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)?

Just a quick link

This is just an interesting link for everyone to look at concerning current legal discourses surrounding reproduction.