http://wgs.eku.

edu/what-feminism-0
Eastern Kentucky University - Women and Gender Studies Class
Historically, feminism has evolved from the critical examination of inequality between the sexes
to a more nuanced focus on the social and performative constructions of gender and sexuality.
While many places have achieved the basics of gender equality, there are still power
imbalances and prejudices left in place that limit and devalue women. The idea of feminism in
the United States, specifically, as the conversation radically changes the more global it
becomes, is to examine the negative stereotypes and perceptions of women, examine gender
roles and the harmful effects of them, examine and work toward eradicating the culture of
sexual harrassment that has been fostered.
Shailene Woodley
Kelly Clarkson
Carrie Underwood
Katy Perry
Gwyneth Paltrow
Sarah Jessica Parker
Cameron Diaz
Many celebrity women have been questioned lately about whether or not they are feminists.
Honestly, this seems less about womens rights, their support for it, or about awareness or true
interest in these womens thoughts and opinions; it seems like another way to pit women
against each other. But beside that, many of the women questioned said they were not
feminists, preferring to say they are humanists, dont want to be associated with the bad
connotations of the word, or claim that they love men. Some go to lengths to further explain their
views, and actually state the definition of feminism unknowingly.
Im not trying to demonize these women or tell you to stop watching them or to hate them or
anything. Im sure theres lots of people in this room who once misunderstood feminism and
disagreed with it.
The idea of feminism is simple. It is the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. It
does not mean you hate men. It does not mean you cannot be feminine. It is equality.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/23/in-defence-of-intersectionality
Intersectionality is the inclusion and specific attention paid to the voices and needs of women of
color, disabled women, queer women, and other marginalized groups. Originally coined by
Kimberle Crenshaw, it has been a staple in academic feminism, yet mainstream feminism still
seems very preoccupied with white, cishet, middle to upper class womens experiences and
stories. And while those women are also important and should be included in feminism, its also
vitally important that we value gay women, trans women, black women, Asian women, mentally
ill women, physically disabled women. Because they are affected not just by sexism, but also by
racism, and homophobia, and transphobia, and ableism. Mainstream feminism has often failed

these women, and its important that we make a conscious, responsible, and educated effort to
include, provide safe spaces, and listen to these women.
Slut!
I recently read a book about the sexual stereotypes and limitation put on women. Its a little
aged, but it was very interesting and informative. It discussed the idea of slut-bashing,
especially during high school years, and the profound effects that has on womens
development. Many of the so called sluts who told their stories were not, in fact, sexually active
at all. Some of them were raped. Some were simply different, they had gone through puberty
earlier, they were the new kid, they were weird. Some were sexually active, and some
embraced their label. Regardless of their sexual lives, none of these women and girls deserved
the abuse and harassment they received. The policing of women and girls sexuality is very
limiting and harmful, and while with teenage boys its natural and healthy to have sexual
desires and urges, girls are presented with a double standard. The idea of purity and the
importance of virginity is perpetuated in sex ed classes, and while boys are lauded for their
sexual endeavors, girls are devalued, looked down upon, and taught to feel dirty. This creates a
lasting impact throughout womens lives. In a society where we love sex appeal and sexual
images, we sure are god awful about having honest and open discussions about sex and
sexuality, and this really hurts women.