During my academic education, my feminism has grown and developed as a result of being introduced to various theorists and my personal life experience. At times, I feel overwhelmed that I have not refined my opinions and views on feminism. It seems that every time I determine what feminism means to me, I experience, read or learn something in a lecture that causes me to reconsider my perspective. Although sometimes this causes me to doubt my feminism, I think that it is important that my feminism is constantly developing and ever-changing.
Rebecca Walker has largely influenced the development of my identity as a feminist. I strongly believe that women need to resist societal attempts to silence them and voice their concerns about gender issues. By not challenging patriarchal practices, women are participating in their own discrimination. As a future educator, I will actively attempt to break down gender stereotypes by promoting feminist ideals to younger generations.
I think that it is important to connect my knowledge of feminist theory to my personal life experiences. I wish to not just make these important connections, but to consciously apply these theories to improve my life as well as the lives of my students and children. Therefore, my current beliefs about feminism centers largely on educating children about social justice and empowering them to actively change injustices that exist in our world.
My Feminist Manifesto
Feminism starts from within. My feminism was built and is expanded based on my personal experiences. My feminism is unique and this should be celebrated. I will instill in my students the notion that feminism has endless definitions and encourage them to determine how the term relates to their lives.
I believe that before I teach feminist ideals to others, I must have a comprehensive understanding of how institutions continue to actively subordinate women. It is important to empower women by encouraging them to question dominant ideals. This process has helped me in constructing my own reality rather than following society’s dictation of what is appropriate for women. I hope to encourage students to look within their selves and consider the roles that patriarchy plays in their lives.
I promise to practice what I preach. I will publicly declare my feminism without shame and demonstrate the powers of my feminism through activism. I will provide a safe space for my students to explore their feminism and encourage their activism.
Hate stems from ignorance. People’s hatred towards feminism often is the result of false assumptions. Therefore, I believe that it is important to educate individuals on feminism. My personal goal is to have an active role in educating students on social justice issues. I will teach about the injustices that exist in our world and encourage students to actively fight against them.
Most importantly, always believe in the power of you! This is one of the most important things that I have learned in my life. Being confident in myself has helped me to explore and develop my feminist ideals. I hope to inspire children to believe in themselves and know that they can make a difference in the world.
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your manifesto. I think that it was really interesting how you incorporated your goal of teaching into this. It is very important that you, as a future educator, teach children about the issues you have learned in your Women's Studies classes. It is only through education that things will change. And starting to teach these lessons at a young age will make a huge impact on society.
I like you how you acknowledge injustices in your manifesto when you speak of what you will teach. But you end with the power of the self, which is interesting. By itself, it could be seen as over-looking broader societal issues that affect all of us. However, by ending a powerful manifesto (that clearly acknowledges society's impact) with this belief in the self, gives us a sense of optimism. It gives me, at least, hope that the children you will one day teach will make a difference, armed with an eductaion that was feminist inspired.
After graduating from women’s studies we are left to question what we are to do with the degree and abundant knowledge we have been taught. You, Amanda, have found your niche; which is educating. Teaching the upcoming generation about the oppression in our world I think is one of the most important social justice work professional feminists need to take part in. Activism in the classroom is one way to change the thinking of the most crucial minds of our society. I think it is also important that you are critical about your feminism and the lifestyle you live that is reflective of your feminism. I am excited to see how your life will unfold and for the feminist work you are preparing to do. Planting seeds are important for production.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story and harvesting feminists :)
I honestly love hearing women speak so highly of themselves; i think it doesn’t happen very often! Due to patriarchy we are socialized to criticise the very nature that makes us who we are: strong women. With that being said, i also agree with a lot of the points you proposed about the necessity of women being critical thinkers. When you are a critical thinking, you develop analytical skills that are transferable, meaning that it is a skill that encompasses other little skills that enhances your overall capabilities. I think it is very important to have this skill even if you are a housewife or think that you may never use such skills.
ReplyDeleteHatred does stem from ignorance and it is a shame that feminism is hated by so many people when its purpose is to benefit those very same individuals. However, i have faith that through steady progression, positive changes and activism more people will understand the drive in which fuels feminists to protest; equality and fair treatment.
During my academic education, my feminism has grown and developed as a result of being introduced to various theorists and my personal life experience. At times, I feel overwhelmed that I have not refined my opinions and views on feminism. It seems that every time I determine what feminism means to me, I experience, read or learn something in a lecture that causes me to reconsider my perspective. Although sometimes this causes me to doubt my feminism, I think that it is important that my feminism is constantly developing and ever-changing.
ReplyDeleteRebecca Walker has largely influenced the development of my identity as a feminist. I strongly believe that women need to resist societal attempts to silence them and voice their concerns about gender issues. By not challenging patriarchal practices, women are participating in their own discrimination. As a future educator, I will actively attempt to break down gender stereotypes by promoting feminist ideals to younger generations.
Another academic feminist that has had a great impact on my feminism is Rebecca Hurdis. In a narrative titled Heartbroken she discusses her struggles as an adopted, woman of colour feminist. She states that it was difficult to find a place in which all of her identities could exist uncompromisingly. As a multi-racial feminist, I too have personally struggled to find a forum in which all of my identities can exist. My wish is that no child ever feel that he or she needs to compromise an aspect of his or her identity in order to fit into society.
I think that it is important to connect my knowledge of feminist theory to my personal life experiences. I wish to not just make these important connections, but to consciously apply these theories to improve my life as well as the lives of my students and children. Therefore, my current beliefs about feminism centers largely on educating children about social justice and empowering them to actively change injustices that exist in our world.
My Feminist Manifesto
Feminism starts from within. My feminism was built and is expanded based on my personal experiences. My feminism is unique and this should be celebrated. I will instill in my students the notion that feminism has endless definitions and encourage them to determine how the term relates to their lives.
I believe that before I teach feminist ideals to others, I must have a comprehensive understanding of how institutions continue to actively subordinate women. It is important to empower women by encouraging them to question dominant ideals. This process has helped me in constructing my own reality rather than following society’s dictation of what is appropriate for women. I hope to encourage students to look within their selves and consider the roles that patriarchy plays in their lives.
I promise to practice what I preach. I will publicly declare my feminism without shame and demonstrate the powers of my feminism through activism. I will provide a safe space for my students to explore their feminism and encourage their activism.
Hate stems from ignorance. People’s hatred towards feminism often is the result of false assumptions. Therefore, I believe that it is important to educate individuals on feminism. My personal goal is to have an active role in educating students on social justice issues. I will teach about the injustices that exist in our world and encourage students to actively fight against them.
Most importantly, always believe in the power of you! This is one of the most important things that I have learned in my life. Being confident in myself has helped me to explore and develop my feminist ideals. I hope to inspire children to believe in themselves and know that they can make a difference in the world.