Gender & an Introduction to Feminism: Day 1; Writing Tasks

• "In my heart, I think a woman has two choices: either she's a feminist or a masochist." —Gloria Steinem
• "The day will come when men will recognize woman as his peer, not only at the fireside but in councils of the nation. Then, and not until then, will there be the perfect comradeship, the ideal union between the sexes that shall result in the highest development of the race." —Susan B. Anthony
• "In passing, also, I would like to say that the first time Adam had a chance he laid the blame on a woman." —Nancy Astor (British Politician)

Writing Task: write a paragraph describing the perfect man and another describing the perfect woman. You will have at least 2 paragraphs: one to describe the perfect traits of a woman, and one for the perfect traits of a man.

Traits can be physical, mental, social, or personality trait. Try to imagine the ideal woman and the ideal man and describe these figures or archetypes with your own viewpoint, description, and opinion.

Then: let's hear a little about what you have written. Let's share our ideas. Are they similar or different? How much do you feel gender plays in your identity? Let's play a little game to elicit discussion on the matter. Please take out your cell phones. We'll use them for good instead of evil today:

Go to: Kahoot.it on your cell phone or use your class computer...Enter the PIN # when instructed. 

After our discussion on gender issues (this one focusing on masculinity) let's turn our attention to feminist issues. Together let's read the philosophical articles on Mary Wollenstonecraft, Simone De Beauvoir, and Julia Kristeva to further our exploration of the topic.

As we read and discuss, identify their main points and compare how each is different or expands on the theme of feminism or gender. Consider the time period each philosopher and writer lived. How are their ideas similar or different? Who seems to have influenced our contemporary society the most do you think? Why?

Finally, with time remaining, let's look at some classifications of feminist theory or categories commonly found in the media:

Feminism is the theory that men and women should be equal politically, economically and socially. Notice that this theory does not subscribe to differences between men and women or similarities between men and women, nor does it refer to excluding men or only furthering women's causes. Most other branches of feminism do. Why you believe in feminism and what your ideas are to make feminism a reality is what causes arguments within the feminist movement. So let's take a look at those arguments. Where do you see yourself on this continuum?

Feminist: One who believes in the theory of feminism that is mentioned above.

Amazon Feminism: Dedicated to the image of the female hero in Greek mythology, as it is expressed in art and literature, in the physiques and feats of female athletes, and in sexual values and practices. Amazon feminism focuses on physical equality and is opposed to gender role stereotypes and discrimination against women based on assumptions that women are supposed to be, look, or behave as if they are passive, weak and physically helpless. Amazon feminism rejects the idea that certain characteristics or interests are inherently masculine (or feminine), and upholds and explores a vision of heroic womanhood. Many films and books currently subscribe to this kind of theory.

Cultural Feminism: The theory that there are fundamental personality differences between men and women, and that women's differences are special and should be celebrated. This theory of feminism supports the notion that there are biological differences between men and women.

Ecofeminism: A theory that rests on the basic principle that patriarchal philosophies are harmful to women, children, and other living things. Parallels are drawn between society's treatment of the environment, animals, or resources and its treatment of women. In resisting patriarchal culture, eco-feminists believe they are also resisting the plundering and destruction of the Earth. They feel that the patriarchal philosophy emphasizes the need to dominate and control unruly females and the unruly wilderness. Ecofeminism states that the patriarchal society is relatively new, something developed over the last 5,000 years or so and that the matriarchal society was the first society. In the matriarchal society, women were the center of society and people worshiped Goddesses. This is known as the Feminist Eden.

Feminazi: Made popular by the radio/tv host Rush Limbaugh (see below as well), a feminazi is defined by anti-feminists as a feminist who is trying to produce as many abortions as possible. Hence the term "Nazi." Limbaugh sees feminists as trying to rid the world of a particular group of people (fetuses, particularly male fetuses). He may be wrong.

Individualist, or Libertarian Feminism: Individualist feminism is based upon individualism or libertarian (minimum government or anarcho-capitalist) philosophies. The primary focus is individual autonomy, rights, liberty, independence, and diversity. Individualist Feminism tends to widely encompass men and focuses on barriers that men and women face due to their gender.

Material Feminism: A movement in the late 19th century to liberate women by improving their material condition (economic status). This movement revolved around taking the "burden" off women in regards to housework, cooking, and other traditional female domestic jobs.

Moderate Feminism: This branch of feminism tends to be populated mostly by younger women or women who have not directly experienced discrimination. They tend to question the need for further effort and think that feminism is no longer viable or necessary. 

Pop-Feminism: Pop-feminism is often mistaken by people to be feminism in general... the negative stereotypical man-hating ideology. This type of feminism is seen to degrade men and glorify women.

Radical Feminism: The dominant feminist theory from around 1967-79. It is no longer as universally accepted as it was, and no longer serves to solely define the term, "feminism." This group views the oppression of women as the most fundamental form of oppression, one that cuts across boundaries of race, culture, and economic class. This is a movement intent on social change. It questions why women must adopt certain roles based on their biology, just as it questions why men adopt certain roles based on theirs. Radical feminism attempts to draw lines between biologically determined behavior and culturally-determined behavior in order to free both men and women as much as possible from their previous narrow gender roles.

Separatists: Separatists are often wrongly depicted as lesbians. These are the feminists who advocate separation from men; sometimes total, sometimes partial. Women who organize women-only events are often dubbed separatist. The core idea is that "separating" from men enables women to see themselves in a different context. Many feminists, whether or not separatist, think this is a necessary "first step," for personal growth. However, they do not necessarily endorse permanent separation. It is inaccurate to consider all lesbians as separatists. While it is true that they do not interact with men for sexual fulfillment, it is not true that they automatically shun all interaction with men.


Writing Task #2: write a draft of an editorial (as one might find in a magazine or newspaper column) using any three articles to discuss the plight of feminism as you see it today. Use some of these text sources to agree or argue with--hint: reading primary and secondary sources will help make you seem intelligent if you reference or refer to them in your own essay writing! Who knew? Try it.

• Gloria Steinem: "If Men Could Menstruate"
• Women Against Feminism (Rush Limbaugh)
• "Who's Oppressing Who?" by Barbara Kay
• Judy Syfer's essay: "Why I Want a Wife" (1971)
• Camille Paglia: "The Modern Campus Cannot Comprehend Evil" (2014)
• Ann Coulter "I Hate Feminism" (video/audio media, 2017)
• Ivanka Is Where Feminism Goes to Die (The Daily Beast) (2017)
• Hijab Becomes Symbol of Resistance (2017)
• Can We All Be Feminists? (Book review/article) by Hans Rollmann (2018)

You may also use any reaction to these articles to write a poem, a play scene, an essay, short fiction, film documentary, podcast, etc. for your portfolio (deadline is coming up!)

When you have completed your writing and reading tasks, please work on your portfolio. Remember to workshop and revise at least one piece in your portfolio before you turn it in later this month!

HOMEWORK: Begin or continue reading The Stone Gods by Jeanette Winterson. Work on your portfolio.