Assignment Prompt & Instructions
What comes to mind when you hear the word " **feminism**"? Is it a word that brings up positive or negative feelings? Would you consider yourself or anyone you know a **feminist**? For many of us, feminist is often seen as a loaded term, a word that carries with it a lot of meaning that we might not want to be associated with, a dreaded **F-Word.**
Let's take a look at some questions about why feminism has come to be considered such a controversial f-word. Can only women be feminists? Is the need for a feminist movement irrelevant now that women can vote and have jobs? Do feminists hate men? Are they all angry and against anything considered stereotypically "feminine"? Do they burn their bras and dance naked in moonlight? Hopefully, if you have [done the reading](https://cerritos.instructure.com/courses/97904/files/13042664?wrap=1 "bell_hooks-feminism_is_for_everybody.pdf") [Download done the reading](https://cerritos.instructure.com/courses/97904/files/13042664/download?download_frd=1), you will have already realized that the answer to all of these questions is "no". As bell hooks helpfully explains, feminism isn't about the hatred or destruction of any group, but rather the recognition of **systems of power** and the movement to undo those systems and the **harm they cause to people of every gender**.
Developing an understanding of the role of **systems** in shaping our lives is critical to studying gender. Because while it is true that any individual may act in ways that promote **sexism** (discrimination based on sex or gender), individual and even group behavior does not explain the pattern of **gender oppression** impacting nearly every aspect of society. Instead, it is the systems we all live within that create our reality and both the written and unspoken rules we live by. This system we live within and are ultimately shaped by, regardless of our sex or our gender, is **patriarchy.**
Patriarchy makes it seem that feminism is a movement against men because as [Allan G. Johnson points out](https://cerritos.instructure.com/courses/97904/files/13042654?wrap=1) [Download Allan G. Johnson points out](https://cerritos.instructure.com/courses/97904/files/13042654/download?download_frd=1) patriarchy's defining elements are "male-dominated, male-identified, and male-centered" (p 29). In fact, the goal is to address the **system** of male dominance rather than individuals or men in general. In another work he explains, " **Patriarchy is not simply another way of saying 'men.'** Patriarchy is a kind of society, and a society is more than a collection of people".
https://youtu.be/4-QxjWeinAY
As we discussed last week, people of all genders are **socialized** to categorize behavior, likes/dislikes, career paths, appearances, almost _everything_ into boxes of either male or female, masculine or feminine. In turn, we are expected to adhere to the traits, roles, and expectations of the gender "box" to which we are assigned. If we extend out this analysis of gendered expectations, we find that **these gender boxes are not treated equally in society**. Traits, roles, and expectations coded as **masculine are valued above anything deemed feminine**. This hierarchy is at the center of patriarchy.
If we look at examples from last week, we might see that men are more often thought of as independent and assertive while women are expected to be nurturing and emotional, and it is these masculine expectations that have the most value in our society. This is why it is an insult to do anything "like a girl". **Masculinity is superior to femininity** and because masculinity is reserved for boys and men, women or nonbinary people who attempt to take on these traits are labeled "difficult", "bossy", or "bitchy". On the flip side, if men or boys display emotions or empathy that have been placed into the inferior feminine category, they are deemed "weak" or "sissies". (notice that many of the insults rely again on being "like a girl"). These are some of the most basic ways that **patriarchy and sexism hurt everyone.**
So if the goal of feminism is dismantling sexism and patriarchy, and these systems hurt everyone, why not just change the movement to "humanism" or something more "equal"? The reality is that even though the system of patriarchy harms us all, **the damage is not equal**. Because patriarchy values men over women, trans, and nonbinary people, they are not subjected to the same levels of violence (acid attacks, rape, female genital mutilation), discrimination (harassment, restricted reproductive rights, glass ceiling),or bias (slut shaming, wage gap, objectification) on the basis of their sex or gender.
Although achievements have been made as [Baumgardner & Richards point out](https://cerritos.instructure.com/courses/97904/files/13042593?wrap=1) [Download Baumgardner & Richards point out](https://cerritos.instructure.com/courses/97904/files/13042593/download?download_frd=1), sexism remains embedded in major social institutions. By understanding patriarchy it is the hope that we are better able to analyze and dismantle these oppressive structures.
## **Activity & Discussion:**
For this week's activity and discussion please write your thoughts and reflections on the following questions:
1. According to [Baumgardner and Richards](https://cerritos.instructure.com/courses/97904/files/13042593?wrap=1) [Download Baumgardner and Richards](https://cerritos.instructure.com/courses/97904/files/13042593/download?download_frd=1), what are some changes have occurred as a result of the feminist movement? Are there any that surprised you?
2. Are there any issues that were discussed in the readings that you think still need attention today? Which ones?
3. Do you think the issues you have discussed are more a problem of individual sexism or the system of patriarchy? Why?