Thursday, April 12, 2012

History, feminism, and femininity

I'd like to open this post talking about the film, Iron Jawed Angels. Here is a link to the Alice Paul Institute, where you can look for more facts and information about the suffrage movement. And here is a link to the Susan B. Anthony Center for Women's Leadership. Check them both out and see what surprises you about the history of suffrage in the US. What has been surprising you in the film, historically?

Now I'd like to link this film to current discussions of feminism and femininity:
  • At one point early in the film, Alice and Lucy convince Inez to join their cause as the woman on the horse in the parade in part by suggesting that "today's" suffragist is young, single, smart and beautiful. What do you make of this scene and this argument in general? In connection, what do you make of the scenes in which the women primp: makeup, hose, hat choices, etc.?
Here is a video I think relates. What connections do you see? What is the purpose of the video:



Some more info about the history of suffrage:

And here is a link to a timeline of world women's suffrage.

Questions to end on:
  • How would you define femininity?
  • How is "femininity" as a concept used to police or limit "feminism"?
  • What is masculinity?
  • Have are ideals about gender roles changed since the 1920s? How have they changed and how have they remained the same?
  • Anyone want to comment on how they have felt limited by their gender role (male or female)?

18 comments:

  1. I am commenting!!!

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  2. I really liked the video's definition of feminism. I like how they emphasized the fact that women don't want any special treatment, they just want to be equals. I also like the fact that the video had men in it. I don't think many men would readily identify themselves as feminists. I hope that more men can identify themselves as feminists because I think that men entering feminism would draw more attention to the cause.

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    1. I agree! If more men would openly call themselves feminists, it would dram more attention to the cause. Feminism is often associated simply with women, whereas there are many male feminists who have made a change.

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  3. To me, femininity is any characteristic of a woman: whatever that characteristic might be. I enjoyed that the video showed that both men and women are capable of being feminists, as long as they promote equal treatment of human beings, and are not basing their opinions of others simply on gender. I feel that femininity is often seen as weak and inferior to masculinity, ergo it is a way of limiting feminism and making it seem less credible.
    The place that I, personally, have felt most limited by my gender role was in the church. Although I am allowed to have a voice, my opinions are not valued as much, especially in the realm of leadership.

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    1. I think it's really interesting that you have felt most limited in the church. I know religions can differ a ton even between types of christianity. I would just say since I've switched to non-denominational from Catholic, I've felt the most involved an accepted ever. My best friend's mom is even one of the pastors at my church. I don't I just thought it was really different how treatment of sex differs between no just societies but religions

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  4. Males and females need to have equal rights, and also truly respect and love each other.

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  5. This flim is interesting. Females need more rights than the modern situation. If males and female have the equal right, the world will be better

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  6. I think feminism is a dated term. The movement for equal rights among genders started with women, who developed the term "feminism," because at that time, men really didn't need to fight for any equitable rights. They knew their role and were, for the most part, satisfied with it. I think men who support feminism today are seeking gender equality for all and a world where it is acceptable to be a "stay-at-home-dad" or have a woman serve as President of the United States.

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    1. I completely agree. I think that the feminism movement as a whole would benefit greatly from a move towards less of "equaling out the sexes" and women gaining their place so much as directing it towards men; to step down from their pedestal and reap the benefits of the true harmony that eye-to-eye gender views allow in a contemporary society.

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  7. I liked the you-tube video. I think it helps give people a good understand of Feminism, and are time view of what a feminist is. I agree with how the video defines feminism because that's I see it. I felt limited in being a female when I do a ride along with police men because they talk as if they don't think I should go into the career because they rather have other guy be their side and not a woman.

    Jessica Skidmore

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  8. The video helps define feminism.Feel women may agree with the video more than a male. I agree with Jessica post that being a female and there are feeling of being limited. I felt like that many of time especially being an engineering student. I love the video. If more and more men become feminist then faster change will come.

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  9. I think the video tell me more about the feminism. I feel women need to have more equal with men. Also, if more people become to feminist, it will helps women more quickly.

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  10. I think feminist is not what the people looks like. No matter they put make up on their faces or wear short skirt, feminist should be defined by the attitude towards life. Being a feminist is not a tough thing. What the feminism requires is women should be equally treated and respected. Unfortunately, they are still a minorty party in the world. As a man, I think the first thing I can do to support feminism is respect my girl friend and treat her well.

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  11. Feminist are a group of people who have the same belief that all human beings should have equal rights. Thay group of people can be anyone, male and female, different race, different culture. They are open-minded, and they are willing to fight for equal rights.

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  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. Personally, feminist is defined in many ways. Different people think in different ways. Additionally, people should be equally because males and females possess same rights and social status. Now the only thing i can do is try my best and support females immediately.

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  14. feminism has helped women to get more power and move up in the world. Woman should get equal opportunities in the world.

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  15. I think everyone should be a feminist. At least I am.

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