Blog Post #13: Feminism and Stereotypes

Article: http://www.statehornet.com/opinion/stereotypes-still-hurt-feminist-movement/article_7ccf1234-39fa-11e2-be51-0019bb30f31a.html

Response:

            Two ideas that are often misunderstood in today's current society and need to be reiterated are feminists and stereotypes. According to the article, feminism is “about equality for men and women in all facets of life: socially, economically, politically and sexually.” This is a very important role in the world today, as various issues can arise and it is feminists who are there to be sure women have a strong voice and are represented well. Some examples of significant feminists include Harriet Tubman, Jane Goodall, Betty Ford, Abigail Adams and Madonna. These women have done their best in trying to provide for the feminine population as well as the world, because if women are not at equal opportunity than the world is not advancing to its fullest potential. In addition, stereotypes are seen as: widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type, according to our class discussion. Combining both of these ideas, feminists are often stereotyped for hating men, being a lesbian, being fembots, etc. but it is much more than that, it is about respecting oneself, including one's body and mind. Overall, feminists are strong advocates that are crucial to our world today.

            Stereotypes can be seen everywhere in today's society, including about feminism, such as the media's depiction of how a woman should look and sexist gender roles. Other stereotypes include Asian people being really smart, Black people seen as inferior, and that jocks are not school smart.  This relates to my life because I have also been affected by stereotypes, and I think it is crucial to try to eliminate as many as possible because they do not accurately represent one's group. In addition, I am from Los Angeles thus many people think I live next to a celebrity or live in a big house; however, these are not true. Stereotypes can be very frustrating and limiting to oneself and groups as a whole. Overall, both feminists and stereotypes are very important in our world today as feminists depict strength and a voice, while stereotypes illustrate generalizations about various groups of people.

Picture #1:

 https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSg9v2DxM-ppGoFYMwBa04NJsmhkU-8TZ-9bW7EKvs0NUQ3ccxf

A map of the United States in common stereotypes.

Picture #2: 

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS1x6ewPDjYfahhx3gPXR4BQTp1rCpK7g3uSQoAFbGMjpj0audTgg

Asians are often depicted as smarter than the rest of the society.

Picture #3:

 https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPZya_zO7LCeinJl_Zih7A-DVAWCiLF8zXteHEsQeV9Zlkj7lW

An advertisement that depicts women as weak.

Picture #4:

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjxBx1fez7RYHWQz9L8wDt8qhLMKAbOU47o8tVQo60eDHSiVIq

A common depiction of feminism.

Video #1: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV9smrmA4FQ

This video analyzes a commercial that emphasizes gender roles.