While I agree with much of this, and do feel like the feature article was inappropriate if not offensive, I think you misunderstand a few things about Liz Phillips' piece. When she says, “The label ‘Feminist’ is one that many in my generation have problems completely identifying with, and the way it has been growing sub-headers is indicative of just that. While I personally agree with all the intents attached to the word ‘Feminist,’ I cannot help but feel that combative and reactionary behavior accompanies it, which seems restrictive.” You ask, "what is the benefit?" The reality, is that there are many "combative and reactionary" people who give the movement an image that is difficult to identify with. Spend some time on Tumblr and you will see what I mean. People like this exist: http://i.imgur.com/RbFfzO3.jpg and to me, they aren't feminists, they are just crazy people, or naive people who want something to fight about. But the fact is, that they identify as feminists and are, therefore, a part of the movement. So the benefit of what Phillips pointed out, is to say to an outsider or to someone, who may in fact be a feminist while being unwilling to identify as such, that we are aware of this image and these types of "feminists" but that they do not actually represent us.
The other aspect I have an issue with is your response when Phillips states that "Thinking that they can’t possibly have a good reason to make the choice to pole dance, means you are still living decades past." You urge her to research correlations between sex work and sexual abuse, and while it is a valid point, it feels unfair to sex workers. It is as if to say that whether or not these women are satisfied with their choice of work, it doesn't matter because of what may have lead them to choose it. I've known a few sex workers in my life. Some strippers, some prostitutes, and a few cam girls. Some of them have experienced sexual abuse, but all of them were happy with their line of work and fe
C
christina june britz
12 years ago
yay
A
Andrea Shirley
12 years ago
Featured
Great letter and petition- THANK YOU. I am a first-semester SMC Public Policy student, and I vote wholeheartedly for a Women's Council and Women's Studies Department here on campus. Thank you.
E
Ellah Ronen
12 years ago
A brave commentary on sociological ideals as well as student life on college campuses
J
Jesse A. Ramirez
12 years ago
Gender Studies
P
Paloma Vasari
12 years ago
Excellent
M
Marie Medina
12 years ago
Featured
This is a great and educational opportunity for students to understand what the concept Feminism truly is. There are different and incorrect ideologies implied to this concept and should definitely be corrected.
B
Benjamin
12 years ago
YES
K
Kelsey Almendariz
12 years ago
Featured
Thank you for putting that together, Leigh. It's a very thoughtful response to an incredibly frustrating to read issue of the Corsair
T
toubi hezghiaeian
12 years ago
Thank you for this. I have posted this on my facebook for fellow SMC students. -- Tova
I'm in! Let's talk about lobbying for this.
While I agree with much of this, and do feel like the feature article was inappropriate if not offensive, I think you misunderstand a few things about Liz Phillips' piece. When she says, “The label ‘Feminist’ is one that many in my generation have problems completely identifying with, and the way it has been growing sub-headers is indicative of just that. While I personally agree with all the intents attached to the word ‘Feminist,’ I cannot help but feel that combative and reactionary behavior accompanies it, which seems restrictive.” You ask, "what is the benefit?" The reality, is that there are many "combative and reactionary" people who give the movement an image that is difficult to identify with. Spend some time on Tumblr and you will see what I mean. People like this exist: http://i.imgur.com/RbFfzO3.jpg and to me, they aren't feminists, they are just crazy people, or naive people who want something to fight about. But the fact is, that they identify as feminists and are, therefore, a part of the movement. So the benefit of what Phillips pointed out, is to say to an outsider or to someone, who may in fact be a feminist while being unwilling to identify as such, that we are aware of this image and these types of "feminists" but that they do not actually represent us. The other aspect I have an issue with is your response when Phillips states that "Thinking that they can’t possibly have a good reason to make the choice to pole dance, means you are still living decades past." You urge her to research correlations between sex work and sexual abuse, and while it is a valid point, it feels unfair to sex workers. It is as if to say that whether or not these women are satisfied with their choice of work, it doesn't matter because of what may have lead them to choose it. I've known a few sex workers in my life. Some strippers, some prostitutes, and a few cam girls. Some of them have experienced sexual abuse, but all of them were happy with their line of work and fe
yay
Great letter and petition- THANK YOU. I am a first-semester SMC Public Policy student, and I vote wholeheartedly for a Women's Council and Women's Studies Department here on campus. Thank you.
A brave commentary on sociological ideals as well as student life on college campuses
Gender Studies
Excellent
This is a great and educational opportunity for students to understand what the concept Feminism truly is. There are different and incorrect ideologies implied to this concept and should definitely be corrected.
YES
Thank you for putting that together, Leigh. It's a very thoughtful response to an incredibly frustrating to read issue of the Corsair
Thank you for this. I have posted this on my facebook for fellow SMC students. -- Tova