Just over a week ago, as I was reflecting on oppression and on the inequalities that different groups of people have faced throughout history and to the present day, I was reminded of the fact that I identify with one of these groups: women. Throughout history, around the globe, women have been treated as less. Not being allowed to go to school, not being allowed to vote, not being paid the same as men once women entered the work force, being objectified by men, and being expected to stay at home with the kids and do all the household chores.
While women's rights have been improving in the United States, especially over the last hundred years, problems remain today. These ideas have shaped our culture. Gender stereotypes have shaped our culture and evidence remains all around us.
Having grown up in the home that I did, with the mother that I did, I feel very passionate about these issues. My mother tells of a legacy of strong women in her family and named me after her paternal grandmother and great-grandmother who both rode in a wagon for two days so they could vote the first time women could vote. In our home, with no brothers and a dad who worked nights, there was often nothing but girls at home. We learned that there was no such thing as "girl jobs" or "boy jobs", there were just jobs. My mother was 35 when she got married, which is rather old in the Mormon culture, and I think because of this and because of her home growing up, she taught me (and my sisters) the importance of being a strong and independent woman.
This said, I am one to stand with the idea of equality rather than one being better than the other (whether that be man or woman). With deep rooted religious beliefs, I have been taught strongly about equality and agency as well as families, divine nature, and special roles and responsibilities which men and women have. This can cause me to have trouble understanding some of the issues related to feminism.
The Family: A Proclamation to the World states, "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose... THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.,, HE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity...By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed."
These quotes greatly influence my perspective on women's rights. I believe that women deserve to be treated as equals, partners n the responsibilities which have for so long been seen as men's responsibilities, but that does not mean I believe men and women are the same. I do like having someone who makes me feel taken care of. However, what I cannot stand is being treated as though I myself am incapable.
Regardless of the perspectives which may be taken and the arguments which may be made, issues continue. They are prominent. They are accepted as normal. They often blame women. And this HAS to stop.
While I know that many have endured worse than me, I have experienced and known close family and friends who have been affected by these issues and it cuts deep.
I also feel torn because I value many of the so called "feminine" attributes but do not appreciate the way women are treated or portrayed because of them.
Below, I have continued the conversation on women's rights. Links and images capturing a number of different issues which face women today and in days which are past are also included.
Current Sociodemographics
With men and women both needed for procreation, the rates between men and women are almost equal. This link includes some statistics from the United Nations regarding the comparison between females and males in population statistics around the world. This PDF looks specifically at male and female statistics within the United States population.
History
Throughout history, women have not been treated the as well as men. They have not had as many privileges or opportunities. They have not been as respected, nor had as much say, as many males. Though circumstances are changing and women's rights are improving, injustices remain in a number of areas.
This website gives a list of women's history in the United States.
Educational
For many years, only males were aloud to attend school. Women were somehow expected to care for and instruct their children without having any formal education themselves. Over the years, this has progressed to the point where women are equally presented opportunities for school, and even attend college as much if not more than men.
While women in the US have regular access to education, women in other nations do not. This following websites further delve into the topic of women's access to education around the globe.
Care: Girls Education
Some interesting facts:
While women's rights have been improving in the United States, especially over the last hundred years, problems remain today. These ideas have shaped our culture. Gender stereotypes have shaped our culture and evidence remains all around us.
Having grown up in the home that I did, with the mother that I did, I feel very passionate about these issues. My mother tells of a legacy of strong women in her family and named me after her paternal grandmother and great-grandmother who both rode in a wagon for two days so they could vote the first time women could vote. In our home, with no brothers and a dad who worked nights, there was often nothing but girls at home. We learned that there was no such thing as "girl jobs" or "boy jobs", there were just jobs. My mother was 35 when she got married, which is rather old in the Mormon culture, and I think because of this and because of her home growing up, she taught me (and my sisters) the importance of being a strong and independent woman.
This said, I am one to stand with the idea of equality rather than one being better than the other (whether that be man or woman). With deep rooted religious beliefs, I have been taught strongly about equality and agency as well as families, divine nature, and special roles and responsibilities which men and women have. This can cause me to have trouble understanding some of the issues related to feminism.
The Family: A Proclamation to the World states, "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose... THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.,, HE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity...By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed."
These quotes greatly influence my perspective on women's rights. I believe that women deserve to be treated as equals, partners n the responsibilities which have for so long been seen as men's responsibilities, but that does not mean I believe men and women are the same. I do like having someone who makes me feel taken care of. However, what I cannot stand is being treated as though I myself am incapable.
Regardless of the perspectives which may be taken and the arguments which may be made, issues continue. They are prominent. They are accepted as normal. They often blame women. And this HAS to stop.
While I know that many have endured worse than me, I have experienced and known close family and friends who have been affected by these issues and it cuts deep.
I also feel torn because I value many of the so called "feminine" attributes but do not appreciate the way women are treated or portrayed because of them.
Below, I have continued the conversation on women's rights. Links and images capturing a number of different issues which face women today and in days which are past are also included.
Current Sociodemographics
With men and women both needed for procreation, the rates between men and women are almost equal. This link includes some statistics from the United Nations regarding the comparison between females and males in population statistics around the world. This PDF looks specifically at male and female statistics within the United States population.
History
Throughout history, women have not been treated the as well as men. They have not had as many privileges or opportunities. They have not been as respected, nor had as much say, as many males. Though circumstances are changing and women's rights are improving, injustices remain in a number of areas.
This website gives a list of women's history in the United States.
Educational
For many years, only males were aloud to attend school. Women were somehow expected to care for and instruct their children without having any formal education themselves. Over the years, this has progressed to the point where women are equally presented opportunities for school, and even attend college as much if not more than men.
While women in the US have regular access to education, women in other nations do not. This following websites further delve into the topic of women's access to education around the globe.
Care: Girls Education
Some interesting facts:
Right to Education
United Nations: Human Rights Obligations and Global Political Commitments
You Won't Believe How Many Countries Still Won't Allow Women the Right to Education
Employment/SES
For the longest time, women were expected to get married, stay at home with the kids and do the household chores. In the early twentieth century, women began working in factories. There, conditions were not ideal, in fact, they were quite dangerous. Later, during World War II, when so many men were drafted, women took to the workforce. Rosie the Riveter became a well known figure. However, when the men returned homes, they took back their jobs. Employed women were not paid as much as men. Even in my own family, I have known of this injustice. My grandmother, who it took three people to replace, was paid a third of what men were paid.
The United States Department of Labor data and statistics includes a number of facts related to women in the workplace. Their blog includes additional information.
Women in the Workforce: What Changes Have We Made? takes a further look at the evolution and current state of women in the workplace.
The Evolution of Women in the Workplace takes an even more in depth look at the progression of women in the workplace over the course of American history. One of the pieces of history which it looks at is the impact of Rosie the Riveter. The following links contain even more information regarding this poster and campaign.
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/rosie-the-riveter
http://www.rosietheriveter.org/
http://rosietheriveter.net/
Housing
There was a time when women in the United States could not own property. Women often needed to marry in order to have any sort of financial security. They needed to live under another person's house to have a home, or be widowed. My mother has said that part of the reason behind polygamy, whether it be the case or not, was so that women would be able to keep their land and have financial support. Despite whatever views may have been had concerning the role of men and women, it went too far, so as to restrict women from equal rights, from being able to provide for themselves whether that be due to choice or circumstance.
The link listed in the history section above includes some dates and laws which were in place during the history of the United States.
"1769 – The colonies adopt the English system decreeing women cannot own property in their own name or keep their own earnings.
1839 – The first state (Mississippi) grants women the right to hold property in their own names – with permission from their husbands.
1900 – By this year, every state had passed legislation granting married women the right to keep their own wages and to own property in their own name.
1981 – The Supreme Court rules that excluding women from the draft is constitutional. In a separate decision, the high court overturns state laws designating a husband "head and master" with unilateral control of property owned jointly with his wife."
Links below look at the state of women's property today (in other nations around the world).
Securing Women's Land and Property Rights: A Critical Step to Address HIV, Violence, and Food Security
Women's Property Rights, an article by the United Nations
Voting
While the nation was established in 1776, it was not until 1920 that women were allowed to vote. This was a controversial topic then just as feminism is now. Even some of the women were against it. There were reasons in mind for either option. However, my perspective is that women should have had the chance all along to participate in the elections. Whether or not men and women have different roles in the home, women never should be and never should have been treated as any less than a man. Husband and wife should be equals. Women have been treated as less than for so much of history, not able to speak their mind and being expected to cow down and be submissive to men's desires. Women's suffrage helped women by giving them a voice.
This website includes links to information regarding a number of different women's activists and events related to women's suffrage.
There was a time when women in the United States could not own property. Women often needed to marry in order to have any sort of financial security. They needed to live under another person's house to have a home, or be widowed. My mother has said that part of the reason behind polygamy, whether it be the case or not, was so that women would be able to keep their land and have financial support. Despite whatever views may have been had concerning the role of men and women, it went too far, so as to restrict women from equal rights, from being able to provide for themselves whether that be due to choice or circumstance.
The link listed in the history section above includes some dates and laws which were in place during the history of the United States.
"1769 – The colonies adopt the English system decreeing women cannot own property in their own name or keep their own earnings.
1839 – The first state (Mississippi) grants women the right to hold property in their own names – with permission from their husbands.
1900 – By this year, every state had passed legislation granting married women the right to keep their own wages and to own property in their own name.
1981 – The Supreme Court rules that excluding women from the draft is constitutional. In a separate decision, the high court overturns state laws designating a husband "head and master" with unilateral control of property owned jointly with his wife."
Links below look at the state of women's property today (in other nations around the world).
Securing Women's Land and Property Rights: A Critical Step to Address HIV, Violence, and Food Security
Women's Property Rights, an article by the United Nations
Voting
While the nation was established in 1776, it was not until 1920 that women were allowed to vote. This was a controversial topic then just as feminism is now. Even some of the women were against it. There were reasons in mind for either option. However, my perspective is that women should have had the chance all along to participate in the elections. Whether or not men and women have different roles in the home, women never should be and never should have been treated as any less than a man. Husband and wife should be equals. Women have been treated as less than for so much of history, not able to speak their mind and being expected to cow down and be submissive to men's desires. Women's suffrage helped women by giving them a voice.
This website includes links to information regarding a number of different women's activists and events related to women's suffrage.
Legal
Laws in the US have unfortunately supported sexism against women in history and surprisingly still today. See the links below to find out more.
Stepping Through History
This website, linked numerous times on this page, includes facts related women's rights in the United States, many of which pertain to laws passed and women holding legal or political positions.
Wait, Women Don't Have Equal Rights in the United States? explains how passing the Equal Rights Coalition (ERA) would improve gender equality while questioning what is standing in the way of the law getting passed.
Political
In addition to not being aloud to vote for the longest time, women have yet to become equals in terms of numbers of individuals serving in political positions. Recently, Hilary Clinton became the closest woman to obtaining the office of president. While Donald Trump was elected due to electoral votes, Hilary Clinton won the popular vote. Growing up, I was not even sure women could be presidents. The concept was relatively unheard of.
The following websites (listed above already), include information on women in politics as well as laws made and conventions held regarding women's rights (which are somewhat related).
Stepping Through History
The Evolution of Women in the Workplace
Access to healthcare
Many today would argue that abortion is a matter of women's health. However, I differ on this understanding,, believing that (for the most part) we take part in the actions which lead to pregnancy and since (in my opinion) babies are their own person, though influence by father and mother, this is not something which concern's women's bodies alone and it is not okay. That said, in cases of rape or sexual assault, I believe it may be more understandable.
Laws against abortion have been considered to prevent women from having adequate access to healthcare.
6 Immediate Ways Women Would Be Impacted by the GOP's newly released plan
How States are Fighting Women's Access to Healthcare
Health care laws in relation to domestic violence prevent individuals from getting medical attention prior to consulting a police officer regarding the offense which brought them to a doctor. Since most domestic violence cases are against women, this primary affects women. Since getting out of abusive situations can be incredibly dangerous, this often means that women simply cannot get help without putting themselves at even more risk.
Some say that doctors can play an important role in helping domestic abuse victims, that Screening for Abuse May Be the Key to Ending It. However, my family's personal experience with this makes me question it. When my mother went to the doctor following following domestic violence from my dad, the doctors told her they could not treat her because it was abuse, until she reported it. This article assesses why reporting laws could be a potential problem.
The services which are meant to help protect women and their children after domestic abuse are not always available to use simply because of funding. This link explains Why So Many Domestic Violence Survivors Don't Get Help - Even When They Ask For It.
Critical Understandings/Misunderstandings
Feminism has gained a poor reputation. While it initially represented the notion of equality for the sexes, some have taken ideas to the point where people question if feminism is about equality or man hating. Some "feminists" claim that women are better than men and pushing women's rights has come to diminish views about men. However, other feminists are calling to remember that feminism is meant to be about equality and that there are misconceptions and pressures for both genders.
Emma Watson Addresses the UN
Emma Watson explains some of the struggles which women have faced and do face. In addition to this, she explains feminism as a desire for equality rather than women being better than men. She points out the ways in which gender stereotypes affect both men and women.
Emma Watson Explains Why Some Men Have Trouble With Feminism
Emma Watson addresses misconceptions with feminism and reasons why men may sometimes feel that they cannot be feminists.
Stereotypes
Stereotypes! Oh, there are so many! Which is kind of crazy if you think about dividing the population in half and putting labels and expectations on each one. There is so much variation. Because of this variation, there are actually stereotypes about a number of different groups within the bigger groups of male and female. What I would like to focus on here are the ideas which our society believes regarding what is masculine and what is feminine.
Always #Like a Girl
This video assesses how "like a girl" has been been used an insult and increased self esteem problems among young women. It shows how these insults sink in over time and how these stereotypes impact how both men and women think about girls.
Gender Stereotyping on Women in the Media
Even children have been shown to be familiar with stereotypes regarding what men and women do.
Dierks Bentley - Different for Girls ft. Elle King
Women have traditionally been seen as more emotional and as caring more. On the contrary, men have been seen to act tough and to use women at times (at this song suggests by saying that a guy may bring a girl home to distract him from heartbreak). This song both refers to the stereotypes of women and the wrong way in which they are sometimes treated. An important point to realize when it comes to stereotypes is that these negatively impact both men and women, not just women.
Toby Keith - I Want to Talk About Me
This song appears to suggest that girls talk too much. This is an interesting comment considering women used to be kept quiet.
Ideology that supports the oppression of the group
One idea that presents a problem to women is that their role is in the home, to be a wife and a mother. While I agree with the notion that women are meant to be wives and mothers just as men are meant to be husbands and fathers, I do not believe this means that they should be restricted in their ability to work or have a say. Men and women should be equal partners in marriage and too often throughout history, women have been expected to be submissive to their husbands. Women have been seen as less. However, the idea that women are meant to be wives and mothers and that husbands should provide makes matters difficult for women in the work force.
When it comes to sexual assault or comments, women are often seen as the responsible parties. People say that they should be more careful what they wear and even make comments like, "they were asking for it." Women are seen as needing to be responsible for how men behave. It is up to them to keep their bodies safe. They are expected to show more restraint. Women's bodies have been objectified so much it makes it difficult to trust. They are taught that all guys want is sex and that it is their responsibility to watch out for themselves. While this may be true, it is quite upsetting that men are not held responsible to respect women. It is disrespectful to both men and women to act as though men are not in control of themselves and women just need to be smart.
Everyday Sexism: Laura Bates at TEDxCoventGardenWomen
Warning: this video includes some rude language. However, I believe it is important because it shows the sorts of comments women often get and the way in which women are often treated as objects for men's gratification. The disrespect appalls me, making me sick to my stomach. I appreciated that this video mentioned how this had become normalized and being told to "learn how to take a compliment."
This is something I have experienced. Just over a year ago, a guy whom I had been neighbors with as a kid began making comments about my boobs. He would not leave the topic alone and when I told him that it bothered me, he told me to take a compliment, but I did not feel complimented, I felt disrespected. Nevertheless, this comment made me wonder if I was overreacting or if I did need to learn how to take a compliment. Later that week, I felt that another guy, who had hit on my older sister several times and was eight years older than me, disrespected me by telling me that while I was giving a talk at church he was thinking about kissing me. These experiences, especially the first one, upset me, but I felt that because comments like that get made all the time my feelings were not justified. Just because something is normal does not make it okay.
Women too often get treated like all they are good for is their bodies, is their looks. My own father drove this idea into my head as he told me growing up that I was ugly and fat and no guy would ever love me, that I would never get married. An idea which was so popular in mainstream media, that looks are everything, got reinforced by a man who was supposed to be a protective and caring father. My self esteem plummeted and by the time guys began calling me cute, pretty, or beautiful, I wanted nothing to do with it. I wanted my looks to play no role in why a guy liked me. It took me time to learn to appreciate these comments rather than being offended or turned off by them.
How the group has traditionally been treated in the U.S.
Women in the U.S. have been treated like they are good for nothing but satisfying men's appetites and taking care of the home and family. In the past, women were not viewed as smart. Today, the subjects which are thought to be the most difficult or to be pursued by the most intelligent individuals are those subjects which men are seen as doing better in, such as math and science. In this way, women continue to be portrayed as dumb.
"Locker Room Talk"
The way men talk about women and view women is often very disrespectful. I apologize for the language in this video, but I thought that it really addressed what a big issue this is and the awful ways in which men perceive women.
How the group is portrayed in popular media
Women in media are shown to be housewives, to be dumb, or to be scandalous. Most movies based around women pertain to love and while women may enjoy watching these shows, it makes me wonder what image this portrays. All women care about is romance? All that matters is whether or not a man cares about you? Media so often portrays women as ditsy or needing a man. Women in media are known for being skinny and beautiful and this had led many women to be overly concerned with their body image. Not only are women portrayed this way, but they are often also seen as objects for men to chase after and are portrayed in sexual ways. This can be very disturbing as it teaches women that they are good for little more than satisfying men's appetites.
Just recently, as I went to see "The Mountain Between Us", I saw some ways in which women are negatively portrayed. While headstrong, the main female in the film decided to leave the place of the plane crash, not traditionally a good move. She was also seen as needing to be helped by the main male character of the show and even put him in danger a number of times, between convincing him to ride in a plane which ended up crashing to encouraging him to search for the dog which led him to getting his foot stuck in a bear trap. She was also willing to cheat on her fiance, which I did not appreciate. I have found that a number of chick flicks out there involve a woman cheating on another man and I find it entirely unacceptable that women continue to be represented in such a way.
Maddie & Tae - Girl In a Country Song
This song talks about the way in which women are talked about in many country songs. It makes a point about how women are objectified and referred to in ways which suggests they are only good for looks and a good time. Quite appalling really, but I love the way these girls counter this.
Gender Representation in the Media
This video takes a number of commercial and television clips to show how women have been and continue to be portrayed in media. While this video relates to women in media, it also relates to the stereotypes which have been held about women over time.
Gender Stereotyping on Women in the Media
This video shows a number of modern-day commercials which continue to promote gender stereotyping and women as the ones who clean the house. Young children are shown to already understand and go along with the perception that women like to clean the house and take care of the babies and that men go to work.
Why Are Women Misrepresented in Media?
This video clip talks about how women have been misrepresented in media due to the lack of women in positions of leadership within the realm of media. Women have been misrepresented because they have primarily been represented through men's eyes.
The Moment I Became a Feminist
This video explains the progression of how women have been portrayed in Disney movies over time.
Negative consequences of the oppression of the group (Internalized oppression)
As mentioned above, women are often held responsible for what men do. While this may be upsetting, women have come to recognize this factor too. Many women follow these ideas and many women try to fit in with the stereotypes which are given them. I myself have done this.
Women feel that they need to conform to media ideals and desire to look as skinny or as pretty as the models. When it comes to stereotypes regarding homemaking, some girls feel that they will never get a guy unless they learn to cook.
As a woman, I have become somewhat afraid of and perhaps overly cautious of men. Having been taught my whole life that men are not in control of themselves and that rape and domestic violence primarily happen with the man as the perpetrator and the woman as the victim, I find it difficult to trust. Society has taught us not to. It can be difficult to feel safe when disrespect of women is so prominent in our society (whether we want to think so or not). The objectification of women teaches us to be at the very least cautious, if not afraid, of men.
It hit me less than two weeks ago just how much this affects me. I had not really thought about these issues directly, considering what impact they played on my life or what things I endured as a woman that men didn't. Then, it hit me one night that if I were a man, I likely would not feel so worried for my safety. I can be almost paranoid sometimes thinking about how women are treated and worried about how I may be treated. I have come to realize I feel safer with a guy around and while I like to feel protected and taken care of, it bothers me that I need to be. It bothers me that I even need to worry about it. And yet I do.
This clip from Twilight shows an example of how this concept is portrayed in media.
It is just so painful to feel this discrimination and see the awful portrayals of women which are sometimes made. Knowing very personally some young women (including people in my family) who have suffered from sexual assault and/or domestic violence, I feel sickened and frightened recognizing the issues which exist.
Positive coping and resiliency strategies utilized by the group
Women can cope with these challenges by living as though rights were equal and standing up for gender equality where inequalities still exist. Being feminist activists is one way in which women can cope.
How understanding the oppression of this group informs my work as a teacher
Reflecting on this subject has caused me to recognize just how prominent these issues are in our society. Though women's rights have come a long ways, women's issues have not gone away. Recognizing some of the negative stereotypes and ideas which are so prevalent has helped me understand how these issues may affect the girls in my future classrooms. It makes me want to change the way we talk about things. Teach a culture of responsibility for personal actions and raise an awareness of bullying. Personal responsibility may encourage girls to recognize their role later in life, but also help guys to take responsibility for their own actions. Teaching against bullying should help with an understanding of what is and is not okay when these sorts of issues become more prominent as the kids I teach grow older.
I also believe that something should be done regarding the way we regard different subjects in school and the way men and women are so often separated. I do not want to reinforce negative stereotypes regarding women being women being less intelligent as men. I want my students to understand that they can be anything they want to be and for neither girls or boys to feel restricted by the gender stereotypes which exist.
What educators can do to support anti-oppression efforts for the group
According to Huffington Post, we teach discrimination in our classrooms. However, even if this may be the case, there are ways in which we can work to overcome this barrier. Addressing Gender Equality with Teaching Strategies, we can Teach to Promote Gender Equality. Advice exists on How to Talk About Sexism in the Classroom.
Additional Videos
Mormons on Feminism
This video includes a discussion between three members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In it they cover a variety of different issues related to women's rights and comment on ways in which their religion promotes equality among the sexes, though perhaps differently than some feminist ideals.
Additional Links
Status of Women in the States
Huffington Post Links to Women's Issues
Women's Rights
Huffington Post Links Concerning the Objectification of Women
Laws in the US have unfortunately supported sexism against women in history and surprisingly still today. See the links below to find out more.
Stepping Through History
This website, linked numerous times on this page, includes facts related women's rights in the United States, many of which pertain to laws passed and women holding legal or political positions.
Wait, Women Don't Have Equal Rights in the United States? explains how passing the Equal Rights Coalition (ERA) would improve gender equality while questioning what is standing in the way of the law getting passed.
Political
In addition to not being aloud to vote for the longest time, women have yet to become equals in terms of numbers of individuals serving in political positions. Recently, Hilary Clinton became the closest woman to obtaining the office of president. While Donald Trump was elected due to electoral votes, Hilary Clinton won the popular vote. Growing up, I was not even sure women could be presidents. The concept was relatively unheard of.
The following websites (listed above already), include information on women in politics as well as laws made and conventions held regarding women's rights (which are somewhat related).
Stepping Through History
The Evolution of Women in the Workplace
Access to healthcare
Many today would argue that abortion is a matter of women's health. However, I differ on this understanding,, believing that (for the most part) we take part in the actions which lead to pregnancy and since (in my opinion) babies are their own person, though influence by father and mother, this is not something which concern's women's bodies alone and it is not okay. That said, in cases of rape or sexual assault, I believe it may be more understandable.
Laws against abortion have been considered to prevent women from having adequate access to healthcare.
6 Immediate Ways Women Would Be Impacted by the GOP's newly released plan
How States are Fighting Women's Access to Healthcare
Health care laws in relation to domestic violence prevent individuals from getting medical attention prior to consulting a police officer regarding the offense which brought them to a doctor. Since most domestic violence cases are against women, this primary affects women. Since getting out of abusive situations can be incredibly dangerous, this often means that women simply cannot get help without putting themselves at even more risk.
Some say that doctors can play an important role in helping domestic abuse victims, that Screening for Abuse May Be the Key to Ending It. However, my family's personal experience with this makes me question it. When my mother went to the doctor following following domestic violence from my dad, the doctors told her they could not treat her because it was abuse, until she reported it. This article assesses why reporting laws could be a potential problem.
The services which are meant to help protect women and their children after domestic abuse are not always available to use simply because of funding. This link explains Why So Many Domestic Violence Survivors Don't Get Help - Even When They Ask For It.
Critical Understandings/Misunderstandings
Feminism has gained a poor reputation. While it initially represented the notion of equality for the sexes, some have taken ideas to the point where people question if feminism is about equality or man hating. Some "feminists" claim that women are better than men and pushing women's rights has come to diminish views about men. However, other feminists are calling to remember that feminism is meant to be about equality and that there are misconceptions and pressures for both genders.
Emma Watson Addresses the UN
Emma Watson explains some of the struggles which women have faced and do face. In addition to this, she explains feminism as a desire for equality rather than women being better than men. She points out the ways in which gender stereotypes affect both men and women.
Emma Watson Explains Why Some Men Have Trouble With Feminism
Emma Watson addresses misconceptions with feminism and reasons why men may sometimes feel that they cannot be feminists.
Stereotypes
Stereotypes! Oh, there are so many! Which is kind of crazy if you think about dividing the population in half and putting labels and expectations on each one. There is so much variation. Because of this variation, there are actually stereotypes about a number of different groups within the bigger groups of male and female. What I would like to focus on here are the ideas which our society believes regarding what is masculine and what is feminine.
Always #Like a Girl
This video assesses how "like a girl" has been been used an insult and increased self esteem problems among young women. It shows how these insults sink in over time and how these stereotypes impact how both men and women think about girls.
Gender Stereotyping on Women in the Media
Even children have been shown to be familiar with stereotypes regarding what men and women do.
Dierks Bentley - Different for Girls ft. Elle King
Women have traditionally been seen as more emotional and as caring more. On the contrary, men have been seen to act tough and to use women at times (at this song suggests by saying that a guy may bring a girl home to distract him from heartbreak). This song both refers to the stereotypes of women and the wrong way in which they are sometimes treated. An important point to realize when it comes to stereotypes is that these negatively impact both men and women, not just women.
Toby Keith - I Want to Talk About Me
This song appears to suggest that girls talk too much. This is an interesting comment considering women used to be kept quiet.
Ideology that supports the oppression of the group
One idea that presents a problem to women is that their role is in the home, to be a wife and a mother. While I agree with the notion that women are meant to be wives and mothers just as men are meant to be husbands and fathers, I do not believe this means that they should be restricted in their ability to work or have a say. Men and women should be equal partners in marriage and too often throughout history, women have been expected to be submissive to their husbands. Women have been seen as less. However, the idea that women are meant to be wives and mothers and that husbands should provide makes matters difficult for women in the work force.
When it comes to sexual assault or comments, women are often seen as the responsible parties. People say that they should be more careful what they wear and even make comments like, "they were asking for it." Women are seen as needing to be responsible for how men behave. It is up to them to keep their bodies safe. They are expected to show more restraint. Women's bodies have been objectified so much it makes it difficult to trust. They are taught that all guys want is sex and that it is their responsibility to watch out for themselves. While this may be true, it is quite upsetting that men are not held responsible to respect women. It is disrespectful to both men and women to act as though men are not in control of themselves and women just need to be smart.
Everyday Sexism: Laura Bates at TEDxCoventGardenWomen
Warning: this video includes some rude language. However, I believe it is important because it shows the sorts of comments women often get and the way in which women are often treated as objects for men's gratification. The disrespect appalls me, making me sick to my stomach. I appreciated that this video mentioned how this had become normalized and being told to "learn how to take a compliment."
This is something I have experienced. Just over a year ago, a guy whom I had been neighbors with as a kid began making comments about my boobs. He would not leave the topic alone and when I told him that it bothered me, he told me to take a compliment, but I did not feel complimented, I felt disrespected. Nevertheless, this comment made me wonder if I was overreacting or if I did need to learn how to take a compliment. Later that week, I felt that another guy, who had hit on my older sister several times and was eight years older than me, disrespected me by telling me that while I was giving a talk at church he was thinking about kissing me. These experiences, especially the first one, upset me, but I felt that because comments like that get made all the time my feelings were not justified. Just because something is normal does not make it okay.
Women too often get treated like all they are good for is their bodies, is their looks. My own father drove this idea into my head as he told me growing up that I was ugly and fat and no guy would ever love me, that I would never get married. An idea which was so popular in mainstream media, that looks are everything, got reinforced by a man who was supposed to be a protective and caring father. My self esteem plummeted and by the time guys began calling me cute, pretty, or beautiful, I wanted nothing to do with it. I wanted my looks to play no role in why a guy liked me. It took me time to learn to appreciate these comments rather than being offended or turned off by them.
How the group has traditionally been treated in the U.S.
Women in the U.S. have been treated like they are good for nothing but satisfying men's appetites and taking care of the home and family. In the past, women were not viewed as smart. Today, the subjects which are thought to be the most difficult or to be pursued by the most intelligent individuals are those subjects which men are seen as doing better in, such as math and science. In this way, women continue to be portrayed as dumb.
"Locker Room Talk"
The way men talk about women and view women is often very disrespectful. I apologize for the language in this video, but I thought that it really addressed what a big issue this is and the awful ways in which men perceive women.
How the group is portrayed in popular media
Women in media are shown to be housewives, to be dumb, or to be scandalous. Most movies based around women pertain to love and while women may enjoy watching these shows, it makes me wonder what image this portrays. All women care about is romance? All that matters is whether or not a man cares about you? Media so often portrays women as ditsy or needing a man. Women in media are known for being skinny and beautiful and this had led many women to be overly concerned with their body image. Not only are women portrayed this way, but they are often also seen as objects for men to chase after and are portrayed in sexual ways. This can be very disturbing as it teaches women that they are good for little more than satisfying men's appetites.
Just recently, as I went to see "The Mountain Between Us", I saw some ways in which women are negatively portrayed. While headstrong, the main female in the film decided to leave the place of the plane crash, not traditionally a good move. She was also seen as needing to be helped by the main male character of the show and even put him in danger a number of times, between convincing him to ride in a plane which ended up crashing to encouraging him to search for the dog which led him to getting his foot stuck in a bear trap. She was also willing to cheat on her fiance, which I did not appreciate. I have found that a number of chick flicks out there involve a woman cheating on another man and I find it entirely unacceptable that women continue to be represented in such a way.
Maddie & Tae - Girl In a Country Song
This song talks about the way in which women are talked about in many country songs. It makes a point about how women are objectified and referred to in ways which suggests they are only good for looks and a good time. Quite appalling really, but I love the way these girls counter this.
Gender Representation in the Media
This video takes a number of commercial and television clips to show how women have been and continue to be portrayed in media. While this video relates to women in media, it also relates to the stereotypes which have been held about women over time.
Gender Stereotyping on Women in the Media
This video shows a number of modern-day commercials which continue to promote gender stereotyping and women as the ones who clean the house. Young children are shown to already understand and go along with the perception that women like to clean the house and take care of the babies and that men go to work.
Why Are Women Misrepresented in Media?
This video clip talks about how women have been misrepresented in media due to the lack of women in positions of leadership within the realm of media. Women have been misrepresented because they have primarily been represented through men's eyes.
The Moment I Became a Feminist
This video explains the progression of how women have been portrayed in Disney movies over time.
Negative consequences of the oppression of the group (Internalized oppression)
As mentioned above, women are often held responsible for what men do. While this may be upsetting, women have come to recognize this factor too. Many women follow these ideas and many women try to fit in with the stereotypes which are given them. I myself have done this.
Women feel that they need to conform to media ideals and desire to look as skinny or as pretty as the models. When it comes to stereotypes regarding homemaking, some girls feel that they will never get a guy unless they learn to cook.
As a woman, I have become somewhat afraid of and perhaps overly cautious of men. Having been taught my whole life that men are not in control of themselves and that rape and domestic violence primarily happen with the man as the perpetrator and the woman as the victim, I find it difficult to trust. Society has taught us not to. It can be difficult to feel safe when disrespect of women is so prominent in our society (whether we want to think so or not). The objectification of women teaches us to be at the very least cautious, if not afraid, of men.
It hit me less than two weeks ago just how much this affects me. I had not really thought about these issues directly, considering what impact they played on my life or what things I endured as a woman that men didn't. Then, it hit me one night that if I were a man, I likely would not feel so worried for my safety. I can be almost paranoid sometimes thinking about how women are treated and worried about how I may be treated. I have come to realize I feel safer with a guy around and while I like to feel protected and taken care of, it bothers me that I need to be. It bothers me that I even need to worry about it. And yet I do.
This clip from Twilight shows an example of how this concept is portrayed in media.
It is just so painful to feel this discrimination and see the awful portrayals of women which are sometimes made. Knowing very personally some young women (including people in my family) who have suffered from sexual assault and/or domestic violence, I feel sickened and frightened recognizing the issues which exist.
Positive coping and resiliency strategies utilized by the group
Women can cope with these challenges by living as though rights were equal and standing up for gender equality where inequalities still exist. Being feminist activists is one way in which women can cope.
How understanding the oppression of this group informs my work as a teacher
Reflecting on this subject has caused me to recognize just how prominent these issues are in our society. Though women's rights have come a long ways, women's issues have not gone away. Recognizing some of the negative stereotypes and ideas which are so prevalent has helped me understand how these issues may affect the girls in my future classrooms. It makes me want to change the way we talk about things. Teach a culture of responsibility for personal actions and raise an awareness of bullying. Personal responsibility may encourage girls to recognize their role later in life, but also help guys to take responsibility for their own actions. Teaching against bullying should help with an understanding of what is and is not okay when these sorts of issues become more prominent as the kids I teach grow older.
I also believe that something should be done regarding the way we regard different subjects in school and the way men and women are so often separated. I do not want to reinforce negative stereotypes regarding women being women being less intelligent as men. I want my students to understand that they can be anything they want to be and for neither girls or boys to feel restricted by the gender stereotypes which exist.
What educators can do to support anti-oppression efforts for the group
According to Huffington Post, we teach discrimination in our classrooms. However, even if this may be the case, there are ways in which we can work to overcome this barrier. Addressing Gender Equality with Teaching Strategies, we can Teach to Promote Gender Equality. Advice exists on How to Talk About Sexism in the Classroom.
Additional Videos
Mormons on Feminism
This video includes a discussion between three members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In it they cover a variety of different issues related to women's rights and comment on ways in which their religion promotes equality among the sexes, though perhaps differently than some feminist ideals.
Additional Links
Status of Women in the States
Huffington Post Links to Women's Issues
Women's Rights
Huffington Post Links Concerning the Objectification of Women
Resources
Links
https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng&old=true
https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/indwm/
https://www.census.gov/prod/2005pubs/censr-20.pdf
https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2017-01-20/timeline-the-womens-rights-movement-in-the-us
http://www.care.org/work/education/girls-education
http://www.right-to-education.org/issue-page/marginalised-groups/girls-women
http://www.un.org/en/events/women/iwd/2011/pdfs/Infonote_Women_and_the_right_to_education.pdf
https://www.elitedaily.com/women/separate-unequal-countries-worst-gender-inequality-education
https://www.dol.gov/wb/stats/stats_data.htm
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/mehroz-baig/women-in-the-workforce-wh_b_4462455.html
http://workingwomen.web.unc.edu/
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/rosie-the-riveter
http://www.rosietheriveter.org/
http://rosietheriveter.net/
https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2017-01-20/timeline-the-womens-rights-movement-in-the-us
http://globalinitiative-escr.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Securing-Womens-Land-Property-Rights-20140307.pdf
http://www.un.org/ga/Istanbul+5/34.pdf
http://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/topics/womans-suffrage?gclid=CjwKCAjwjozPBRAqEiwA6xTOYJBgM1ZIcLct5NtJadkZQlky_wv-57CRAParCX7ELGr2gACYdDUjKBoC2-IQAvD_BwE
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/tabby-biddle/wait-women-dont-have-equa_b_6098120.html
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiTgJzo-vTWAhUGyWMKHZg8AtIQFggoMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F12%2F21%2Fpolitics%2Fdonald-trump-hillary-clinton-popular-vote-final-count%2Findex.html&usg=AOvVaw0EQLCC7tABQd1vrqYwfCS3
http://time.com/money/4692982/gop-american-health-care-act-women/
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/states-fighting-womens-access-health-care/
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/20/health/20abus.html
https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/userfiles/Mandatory_Reporting_of_DV_to_Law%20Enforcement_by_HCP.pdf
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/10/domestic-violence-help_n_7537554.html
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicholas-ferroni/teaching-education-discrimination_b_1826113.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/promoting-gender-equality-with-teaching-strategies/3986846.html
http://cte.virginia.edu/resources/teaching-a-diverse-student-body-practical-strategies-for-enhancing-our-students-learning/gender-dynamics-in-the-classroom/teaching-to-promote-gender-equality/
http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/whole_story/2017/01/do_boys_experience_sexism_a_cr.html
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/topic/objectification-of-women
Pictures
http://www.care.org/work/education/girls-education
http://workingwomen.web.unc.edu/
https://www.google.com/search?q=19th+amendment&safe=active&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj85-SzivXWAhUW92MKHU0rDrsQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=662#imgrc=wDUpgyVj4RQswM:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/467530005037954237/
Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXeL3CHdLYk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MOavH-Eivw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxUuDPNbkJk
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9SUAcNlVQ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xWJf8cERoM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z6ks8Z0X20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhjsRjC6B8U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_CWXOQNGIk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z6ks8Z0X20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKqF0wcGhIE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFo3mhi_eso
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Loc10c2cu0g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCA6EF3y23k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hga8d1Z2Qk
Links
https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng&old=true
https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/indwm/
https://www.census.gov/prod/2005pubs/censr-20.pdf
https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2017-01-20/timeline-the-womens-rights-movement-in-the-us
http://www.care.org/work/education/girls-education
http://www.right-to-education.org/issue-page/marginalised-groups/girls-women
http://www.un.org/en/events/women/iwd/2011/pdfs/Infonote_Women_and_the_right_to_education.pdf
https://www.elitedaily.com/women/separate-unequal-countries-worst-gender-inequality-education
https://www.dol.gov/wb/stats/stats_data.htm
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/mehroz-baig/women-in-the-workforce-wh_b_4462455.html
http://workingwomen.web.unc.edu/
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/rosie-the-riveter
http://www.rosietheriveter.org/
http://rosietheriveter.net/
https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2017-01-20/timeline-the-womens-rights-movement-in-the-us
http://globalinitiative-escr.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Securing-Womens-Land-Property-Rights-20140307.pdf
http://www.un.org/ga/Istanbul+5/34.pdf
http://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/topics/womans-suffrage?gclid=CjwKCAjwjozPBRAqEiwA6xTOYJBgM1ZIcLct5NtJadkZQlky_wv-57CRAParCX7ELGr2gACYdDUjKBoC2-IQAvD_BwE
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/tabby-biddle/wait-women-dont-have-equa_b_6098120.html
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiTgJzo-vTWAhUGyWMKHZg8AtIQFggoMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F12%2F21%2Fpolitics%2Fdonald-trump-hillary-clinton-popular-vote-final-count%2Findex.html&usg=AOvVaw0EQLCC7tABQd1vrqYwfCS3
http://time.com/money/4692982/gop-american-health-care-act-women/
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/states-fighting-womens-access-health-care/
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/20/health/20abus.html
https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/userfiles/Mandatory_Reporting_of_DV_to_Law%20Enforcement_by_HCP.pdf
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/10/domestic-violence-help_n_7537554.html
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicholas-ferroni/teaching-education-discrimination_b_1826113.html
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/promoting-gender-equality-with-teaching-strategies/3986846.html
http://cte.virginia.edu/resources/teaching-a-diverse-student-body-practical-strategies-for-enhancing-our-students-learning/gender-dynamics-in-the-classroom/teaching-to-promote-gender-equality/
http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/whole_story/2017/01/do_boys_experience_sexism_a_cr.html
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/topic/objectification-of-women
Pictures
http://www.care.org/work/education/girls-education
http://workingwomen.web.unc.edu/
https://www.google.com/search?q=19th+amendment&safe=active&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj85-SzivXWAhUW92MKHU0rDrsQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=662#imgrc=wDUpgyVj4RQswM:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/467530005037954237/
Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXeL3CHdLYk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MOavH-Eivw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxUuDPNbkJk
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9SUAcNlVQ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xWJf8cERoM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z6ks8Z0X20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhjsRjC6B8U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_CWXOQNGIk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z6ks8Z0X20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKqF0wcGhIE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFo3mhi_eso
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Loc10c2cu0g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCA6EF3y23k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hga8d1Z2Qk