Saturday, October 31, 2009

Women Unbound Meme


WOMEN UNBOUND Start of Challenge Meme:

1. What does feminism mean to you? Does it have to do with the work sphere? The social sphere? How you dress? How you act?

To me, feminism is about the right of every woman to be treated like a full human being. In too much of the world, women are still viewed as property, to be bartered and used at the pleasure of men. Certainly the pay gap and the glass ceiling are very real issues that need to be addressed, but I don't think we can make headway in any arena until women are finally viewed as equal. (please note - I do not believe that, in this case, equal means the same. I do not believe that men and women are the same. I do believe that they are equal by the dictionary definition "like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc.")


2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why or why not?

Yes.

"Does feminist mean large unpleasant person who'll shout at you or someone who believes women are human beings. To me it's the latter, so I sign up."
~ Margaret Atwood

"A feminist is a woman who does not allow anyone to think in her place."
~Michelle le Doeuff

3. What do you consider the biggest obstacle women face in the world today? Has that obstacle changed over time, or does it basically remain the same?


Have you read this story about a 15-year-old girl who was gang-raped outside her high school homecoming dance? The one where at least a dozen people watched it happen, and didn't report it? If you haven't, you need to. And then get angry.

This is America, folks. The America where 15-year-old girls can get gang-raped and people think it's a spectator sport. The America where, it seems, women are still viewed as objects to be used and abused at the pleasure of whomever is bigger and stronger and in the general area. If we can't even find a dozen people ethical enough to stop watching the rape and call the police in America, how are we ever going to effect change in the world?

6 comments:

susan said...

Hi Elizabeth,

I didn't know about the story and learning about it here, does make me angry. Like you, I do not believe equal means same.

I enjoyed reading your responses.

Wendy said...

Powerful answers, Elizabeth...and I love the quotes you used (Atwood rocks, doesn't she?!?!).

Dawn @ sheIsTooFondOfBooks said...

Fantastic response to this meme! I haven't posted the meme yet, but I'm so looking forward to the challenge.

I hadn't seen that Atwood quote before - thanks for sharing it.

Aarti said...

I really like your Doeuff quote- it is perfect :-) I'm so glad you're participating in this challenge. It should be a lot of fun!

Meghan said...

Great quotes. Equal doesn't mean same - I said that in my meme too! I totally agree with everything you said.

Zibilee said...
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