Main Post Feb/1

Susan Douglas starts off her chapter in the 1900s and shines a little light on the tug-o-war between enlightened sexism and embedded feminism in the media universe. With the increase of popularity of shows like Beverly Hills 90210, feminism was taking quite a battering and eventually led to the gap among generations of women over concepts of sex and consumerism.   As Douglas tries to grapple with the drama in 90210, she points out the reason why this show was an important pillar that served as a foundation for enlightened sexism. The show ¨insisted that the true, gratifying pleasures for girls, and their real source of power, came from consumerism, girliness, and the approval of guys.¨ The primary, pivotal, and attracting factor of these shows is their ability to exaggerate women power and let the female audience succumb into a fanstasy world of make-believe. On the other side of a yawning gulf are shows like Murphy and that depicts women’s toughness, lack of maternal instincts, almost cold-blooded agressive individuals, characteristics which are only magnified by weak male roles. The show had great success for women over thirty at the time because it represented the very-sought-after image of a powerful women, one who was not afraid to speaking up her mind. This was not all, Douglas spends almost half a chapter on the Sassy magazine and its incredible feat in crushing the female characteristics that are portrayed in 90210. Although they did an excellent job in exploring the the banality of such shows, they were thwarted of by religious rights.

In chapter 2, Douglas covers the ¨castration anxiety¨ theme, a time when women were as violent as men if not more. For Douglas, the second stream of imput towards advancing enlightened feminism was that women’s sexuality was ¨fraught with perils¨. The most interesting part dealth with Reno and how three basic ways were used to tame her character: ¨she was more mannish than a man...undermine her power by sexualizing her...femininity left her hopelessly lonely, desperate for love, and desperate for sex.¨ Hence, Douglas concludes that to repudiate this sort of feminism became the ultimate jumping board for enlightened sexism.

On chapter 3, Douglas addresses the fuse of beauty and aggressiveness that turned into a lethal women. How did this happened? Douglas explains that in mid-1990s women were more focued on sexual politics and violence against them. Hence, ¨the rise of kick-butt women¨was only a legitimate, even justified outcome.  Over the last few years, the  contradiction between the how women were portrayed in the media sharpened significantly. Now, women had evolved from the original concept of stay-at-home mom would was caring, calm, and quiet to the agressive, overly-sexualized, rambunctious kind of woman-warrior. This transformation is perhaps one of the most unconventional and fascinating in the history of women liberation.

Rebecca Walker, who describes herself as being part of the Third Wave Feminism, felt the ripple effects of the feminism in a slightly different way. She denies that she is a postfeminist, because unlike those women, she is eager to make visible the many ways in which women, often politically and economically silenced by men, are subjected to rape and all kinds of violence in a day to day basis. After experiencing how persistent sexism of the 1990s was,, Walker tries to reach in her essay ¨Becoming the Third Wave¨ young feminists to join her fight.  

Short Response for Feb/1st

While reading the first chapter in the “Enlightened Sexism” book I couldn’t help but compare some of the TV shows that were listed during the 90s to some that are popular today. The one that really jumped out at me was Beverly Hills 90210. The show Beverly Hills 90210 is a teen filled drama where it followed the lives of a group of teenagers living in the upscale, celebrity filled community of Beverly Hills, California. Douglas explains how this show took off in its first 6 months and was the top show among teenagers. Majority of the show’s viewers were female (60 percent). The show was such a success that it began airing in 30 countries and began selling items such as calendars, T-shirts, lunch boxes, all the way to having their own 90210 Barbie dolls. Interestingly enough, we don’t really see these kinds of shows in today’s media. Most of the shows that are popular these days are on MTV like Teen Mom or Jersey Shore and in my opinion very often degrade women. After reading the story in the Feminist reader about how the woman on the bus overheard two men degrading women and referring to them as “bitches” and sex objects this is why woman need to fight that we are in the era of the third wave and not post-feminism. A lot has been accomplished over the last few decades but woman inequality and degradation still exists and should not be tolerated. Interestingly enough, women are still the ones who keep these kinds of shows on the air because they are the ones that watch it. There are a percentage of male viewers when it comes to these MTV shows, but I would say majority of the viewers are females. It is kind of ironic that woman are ultimately keeping these shows alive when all they do is degrade and make women look inferior to men.

I also thought it was interesting to read about some of the personal stories that were shared in the second chapter of Douglas’ book. I totally agreed with her statement when she said that despite the fact that most women would be appalled by the stories, there are that small group that would whisper under their breaths “you go girl!”. Turning back to TV programs as mentioned in chapter 3, we rarely ever see any successful female icons. Unfortunately, Snooki doesn’t make the cut. Back in the late 90s there were icons likes Buffy and Xena, these attractive, heroic females that ultimately display girl power. These women were the heroes and had a sense of superiority. What happened? Why are there not more of these characters/ role models in today’s media?

Main Post: January/27th

The idea of having Feminism split into three different waves, as taught in the last class, has been the core around today’s readings. The first article by Ellen DuBois titled “Feminism Old Wave and New Wave” is an article about the definition of feminism and how the definition has been modified throughout each wave. As mentioned in class, there seems to be a misunderstanding or misleading clarification as to how many waves there are and in what time period or wave does society today fall under. In DuBois reading she states that there are only two waves, the first wave that ignited in 1835 and lasted to about the 1940s and the second DuBois argues occurred around the sixties and is still currently happening today. After reading DuBois I am not sure if I agree with this understanding of the waves. I believe that woman in society have come a long way since the first wave and even since the sixties when the second wave began. At the start of the second wave women were just beginning to obtain freedom from the kitchen. They were branching out and getting the opportunity to pursue a career, which before this time was impossible. Opportunities have only increased today and we see in many situations where females are main contributors to family income. We also are seeing male figures staying home and being stay-at-home fathers to their children. These men are taking over the roles of the women at home while woman gain the opportunity to explore careers outside the home. At the point in time of the first wave, women were fighting to win and demand having the opportunity to vote. DuBois states that feminism is an analysis which tries to explain why and how women are oppressed. She also feels that it is a vision of a society in which women are liberated and sex role stereotypes are made. Lastly, she suggests that feminism also is defined as a conviction, that the oppression of women is a primary contradiction in society.

Elizabeth Stanton’s piece on the “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions” states all of facts of how women have been subordinate to men and the resolutions that have attempted to be made. I really enjoyed Sojourner Truth’s piece because it was in a form of a personal speech that I believe has more power than some of the other formal writings. I was really impressed by how and somewhat flattered at Truth’s passion towards fighting towards equality. It was interesting to read that Isabella was a slave for half of her life and free for the other half, and at the age of 80 would fight another 20 years for women's right and freedom.

I liked how passionate she was about her arguments. She argued that she had the same amount of muscle that men have, could complete the same amount of work, and could possibly even eat the same amount of food if given the opportunity. She also argues that fine, some people believe that Eve manipulated and caused Adam to sin, if this is the case, why not give women an opportunity to set it right again? Her main focus is for women to have their rights. Women at this time (1867) were not able to vote, but coloured men just received the right to vote which helped encourage these women to fight for their own rights.

Short Response 1/27

Patrick Campbell

Following Tuesday’s class I was truly interested to see actual documentation regarding he transition of feminism throughout the three waves. What I found to be truly interesting in these reading assignments was the fact that these female abolitionists in some way depended on men to aid their cause. As I could of predicted, this was not the and effective way to carry out their proceedings’ because the common theme derived from this method was the falling short of these male abolitionists’ when it came to fully supporting these feminist’s political campaign.

As shown in Ellen DuBois piece, “Feminism Old Wave and New Wave,” women were rendered the “shitwork while men made decisions and got the recognition.” What I found interesting was the scenario regarding war. When men shipped out to war, women were left to seek out jobs and following this transition of women into the job market was a feeling of fulfillment. However, once the men returned from war, the women were expected to leave their jobs to open up these opportunity for men. DuBois states that, “when the war began, women dropped all their activities as feminists and throw themselves into patriotic work.” DuBois goes on to inform the reader that following this patriotic work, women were expecting to receive some type of recognition for their actions. However, they received the latter. I personally feel that this type of activity really shows the world just how some men take advantage of women. All in all, Professor Simonson explained to the class that these waves would come and then would eventually die off for a period of time. That being said, I feel that these feminist groups need to be more persistent and understand that it is not a race but a marathon.

Main Response- Patrick Campbell- January 25th

Prior to this class I feel I have been somewhat blind to the various struggles and adversities women have endured amidst the battle for equal opportunity and legitimacy in this chauvinistic, patriarchal world. This could be due to the fact that I grew up with four brothers and know sisters and was rarely faced with any type of conversation regarding women’s rights and feminism. These readings have opened up my eyes to the battles women tackle on a day to day basis, including mothers, wives, business women, etc. I do believe that the way women are treated, especially black women, as sex objects, to be vial and crude. There is no excuse for men to take advantage of women under any circumstance. However, that particular argument opened my eyes to the real world that is faced by these women in society.

Ariel Levy’s piece “The Future that Never Happened,” introduces the reader to woman’s activist Susan Brownmiller. From my personal perspective, I see her as conceded and biased. I say this in response to her comments about men. I respect her work ethic and high stature in the society of feminism, however, many of her comments I see as derogatory towards men. Brownmiller puts women on a high standard while bashing men in the same ways that she doesn’t want men to act towards women, which I see as strongly hypocritical. She informs the reader how she wants to change society, when her actions suggest the latter. Furthermore, I say this because she seems to seek ways to put blame on individuals and groups rather than finding out ways to actually change society. Therefore, I believe it is irrational for her to expect a common ground to be met while her take on men yields more separation of the sexes.

All in all, the student movements shown in Echol’s piece, “Reemergence of the Woman,” as well as other female activist practices show true promise to the future of a more feminist world. Society is continuing to change and with equal opportunity for both sexes becoming ever more feasible, a common ground must be met. However, many existing social, political, and economic stereotypes of women hinder the more rapid, abrupt change that is desired by these activists. Although I agree with their intentions, I do disagree with some of their personal opinions towards men by universally expelling their own stereotypes of men. That kind of activity only prolongs the division of the sexes and promotes disparity between the two.

Short Response for Readings on 1/27

Tuesday's class on the second wave of feminism was a great introduction to the history of women's rights. The readings on the first wave of feminism,though, reveal a whole new dimension of the feminist movement. Echoing the sentiments of Dubois and Stanton, I believe women should be respected, not only for who they are but also for what they can do, therefore they shall be seen with the eyes of equality. Obviously, this is always easier said than done. As Dubois stated, ¨the oppression of women was not a top priority for anyone but women themselves.¨ For this reason, I find the first movement of feminism fascinating because it shows how women were finally realizing how little they could depend on men and how much they could accomplish as a united group of powerful individuals with a common goal. However, this is not to say the I completely agree with all that was said or done. For instance, the ¨Declaration of Sentiments¨ strongly asserts the many ways in which men have lessen the rights of women while it confirms how the latter should enjoy equal rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Although the document is eye-opening and each statement is voiced as a rightful demand, the fact that it mirrors the Declaration of Independence (a patriarchal document) zaps some of its power away, don't you think? I wonder why these women, who were decisive in fighting for their rights, allowed themselves to write such a powerful declaration following a a blueprint previously established by a group of men.On this respect, I guess this makes me a little more like de Beauvoir, who wishes to work outside the system rather than within it.

Amanda's Post for Jan/25th Readings

Both readings in The Essential Feminist Reader focus on the fact that women are treated as objects whose main role is to please men. This pleasure comes through several aspects such as being the other and by visual and sexual means. Beauvoir presents this idea of the Other, where women are conceptualized as unable to achieve human freedom. In this reading Beauvoir attempts to answer the question what is a woman? She comes up with several definitions, all which are derived from the idea that men are superior. Beauvoir writes that “humanity is male and man defines woman not in herself but as relative to him”. This idea suggests that woman are not autonomous beings. This idea came from Genesis and how Eve was simply a “supernumerary bone” which suggests that Eve is simply just another piece of Adam. Others argue that despite the fact that Eve is a secondary being, Adam was simply only a rough draft and that God succeeded in producing the perfect human when he created Eve. In Friedan’s reading she talks about how women still are focusing their lives on being a great housewife and mother. Because this idea is still present in today’s society, when the successful woman goes into the workforce and receive jobs in areas where men are dominant, men begin to complain that the women are “robbing” us of our jobs.

I found it interesting that she writes that “a man is in the right in being a man; it is the women who is in the wrong”. She further explains that it is the women’s glands,  her ovaries and uterus, that imprison women. Interestingly enough, men too also have glands that secrete hormones but they think of their bodies as having a direct and normal connection to the world.

After reading the online articles I found it very interesting how the authors presented their ideas. In Levy’s article I enjoyed how she focused on issues such as pornography that are “behind-closed-doors” materials. Most people refuse to talk about such topics. It was interesting how approachable this author made sensitive subjects.

Short Response for Readings on 1/25

I must admit that as a female individual and college student, I have rarely sat down in the past to ponder about female rights and feminism as much as i did while reading Friedman, Levy, Echols and de Beauvoir’s arguments. The words that hit me most were those of Friedman’s.  Women have indeed become passive housewives, who struggle every day to carry the immense burden of becoming the greatest mother, wife, lover and daughter - all at once. As they struggle through this Homeric excursion, they somehow lose their identity. Among the lists of chores, dinner menus, and laundry cycles, women have been left behind without an identity of their own but one that is ¨solely tied to their husbands¨, as Levy illustrates.  This is the same point Simone de Beauvoir argues: a woman is not defined by who she is, rather by who she is relative to a man. This reminds me of my first year at Colgate when I interacted with not only one but a handful of bright and beautiful young women who attended college for the sole purpose of pursuing their mrs. degrees. Never were they ashamed of admitting that fact, rather, they advertised it frequently. For reasons I do not seem to comprehend, it seems like their search for a husband was essential to completing who they were or want to be.

I also found interesting that in Levy’s discussion, the following concept appeared: ¨everyone was fighting for freedom, but freedom meant different things for different people.¨ For instance, Levy’s insightful report about ¨raunch culture¨ where women are treated as sex objects goes hand in hand with Echols’ comment: ¨ white women often found themselves sexually objectified and exploited within the Movement.¨On the other hand, ¨black women were often treated as though they were somehow sexless¨.  This was perhaps the reason why Black women did not join the feminist movement as enthusiastically as others expected them to do so. White women were completely oblivious of the class and race differences that existed among themselves. For a white woman at that time, marriage was a sign of oppression. Yet, for a black woman, it was all they were striving for - a safe place of their own, where no one could exploit them.

Main Post: Susan Douglas and Adrienne Rich

Susan J. Douglas, author of Enlightened Sexism, offers a well-written analysis that engages readers into the world of feminism and media, drawing their attention to an understandably, yet disturbing ¨unfinished business¨.  In her introduction titled ¨Fantasies of Power¨ Douglas travels back and forth the last two decades, pointing at countless media examples that reveal a disturbing phenomenon. Douglas notices that today’s media (everything from reality shows, commercials, magazines to clothing, cosmetics and plastic surgery) inappropriately focuses or highlights some aspects of the female community that are exaggerated or false.  

Douglas is convinced that the media portrayal of powerful, intelligent and strong women leaders who often play the roles of doctors, judges, and crime detectives does not really mirror reality. Although it is true that women can become a CEO or run for president, Douglas presents statistics that tell us otherwise. Apparently, the majority of women today are still working as secretaries, teachers, and registered nurses. Not only are they employed for lower level jobs, but also, women are still getting paid less than their male counterparts.  Given the evidence at hand, Douglas argues that TV shows featuring Buffy or Grey’s Anatomy are extremely deceiving because they make a false impression of the public that women are on the top of the world, are all-so-powerful and that their victory for equal rights has been far won.  Douglas is extremely concerned about this vision because it is false and thereby hinders the growth of women, zapping the momentum that was once created.

 Moving along, Douglas is also frustrated by the overflow of images depicting women as airheads, sexual objects with big breasts, or white and rich bratty girls that only care about their next party being the best. The crux of her argument revolves around enlightened sexism. According to Douglas, enlightened sexism has evolved into a whole new level by acquiring more subtlety in its rhetoric: ¨it takes the gains of the women’s movement as a given and then uses them as permission to resurrect retrograde images of girls and women as sex objects, bimbos and hootchie mamas still defined by their appearance and their biological destiny.¨ She is worried that in the present girl generation, young women are being convinced ¨"that true power comes from shopping, having the right logos, and being 'hot.'¨ For this reason, Douglas urges readers to look beyond the onslaught of images.

Similarly, Adrienne Rich, author of ¨Claiming an Education¨, reveals a collection of feminist ideas in which criticizes what she calls the ¨ethical model¨ of the self denying wife and mother¨ and agrees that women are too often being eroticized in the media nowadays.  Hence she urge women to take control, much like the way Douglas asks readers to complete the ¨unfinished business¨.  Adrienne encourages the audience to speak for themselves, to carve their own paths,  to respect their own body, and most importantly, to honor their own minds.