide to step up their game and do something about it. Women should not be afraid to fight for their movement, not only do it for themselves, but also for their kids and future generations to come. Women can make of the power and government what they want if they put their mind and heart to it. The only thing women in today’s society should fear is God, other than that, why not take a stand and continue to fight for women’s equality all over the world, one person at a time.

THE CLICK

In the reading, “Real Mean Join the Movement”, the author presents men that have joined the women’s movement. She narrates that through the course of their lives they have redirected their education for the cause. I think that the feminist movement is not just about women and women issues. Men like women often fall the victims of stereotypes, sexism and strict gender norms because of societies patriarchal ways. I think it is important to recognize that the feminist movement does not want to take away anything from men, there just needs to be a revision on how things are. I think something as simple as the equal division of labor in the household goes along way.

It is unfortunate that not many men recognize that the feminist movement is not just for women, and more sadly enough that the ones that are in the movement are isolated and pushed to the side for taking this side. I think this is a one of the components on why the other waves of feminist movements may have failed. There is this lack of cohesion among members of society, and then there are those that will do anything to protect their power and privileges at any cost.

As he mentions briefly it is important to recognize a profeminist to someone that just wants to fulfill the role of prince charming that comes in to save the day. I can only imagine what a slap in the face this would be to encounter someone with such false pretenses, however I must understand that not all men take that stance in the movement. Many men are changed by the moment when it “clicks” to them that they have been privileged without the real recognition from their part. I truly hope that this “click” would occur more one women though, sometimes it just feels that we have given up in the struggle.

Taking things for granted

The Handmaiden's Tale, I feel is really trying to illustrate about taking things for granted and not continuing to push forward in the current woman's movement at the time of the book's publication (but is still relevant when speaking of the current state of the movement now). It was basically showing how when things are truly restricted that people will lose much more than they think. It won't be simple to change things back and that it may even be near impossible.

The book also shows how women who are in the best positions in these new societies still aren't happy when you look at Serena Joy, and how even trying to build a resistance will have large amounts of casualties considering the original Ofglen hung herself. It shows the brutality of a new society in which people are beaten to death for facing crimes they didn't commit only because they were vocally resistant about their rights. The book has clearly shown how woman's rights need to be continually fought for and that women need to appreciate both how far they have come and how farther they need to go.

The book was quite enjoyable and I found it to be very similar in some respects to 1984, only this one focuses on women's rights in a totalitarian patriarchal government whereas 1984 focuses on a society wherever everyone was restricted. I do wish the book focused on some of the males who may have been fighting for the females more, as while it was focused on women's rights I feel the guys were underrepresented in the book except when portrayed as dominating men who simply used women which makes sense, it just would have been nice to see male perspective from one who wants equality.

freedom

I found the Handmaid's tale very entertaining and interesting. To Offred it seems that freedom is not what you have but what you don't have. Most people, including myself don't realize the freedom they have until it is taken away. Offred doesn't realize the freedom she had until she is placed in this caged society and her freedom has been stolen. I know I have had plenty of experiences in which I didn't realize my freedom until my parents took it away for obvious reasons of misbehaving. Even though Offred was supposedly ‘free’ before Gilead took over, I wonder if she felt free. In society we compare our freedom to what others have and don't have. We live up to other people's standards and opinions on what freedom truly is. I enjoy reading dystopian novels. It opens a different part of your mind and allows it to wonder. I often wonder if they are reflecting society or the logic behind society. Dystopian novels often are not trying to predict the future but they are commentary for the past and the present. This is the main reason I found the Handmaid's tale entertaining. It was interesting to see what Offred and other women experienced and lived in. Freedom is something that people should realize they have when they do have it, not when it is taken away from them.

The Irony

All throughout this entire book I have read chapter after chapter in which women are being deprived of their birth rights, or any rights for that matter. The whole purpose of the state of Gilead is to deprive women of their rights and create a world in which men hold all of the power. In chapter 42 we see the act of salvaging which is in fact not that at all. The Salvaging takes place in what used to be a part of Harvard. There three women, 2 handmaids and 1 wife are hung in front of a giant group of women. Next a Guardian is brought forth for the act of Particicution. The man is accused of having raped a woman and cause a miscarriage, although who knows what he really did. It is important to question what those in charge say because they are members of Gilead and they will do anything to get their masses under control. What happens next is a brutal beating to the Guardian handed down by the women who decided to stay after the Salvaging.

The salvaging and particution work to show that anyone who resists or rebels against the standards and expectations of Gilead will be punished. Those in power want people to realize that they can do nothing to escape their grasp. The old way of thinking must be tossed aside, and one must incorporate themselves into their new daily lives. In the case of the Handmaids, the hangings work to reinforce their helplessness to the totalitarian regime. It can also be said that Atwood means to show the ways that those in charge separate women into two types, which is something that even we in real life have come to see. In the book one can become a nuisance, but get hung; in real life women can have sex, but get called a whore. I might be looking in too deep, but I feel as though this is something Atwood could be addressing if one were to look deeper into the lines.

Control of Women

The control of women is a dominant idea in this novel. The reign of Gilead is dependant on this and this alone. The Commanders who first developed Gilead used several tactics to rid women of their independence. The first would be outlawing women to work and own their own bank account. Another would be that women no longer had control over their bodies. The Handmaids were used to make children and were raped by the Commanders while the Wives watched. Another tactic that was used to control women in Gilead was the language used. Women no longer had names but were defined by their positions. Handmaid’s names became that of the Commander they worked for. Offred was the Handmaid OF FRED. This use of language takes away women’s individuality and makes them mold into the framework of Gilead. Another interesting use of language is that of the Unwoman. Unwomen are those unable to conceive a child. This title puts power into childbearing and makes all those who can not conceive think they are not worthy to be called a woman. The control of women in Gilead is not too far off from the type of control women struggle with in America today. Women are fighting for rights to control their body and be able to provide for themselves. Today language is also used to control women such as the term slut or the negative connotations associated with the word feminist.

Salvaging and Particicution celebrations of Gilead

Once again, Atwood creates a paradoxical situation in part XIV when the “salvaging” takes place; women are hanged for unnamed crimes in front of Harvard University and an audience of women as well. Atwood describes the salvaging as a routine practice where “[they] take [their] places in the standard order” (273) and she even describes the accused as looking like “graduating students” (273) on stage. This is very ironic because a salvaging means saving, yet these women are being hanged and killed for actions that Gilead considered crimes. This proceeding only enforces the totalitarian regime of Gilead since it is apparent that the hanging of these prisoners “salvages” and helps maintain the strict rule of the Gilead Regime. It almost becomes a show where the women play a guessing game to guess the crime of the abused, since “the crimes of others are a secret language among [them]” (275). The salvaging works to show that anyone who opposes or acts against the set behaviors will be punished and Gilead cannot be over ruled, instead the hangings reinforce the powerlessness of women and the powerful totalitarian regime.

Another strange event of Gilead is seen in Chapter 43: “Particicution”, in which the group of Handmaids are allowed to attack a Commander who has been “convicted of rape”, and thus” has abused his position of trust” (278) so he must die. The Particicution is an interesting event in which the Handmaid’s actually have power over a commander. I believe this event may also be used to punish those who dare act against the set rules of Gilead. On the other hand, the Particiuction also allows the Handmaids to let out their anger and frustration for being so powerless under the totalitarian government. Gilead has manages to strip women of their identity and those few involved in Mayday are punished harshly if found out; punished by Paricicution maybe. When Ofglen mentioned that the commander they were beating “was a political…one of [them]” (280) I realized that the rape accusation was nothing but a constructed story to fool the Handmaids into believing he deserved to be beaten and killed. Again, the Gilead society blocks off individuals who try to deceive it; it seems like no ONE person can fight the Republic of Gilead.