Earlier this year women's marches took place all over the country and their purpose was to promote women positively and stand up for gender inequality throughout the United States. In the fall of 2016 I took my first gender course and it opened my eyes to the way women have been discriminated against for so long. There were many differing opinions regarding the women's marches and I came to realize this throughout my friend group.
When one of the women's march happened in Washington D.C. I read articles and watched many brave women on the news stand up for themselves and women throughout this country and the world who face social injustices. I had a group chat with 6 of my closest friends and they began bashing these women and I became angry. After reading some of the words that were said and my heart sank, I felt like all I had learned in my gender courses meant nothing and I did not know how to respond to her. I simply removed myself from the group chat because I did not know what to say. At this moment I could have used my voice and I could have used the things I learned to take the time to educate them so they could see things from a different perspective. I silenced myself in fear of retaliation from my closest friends ad that was a mistake that I regret to this day. I could have said so much and explained so much about what feminism actually is and why these women feel compelled to stand up for themselves and other women who they do not even know. I have attached the screen shots of our group chat conversation, I would love to know what you all think!
"Feminism is: (a) a belief that women universally face some form of oppression or exploitation; (b) a commitment to uncover and understand what causes and sustains oppression, in all its forms and (c) a commitment to work individually and collectively in everyday life to end all forms of oppression" (Maguire, 1987, p. 79)
I think it is great that you realized that you could have used the opportunity to educate people on the matter. I feel like arrogance and prejudice behaviors often stem from people not having the knowledge or the wisdom to really question why they believe these things. Many people, myself included, have learned prejudice behaviors from society and family, it is only through education that you can truly see a different perspective.
ReplyDeleteGlad you realized that some of your closest friends were maybe not the best people to surround yourself with. It's good you realized that you shouldn't back down from these conversations because you have the knowledge to back up what you're talking about with sometimes ignorant people
ReplyDeleteI think that the first things is that you are able to see what is happening and you are thinking how you can make a change to what is going on in our world. Sometimes when you talk to people can try to show them what you think about something they get so mad about something they stop hearing you. I am happy you can see it as a person and you can teach the youth how to stand up as a women.
ReplyDeletefirst off thanks for sharing!! I've been in similar situations. Usually it's not until after that you realize maybe you should have said something or reacted differently. It's especially tough when it's your friends. Part of friendships are educating each other and challenging each other too. Sounds like you've learned from this experience and maybe next time will express your opinion. You go girl!
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