Minor Epiphany
I’ve always understood that it had been a struggle for women to obtain the basic things that we have now-- like the right to vote, know our bodies, have jobs, etc. I’ve known and respected women’s history. Although when it came to calling or labeling anyone a “feminist,� I always tend to let my thoughts fall into the “negative� definitions that we discussed in our first class meeting. I would have never guessed that the events that I’ve always known as women’s history is considered sort of a basis of feminism.
I haven't been very educated on this topic to date, but I'm starting to think that it would be accurate to label myself as a feminist, after all…
I enjoyed reading Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future because it brought up every topic that gave me that above conclusion. I had no idea that that was how women were, in a sense, FORCED to live their lives. Nowadays, some women choose to stay home, raise kids, and be a homemaker, but the difference is that they have that choice now.
I can’t even fathom not having those simple independent rights that I have now. No one can assume that every other women wants to feel and live their lives exactly how I do, but I think it would be an honest statement to say that most women do want to be respected and acknowledged. I think this goes for men, also. In general, the American human nature will hardly ever rest evenly by all, in my opinion.
A few parts of the writing really struck me as still holding the same truths even now, 20 years later, in certain parts of our country. While I traveled all over the country this last summer, it wasn’t until I read this piece that I understood some of those adventures more clearly. More specifically, I’m talking about how women are treated in Las Vegas. Obviously, only in some circumstances is this relevant, but a few particular times really stand out.
For example, women are not allowed into certain strip clubs or burlesque shows without the presence of a man. Now, strip clubs and the like are known to have their own sort of anti-feminism views, however, for them to actually ban coupled or lesbian women into a public place just seems unfair. In addition, did you know that for the majority of jobs out in the Las Vegas area, you must provide a headshot with any application or resume to even be considered? Most of the casinos will only hire female, model-type servers (which is like the stewardesses mentioned in the piece) no matter how much experience you have and a male dealer is much more likely to be hired over a female dealer. We all know that Las Vegas prides itself on it’s beautiful women/people, but to what extent should we all accept that? Why? With the idea of transferring myself and my daughter out to Nevada after this semester, these are some of the things that I think definitely go on the “con� list.
Comments
Do you accept node posts? I would love to write couple articles here.
Posted by: Terri Lasley | August 16, 2010 11:00 AM