Response to Mark Laessig’s blog

"According to this definition, I am not a feminist. Although I do support the rights of women, I also believe that men are equal as well." - Mark Laessig

As long as someone believes that women should be equal to men they are a feminist. If you believe in the cause to bring equality to the genders, this in no way means that you do not believe that men are equal. The statement,"I also believe that men are equal as well" is irrelevant to whether or not you are a feminist. Obviously in this country of the two genders, Women are the oppressed. That is the key reason why feminism exists, to make equal the two genders. The fact that you believe men are equal to women and vice-versa is exactly what makes you a feminist and saying that you are not a feminist for this exact reason is invalid. As long as you believe that there should be no difference in any socio-economical matter between the two sexes, you are a feminist!

I am a Feminist Critique

The word feminine means anything pertaining to women. The word feminist and feminine are related because they both have the same origin and they are both related to woman. In the post by Jason Boas his definition of a feminist was one that is willing to stand up the rights of both men and women. Boas states, ‘’so, a feminist would be someone who encourages the movement to make men and women equal,’’ I disagree. I think a feminist is a person that encourages the movement for equal rights of women. Women’ rights have always been challenged in the work place, school, and home. I disagree with Boas’s definition because the rights of men did not have to be fought for and the word feminist is related to women.

Blog 4

To disagree with Kevin Ly's post, men and women are different, but that is not what the definition of feminism he chose means. He found a definition stating that feminism is (1) the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes and (2), an organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests. This definition explains that feminism is the movement that fights for women’s equal rights, not the difference between men and women. Kevin describes the difference between men and women. This has nothing to do with the definition that he chose. He explains that women are better at some things than men, and men are better than women at some things. With this, he states that women have equal rights, but they may not be visible because they may not be as good at something a man does. When Kevin explains these “probabilities,” no where does he relate his case towards the definition of feminism. He believes that both women and men are equal, and is considered a non-feminist, but his explanation does not coincide with the definition.

- Cory Goulet

In response to Kevin Ly's post

Kevin Ly’s definition of feminism was “the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes” (Merriam-Webster). This definitions means that women should be treated equally in all of these categories. Nowhere in the definition of feminism does it say that men and women are the same. Kevin states that men and women are different. Men and women are not the same, but they should be treated equally if they do the same thing. Kevin then makes generalizations about the norms of men and women. He then admits that there are exceptions to the gender norms. The feminism definition is to protection those who are not doing the gender norm. They should get equal treatment and pay. That is why Kevin maybe should be a feminist.

Feminist critique

I disagree with Ian Friedman’s blog post in which he states that he is not a feminist because feminism teaches that men and women are not equal. Specifically he says “In order to be a feminist one must believe that men and women are different.” This is not true. Merriam-Webster defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes”. He goes on to say that he does support the equality of the two genders. Therefore he is a feminist because feminism is not giving one gender special privileges, but rather making men and women equal in all ways.

-Ryan Sussman

Blog 4 Assignment

"In my personal experience women are more than capable to do everything that a man can do."
-Olsian Goxhaj

I believe that this statement is somewhat false. Women may be able to do the same thing as men, but some jobs men are more qualified to do. Jobs such as lawyers, police, doctors are all equal among men and women. Jobs that I believe men can do better then women are more are jobs such as construction. Jobs that require more strength, I believe men can do better. Also, women can do things better then men. I believe there are things that women and men are both good at. They may differ but they have positive traits in individual categories.

Shane Varughese

Why I Am Not A Feminist Critique

The original quote from the post was "I am not a feminist. The reason is simple: Men and women are different, there are certain things women can never do and certain things men can never do."  I disagree with this statement because being Feminism does not necessarily mean that women and men can do exactly the same thing.  When talking about job positions and obligations and so forth, women and men can do the same thing.  This is what feminists are pushing for, the equal treatment for women to do anything that a man can do that a women can do as well.  I believe the quote is too broad.  There are definitely things that men can not do and there are things that women can not do.  For example, a genetically born male can never give birth.  This is impossible, men are not genetically able to do so.  So to say that one is not feminist do to the fact that there are things that men and women can not do while the other can is not a fair argument.  If a man must be able to give birth in order for feminists to be successful, then their fight will be a long time running.

Blog 4 Assignment

For this assignment, I chose to argue the reasoning behind Ian Friedman's choice on why he was not a feminist. Ian states that, ""I am not a feminist because I believe that men and women are both human beings therefore they are equal. In order to be a feminist one must believe that men and women are different." Feminism does not mean that a women thinks that she is different or superior to a man. Being feminist means being for the equalization of the sexes and for the progression of women. So by simply stating that you do not consider yourself a feminist due to the fact that you believe men and women are equal, you are actually reinforcing the argument of the feminists.

"Why i am a Feminist" critique

I definitely think the rights of women are challenged in today’s society.
Posted by Whitney Louisaire at 4:13 PM 0 comments

“Belief in the need to secure rights and opportunities for women equal to those of men, or a commitment to securing these.” This definition is used in a blog post by Whitney Louisaire to define whether she is a feminist or not. In her blog, she states that she is a feminist, and states, “I definitely think the rights of women are challenged in today’s society.” I do not believe this is true. As I have used as an example for my posting of my belief, if two doctors, one man and the other woman, that specialized in the same field does not mean that the man doctor would be better at performing surgery then the woman doctor.

This is a response to a poster who said they were not a feminist. In the post it reads, "I feel that both males and females are pretty much viewed as equals now in America. Even though there are some advantages to be a male there are also a lot of advantages to be a female." Being a feminist has nothing to do with who has the most advantages, it is how the seperate genders are treated and the want for women and men to be treated equally. In 2000, the average pay for women was only 75% of what it was for men. Women take up 46% of the American workforce, but only 40% of managers are women, and less then 5% of top managers are women. More women then men have a high school degree and even more earn a college degree. How is this equal? 

Blog 4 Assignment

In response to Mark Laessig’s blog post, I disagree with his reasoning as to why he is not a feminist. He states that feminist’s are people who “[stand] for just men and not women,” but in reality feminists are only trying to make women equal to men. He goes on to say that “today women have as many opportunities as men,” but this is clearly incorrect. According to CNN.com, “the average 25-year-old woman who works full-time, year-round until she retires at age 65 will earn $523,000 less than the average working man.” Also if “both sexes are seen as equal to most,” then there would not be hundreds of thousands of feminists in America and government imposed programs such as affirmative action attempting to make all people equal.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/Careers/10/22/equal.pay/index.html

Whay I am a Feminist Critique

In response to Sean Pastor's comment, "According to this definition and this article feminism is basically what is said. It is the idea that women are people. If that is the only qualification to be considered a feminist, that women are to be classified as a person, then yes I would have to consider myself a feminist, because women are alive and they are people plain and simple". I believe he got the wrong concept, because you can still believe women are people and they should have the same rights, but not be a feminist. Feminists stand for the rights of women and thats it. The difference between me and a feminist is that, I stand for both men and women. We are all equal and deserve the same rights. So you don't necessarily have to be a feminist to stick up for women's rights or to believe that they are individuals as well.

In response to Jason Boas' blog

This is in response to Jason Boas “Why I am A Feminist” blog. Boas reason for being a feminist does not coincide with his definition, which is “ the movement for social, political and economic equality of men and women.” The word movement as defined by elook.org is, “a group of people with a common ideology who try together to achieve certain general goals. Therefore if the meaning of the word feminist should be restated it would say, “ a group of people or a person who advocates for political and social fairness between men and women.” Boas states “ a feminist is, in the broadest sense of the term, someone who simply believes that men and women should be equal in all sociopolitical aspects, as well as in anyway there is unfair burden on women founded on chauvinistic ideology, then yes, I am a feminist.” Clearly from his definition a feminist does not merely believe in gender equality but he or she also campaigns for equality, whether it is done proactively or passively. Boas’s grounds for being a feminist does not concur with his definition, to me he is pro-feminist.

Critique against "Why I am a feminist"

Why I Am A feminist

Feminist-the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.

As mentioned in the definition a feminist is one who advocates for equal rights for women in all social institutions. I am not an activist, nor do i go around shouting "equal rights for women," but i do stand up for womens rights when comfornted by anyone and I aslo belive that all men and women should be treated equal. Thats why i believe that I am a feminist. For more than a century women have been treated unequally in just about every social institution: labour force, education, family,church, politics etc. Women have been treated like objects such as: "trophies," sex objects, dummies ect. And many times,their beauty has been used to validate their success rather than their interlect. Althougth times have changed and many laws have been implented to turn back the ominious hand of unequality, such gender tension still exsist. The time for complete equality among men and women is long overdue, and I believe that more work needs to be done to identify the different diparities of basis-ness and , alos new methods should be put in place to eleminate them.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=feminist

I dont agree with the definition of feminist is "the doctrine advocating social political and all other rights of women equal to men. "  I  think that it is unrealistic to claim that men and women should be equal. It is impossible for such a thing to happen. Men and Women are different. They cannot do the same things. Women use the fact they are the weeker sex all the time.For example in no culture around the world is there a practice of holding doors for men. This is just an example but women misuse the rules of society all the time. 

WHY I AM NOT A FEMINIST CRITIQUE

The original quote is "I am not a feminist because I believe that men and women are both human beings therefore they are equal. In order to be a feminist one must believe that men and women are different." I agree with you that both men and women are humans therefore they are equal, however, they are not treated or seen as equals. The world is heavily dominated by males. Females have always been oppressed by males. You don't hear about domestic violence being a woman beat up her husband. And i also disagree to your comment of "In order to be a feminist one must believe that men and women are different." Feminists just mean that you do a lot of things to help the female society.

A GIRL LIKE ME

Kiri Davis's A Girl Like Me:

TONI MORRISON IN PHILLY

Now we begin The Bluest Eye, and I've just found out that Toni Morrison will be giving a reading at the Central Library (1901 Vine Street) on Monday, December 1, 2008, 7:30PM. I've heard that all tickets have sold, but if you're interested in going, it's worth double checking the FLP website. Hearing Morrison read and discuss her writing would give an added dimension to your appreciation of her work.

feminist critique

I came across a statement in one of the feminist blogs that I disagree with. In Jason Boas’s blog he states; “However, using the basic definition I found it would be difficult to say that any rational person, including myself, could say that they were not a feminist”. His definition was; “In the most basic sense, feminism is exactly what the dictionary says it is: the movement for social, political, and economic equality of men and women”. I have to disagree with this because there are many people who are rational and don’t consider themselves a feminist. There could be a number of different reasons why people don’t consider themselves feminists. One reason could be that the person misunderstands what it means to be a feminist. Another could be that people just don’t want women equal to men. Some men might be scared that women could be better than they are in certain aspects, like in the work place. Some people might see women as inferior beings that don’t deserve to on the same level with men. There are people out there, men and women, who don’t consider themselves feminists, whatever there reason may be.

Commenting Jason Boas - "...incomplete definition leaves a hole in the logic."

“‘In the most basic sense, feminism is exactly what the dictionary says it is: the movement for social, political, and economic equality of men and Women.’
So, a feminist would be someone who encourages the movement to make men and women equal.
When I went searching for a comprehensible meaning to the term feminist, I didn't expect the definition that I found.(see above) The main reason for this is that I previously believed that among rationale individuals there were those who were feminists and those who were not. However, using the basic definition I found it would be difficult to say that any rationale person, including myself, could say that they were not a feminist. The misconception I had previously was that a feminist was someone who thought that females were superior to males or someone who is against men. That is obviously not the case and is simply a fallacy brought on via incorrect use of the term over the several centuries that it has been a part of our lexis.”

I disagree with this interpretation of what being a feminist entails given this definition. By the above description of Feminism, a feminist can’t be someone who simply “encourages” the movement; they’d have to actually participate. I say this because in this sense the term “feminist” automatically draws a tie to the term “activist” and activists ACT! The definition above clearly states “the movement…”, so how can one be a feminist by merely believing that women should have rights equal to those of men? It’s easy to point fingers and look askance at those who think differently than you (i.e. calling them ir-“rationale”) but you’ll never change the world that way - you won’t even gain support. If femin-ists were people who only discouraged the sexism in today’s world, then femin-ism wouldn’t be a movement at all but solely a belief system (which happens to be its other appropriated definition). Encouraging something isn’t necessarily fighting for it, the same way that discouraging something isn’t fighting against it. Simply put, if you don’t act on your thoughts by consciously making an effort to change what you find immoral, then you can’t really apply the label to yourself. The same way that Civil Rights activists marched for freedom, the people sitting at home, watching them on TV, and cheering them on weren’t activists…they were supporters at best. They encouraged the Civil Rights movement, but they by not taking part, played no major role in its “success”.
Now if the writer had defined feminism as a doctrine rather than, or in addition to, as a movement, then his interpretation of what it is to be a feminist would hold some ground. But given this interpretation of the term, one can’t be declared a feminist by merely supporting the doctrine. My final verdict is that he should have included the other definition of Feminism; his post gives somewhat of a broken understanding of it because the incomplete definition leaves a hole in the logic.

Actions of Equality

Original Post: “I am not a feminist. The reason is simple: Men and women are different, there are certain things women can never do and certain things men can never do. Society has to understand that, more importantly feminists have to. At the same time I don't think that it is right to disrespect women. Women should have a respectable place in society. Society should respect women in positions of power, if they are capable of it.In America, the Judicial system has a number of laws to protect women. In many parts of the world women are treated brutally, i think that is wrong. No one should ever be treated brutally.At the same time, I think feminists are very prejudicial against men. They end up men bashing most of the time. For the above reasons, I would never call myself a feminist but I would say I am a humanitarian.”

I don’t agree with this because it is obvious that there are certain things like biological things that men can’t do that women can, like giving birth, but that is not what society is separating men and women by. They separate men and women by things like occupation and social rankings. “I think feminists are very prejudicial against men.” Feminist are not prejudicial against men, but rather on what certain men do. It’s not the thought of things that make something good or bad, but is the action that is taken. They also are not only against men but rather people, groups, and organizations, that treat women unfairly.

Comment on Trotman blog. "Why I am not a feminist"

You stated in your blog that "men and women are seen as equal in today's society" that is not true at all. You also stated "It is true that we live in a male dominated world", doesn't that mean that there are still some beliefs that women are not equal. You also talk about how women has protection laws and males do not. That's because there are some men still out there that brutally beat women, rap women, and kill women. There is always something on the news talking about a man did this to a woman and her child. It would be really shocking if something on the news saying a women beat up a man etc. Even though people say that women are not treated unequal. That's a lie... Just look at how many males get faster law firm jobs then women.

Feminism... Not really Necessary

"I definitely think the rights of women are challenged in today’s society. Today women around the world, especially in third world countries are not treated in the same respect as men. I believe that women are just as capable as men but our society and our culture divert us from that fact. I am a feminist because I believe in equal rights for women."

I disagree with this argument because it implies that women continue to be in a certain status that is dramatically lower than men. I consider that today, women have gained such equality that in many ways they are considered to have the same opportunities as men. Arguing that women now are not equal to man symbolizes some kind of discrimination or feeling of superiority by men, who know work alongside women in jobs, sports, and schools. Feminist movements now are just an unnecessary extension of the women's movement in the 1900's. In my opinion, feminism has lost enough momentum and although it works as a way for women to maintain their rights, it is not really critic to promote movements like these. Specially in times were males and females accomplish the same goals and are able to achieve the same things from life.

Inequality? I Don't think so

Why I am a feminist
Feminism: belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.According to dictionary.com, feminism is the belief in social, political and economic equality of the sexes. Although I feel like I hold a stand and believe in both positions, I see myself more in a feminist view. I feel as though in today’s society, there still is inequality evident with gender. I think everyone should be treated fairly but because of societal norms, women are still treated unfairly and men are seen as the higher gender, being able to get away with things women normally wouldn’t. A double standard is also still evident in many situations because what women do is more heavily accounted for. Years have passed and people’s mentalities have changed but the underlining expectations and still prominent for women.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/feminism
Posted by pooja039 at 5:51 PM 0 comments


Inequality? There has not been inequality in the United States since August 25,1920.Then the very next day, 26 August 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified and womens sufferage officially ended. Women have the same exact rights as men have, the only problem is women want to have their cake and eat it to. Women want to be treated equal and just, and thats fine, but the instant an indifference occurs its automatically viewed as sexist and unjust. Women have gained tramendous positions of power in the United States. Take for example Meg Whitman the President and CEO of eBay, Indra Nooyi CEO of a little soft drink company called Pepsi, I'm not really sure if you have ever heard of those companies but their both fortune 500 companies. And the list goes on and on. Inequality? Seriously though? Women have the same opportunities as men, saying that there is inequality is a cop out.

VISUAL LITERACY RESOURCES

As you will see from your research, there are thousands of online resources for visual literacy. Here are just a few:

About Face:
http://www.about-face.org/

Temple Media Education Lab:
http://mediaeducationlab.com/

The Merchants of Cool (PBS media literacy documentary):
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/

Daniel Chandler, "Notes on 'The Gaze'":
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/gaze/gaze.html

Link to Additional Links:
http://www.ltcconline.net/lukas/gender/pages/links.htm

Feel free to share on this blog links to other websites.