I will start by recounting something that happened in class earlier this week. It was the first day, and so the instructor was outlining for the students what the rest of the term will look like. Then she asked, "who in this room considers her/himself to be a feminist"? My hand shot up, as did about two others, in a room full of 50+ college students! I know this probably sounds naive, but I was completely shocked! I think I have spent so much time around like-minded people (like all of you fab folks who read this blog) that I had completely forgotten that most people do not share my feminist ideologies. Go figure!
When the students in the class were asked why they chose not to identify as feminist, most of them gave reasons like, 'feminists are so militant, it's impossible to talk to them,' or 'I don't want to be associated with feminist stereotypes.' So here's my question: How can we overcome feminist stereotypes? I mean, it's what I am trying to do with this blog, but I am pretty sure that the only people who read this already have fairly feminist viewpoints to begin with. After all, feminism is in the title (but I refuse to change the name. I am proud to be feminist).
So what to do? I am honestly willing to dedicate however much time it takes to this cause if we can only think of the right course of action to take. A different blog? Some sort of 'zine or something? I just don't know how to reach a larger audience and convince them that feminism can be fun and awesome. Please give me your suggestions here, I would really appreciate it.
Somehow I don't think this cartoon will quite get the job done, although the rockin' 80s style of the feminist is coming back into fashion.
5 comments:
I facilitated for that class too! And I experienced the same thing...not only were the students in my group unwilling to call themselves feminists, many of them adamantly argued against most of what we discussed. They were unwilling to even recognize simple gender stereotypes as harmful. The one activity that caught their attention was looking through popular magazines and pointing out sexist ads, or articles. To me it seemed obvious, but it was honestly a completely new experience for many of them. It was interesting, and at the end of the term most of them had decided that they would call themselves feminists. Who's teaching the class? You will be a great facilitator, good luck!
Most people don't know what the hell they're talking about.
I think just by talking to people in our every day lives, so they put a face to feminism, is doing a lot.
Speaking up in class helps too.
I've heard all the stereotypes and to some extent address it in the 'about me' section on my blog. for example, one of the stereotypes is that feminists are lesbians. I know a lot of people will respond "what? No I'm not, I'm completely straight!" right? well, my thought is that by denouncing lesbianism, we're doing harm to the lgbtiq movement. so it's almost better to let them think what they want. if they wanna think i'm a lesbian, whatever. but seriously, the important thing is to not let stereotypes rule our judgement. if we lived by stereotypes, all blondes would be ditzy, all cheerleaders would be bimbos, all jocks would be beefheads...the list goes on.
but yeah. As to what we can do...embrace feminism ourselves. And do so loudly. and challenge people's perceptions of feminism and gender stereotypes... get people to read some good feminist authors and maybe send 'em links to entries on feministing.com
that's a way to break 'em in.
:-)
Maybe encourage the sale of This is What a Feminist Looks Like t-shirts to show all kinds of people are feminists winkwink
For what it's worth, Kels, here's a member of the straight, white, male patriarchy that would've put his hand up. In a post-70s era, in which we have a competent, capabale woman possibly inching her way toward the White House, your little story is honestly dumbfounding to me.
BTW, I'm not a lesbian.
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