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 What does feminism look like?Michael Carter Editor in Chief During the last couple of weeks the issue of feminism has been swirling around the Ebbtide office. After a recent on-campus lecture by sociologist and author Allan Johnson on privilege, power and difference, various members of our staff voiced strong opinions regarding the issue of feminism.
Determined to put this hot-button topic into print, it was decided that the issue of feminism was particularly timely as the 25th anniversary celebration of the Women's Center commenced. So, our newspaper sought out opinions from students on campus in the hope of creating dialogue and awareness. This proved more difficult than anticipated. Many students consulted on the issue buttoned their lips fearing the publication of their thoughts. As a result, most (but not all) of the pieces gathered came directly from the Ebbtide staff. Our hope is to create discussion among the students, staff and faculty of this institution. We encourage responses from all. Darbie Whitman SCC student Feminism is the celebration of a woman's female identity while maintaining and, when necessary, defending her humanity. The compromise of one component of this definition for the other negates the quality of a woman's life. A woman's ability to enjoy her female strengths and comforts is not relinquishing of her humanity. When a female identity means the loss of comfort or time, however, a woman should reconsider what being a female means to her and find her level of femininity she feels is appropriate and pursue that plain. A woman does not need uncomfortable shoes or to spend copious amounts of time and money on appearance to be female. A woman does not need to become indecipherable in action or appearance from a man to be human. Appreciating the medium of emotional exchange of the female world and letting no social sanction (positive or negative) dominant one's life is a good balance for women seeking feminism in their lives. Pursuing freedom and equality as a woman and for all women is the goal of feminism. Feminists are sometimes seen as wanting power over men. Perhaps the fear of pursuing equality in all its forms is the root of such thought processes. What will the world become if such a tumultuous thing as equality for both sexes is borne? Will women run for president and not settle for vice presidential nomination? Will men learn the world of emotional strength? Will men be expected to maintain a certain level of appearance and emotional well-being to be accepted? Maybe women will walk into work or come home and never worry about equal responsibility and appreciation for work done. Maybe men and women can live more fulfilled lives, working together equally treated and equally motivated in all efforts. Tim Parr SCC student I think feminism is women who want to be heard, and I think they just want the same rights that men have; they don't feel like they have them and I agree. Cathy Chun Women's Center, Director Feminists and feminism, these words carry a lot of baggage that has to do with media portryals. People generally come up with negative images that are pretty narrow ideas as to what a feminist looks like. When you ask someone what comes to mind when you here the words feminist and feminism, they come up with a pretty stereotypical response. But ask them how they came to form that image and they don't have first hand knowledge about it. It's either what they picked up from the media, or common stereotypes. © 2003 Shoreline Community College™ |
