Assignment 4 Paper

Ji Kwon
Assignment Four: Learning Analysis

(Sorry, I handed in my paper in class on Tuesday, but i TOTALLY forgot to post this on the blogg!)


It all began when I first stepped into the classroom on the first day of class. I signed up for WMST250 as a CORE requirement so I didn’t expect myself to take a feminist course at all until I was basically left with no choice. I was clueless and oblivious of what I was going to learn this semester. Honestly, I didn’t have much prior knowledge of feminism nor have I attended any feminist events or read feminist books before. Although I started out taking this course with an empty and naïve mind towards feminism and with many assumptions about it, I ended up realizing many new aspects. Introduction to Women’s Studies course was like an adventurous and daring story filled with many explorations, discoveries, and realizations of many expressions of feminism. I felt like one of the main characters in this particular story; one who started out with no knowledge or thoughts on feminism, but ended up with many opinions, a new perspective toward feminism and an overview of where I belong in the society according to my unmarked and marked categories. This particular course began with an overview to what we will be learning throughout the story and what we will obtain from the several tasks we will encounter. As one of the characters in the story, I didn’t know what to expect ahead of me or what this journey will bring, but I was prepared to take risks and to learn about feminism and how women’s art and culture changes everyday life.
The adventurous story started out with our journey to Washington D.C. to visit the several museums based on women’s art and culture. A couple of classmates and I decided to go together to initiate our curiosity and explore the artworks of feminists and different cultures. We started out as strangers in the story, like characters in the story who are beginning in the same situation. As we explored the women’s art museums and examined each art portrait vigilantly, we began to create our own assumptions about women’s art and feminism. Some of my assumptions at the moment were feminist artists use simple, clean, and serene techniques through their artworks to show originality and representation of themselves and feminist artists exclusively attempt to illustrate happiness, optimism, and hope in their paintings since that is what they are hoping to achieve in the future. The museums that we went to surprised me and made me reconsider my assumptions. The first museum we went to was the National Museum of Women and Arts. I was stunned at some of the paintings and artworks because some were so graphic and powerful when I expected serene and nonviolent portraits from this particular museum. One portrait that I can never erase out of my mind is the one called “Virginia” by Sally Mann. Basically, it was a portrait of a little young girl naked, looking cold and gloomy with a black background behind her. It was very extreme and dark in which I didn’t expect because I simply assumed that all feminists were optimistic about everything. One museum I personally enjoyed was the Hirshhorn Museum. There was one particular artwork that startled and puzzled my mind because it appeared so simple and effortless. It was basically a line and like a circle all done in pencil, but it was hanging in the museum just like any other normal artworks. At this point, I was bewildered because I honestly didn’t consider this portrait as artwork. When it was time to sit down and actually write my paper, I was oblivious and unclear of what my task was for this first assignment or where to begin my thoughts and ideas on feminism. However, as I began to write my first assignment, the assumptions I’ve made allowed me to analyze the artworks I’ve observed more carefully and in more depth. Then, Dr. King instructed us to write a reflection upon what we wrote for our first assignment. The reflection permitted me to analyze my strengths and weaknesses in writing, and how I can always improve. It helped clear up with my pathway towards this long journey in the story and allowed me to move on further towards the next assignment.
The next major part of the story was the second assignment where our discussion group came together and created our own definition of feminism. It was a collective assignment so our meetings every Thursday was helpful and advantageous. This assignment actually helped me and my group take a step closer to what feminism actually means. Each of our contributions to the assignment was important because it allowed us cooperatively work together and guided us through the course. When we were told to come up with our own definition of feminism, I then realized that there really is not set definition of the term feminism; it’s pretty much what one believes and how one interprets it. During our discussion group, we were supposed to come up with phrases and words that we think of when we hear the word feminism. It was helpful because it allowed us to utilize these chunks of words and come up with an actual definition that we feel most comfortable with. The Book Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics by Bell Hooks was a helpful book because the first sentence of the book started with her own definition of feminism: “Feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression.” Basically, Hooks was trying to come across the idea that men are not the enemy and women are only trying to gain their equality and rights in the society. I feel that this particular book was targeted to new feminism who knows little about feminism, such as me so it was interesting to read and learn more about feminism through this book. In addition, one specific quote that caught my attention was from the chapter “To Love Again: The Heart of Feminism.” It stated “A genuine feminist politics always brings us from bondage to freedom, from lovelessness to loving…There can be no love without justice.” The emphasis on equality and justice throughout the entire book allowed me think of my own definition: “feminism is a movement in which a group of people work together to fight for their own rights and voice in order to obtain equality and their own opportunities.” We came in with our own individual definition, and then we decided to go around and listen to everyone’s definition and choose the best one. Almost everyone mentioned the words “equality” or “rights.” Eventually, our final definition was “feminism is the equality and empowerment of women in society and the analysis of the social constructs of gender and sexuality.” I think the whole purpose for Dr. King to give us this assignment was to let us realize that there really is not perfect definition of the term feminism. Everyone has their different views and beliefs and it really depends on how much you already know about feminism and how you perceive it in the society. I think equality and justice plays a major role because they are two important factors that women today are still fighting for. Those terms were one of the first few words that were mentioned when we were brainstorming as a class. When it was time for everyone to share their ideas and presentation to the class, it was soon clear that everyone’s ideas were somewhat similar yet distinctive in their own way. I thought it was pretty interesting how most groups chose Oprah Winfrey as the guest speaker for their imaginary event because it just demonstrates that many people think of her first when it comes to a role model of a feminist.
Our third assignment of the story was the most interesting and insightful way to analyze my own everyday life and where I stand in the society. It is the climax of the story that I am in because it was one assignment that really had me think about how I am privileged and oppressed based on who I am and how I am viewed in this society that I’m living in. At first, I was shocked and not looking forward to write this ten page paper because honestly, I wasn’t sure what I was going to write about since it had to be very long, but as a I wrote and analyzed my life more deeply, I actually gained more and realized many more aspects of the society we live in today. Octavia Butler’s Kindred was an exhilarating book that guided me through this assignment because it mentioned both privileges and oppression throughout the entire book. When Dr. King told us that this book was a science fiction, I was surprised because I thought all science fiction books merely talked about futuristic settings that deals with robots or advanced innovations that you do not experience in the real world. Although this book was based on two different time periods that made this book appear science fiction since Dana went back and forth in both two different settings and time, I learned a lot more than that. As a young black woman, Dana experiences many different kinds of oppression because of her marked categories. Back in the 1800’s, she had almost no privilege to do anything but to work and help the white people, particularly Rufus Weylin. On the other hand, Rufus had many privileges merely because he was a white male and they are viewed to be dominant. Although he did not appear to be a harsh or insensitive character, the fact that he is white and a male automatically grants him privileges that many people did not have during the time period. When I read the parts when he rapes and takes advantage of Alice and attempts to do the same thing to Dana, I was nearly furious and disturbed by this. Our freewrite about this book in class helped me understand the different perspective and viewpoints of both Dana and her white husband, Kevin in the story. This freewrite in particular helped me distinguish the marked and unmarked categories of certain people because it alters the perspectives of how people view themselves in the society. Although Kevin went back in time with Dana to observe everything that was happening especially to the African American slaves, he felt bad yet he didn’t really know how it felt to be oppressed and tortured. He only knew about slavery through history textbooks he read in the past, so the issue didn’t impact or affect him as much as Dana has been impacted. It was very emotional and realistic to see what Dana had to experience and go through especially she is a young African American female herself. After reading this book, I soon realized that I had my own privileges and oppression in the society that I’m living in and it amazed me to see which categories I fall under and how that impacts my personal life. Sex, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and even my class all define the matrix of domination that I am living in and how it changes my perspective and opinions on feminism. I believe this assignment that Dr. King has assigned was given so that we can analyze our everyday life in a different way so that we can learn and realize how this class shaped our perspective in terms of feminism. It was interesting to do the collaborative part with my partner, Romy Solomon. It was remarkable to see which categories we both fall under and how, at the same time, we are distinctive in our own ways. Besides our ethnicity, race, and religion, we pretty much found many similarities between each other. This is astonishing because if it wasn’t for this assignment, I never would have thought that my partner and I would have so many similarities within the society.
The Book Fight like a Girl: How to be a Fearless Feminist by Megan Seely was my favorite and motivational book because it was so powerful and inspiring. Seely does an effective job trying to promote true political, social and economical equity and justice for all. I believe this book was so unique because it consisted of innovative ideas that makes you want to keep on reading and find out more about becoming a feminist. It allowed me to view feminism in a new light and helped me clear away my stereotypes that I previously had. Although this book focused on the challenges that many women face today in the society, it also emphasized that power and fearless strength that we also possess within ourselves. Seely simply has an optimistic attitude towards feminism and how it shouldn’t be perceived as a shameful and weak matter.
The story consisted of many different parts that felt like a rollercoaster ride and it was definitely a daring journey. The major parts of the story included our assumptions about women, art, culture, and feminism, the creation of our own definition of feminism as a group, our analysis of everyday life and how we fit in the society according to the categories we fall under, and finally our evaluation and overview of the course overall. They all connect together because it gradually led us to the understanding behind the concept of feminism and how we view women’s art and culture in the society. My thoughts, questions, and ideas steadily changed as the story progressed because of the change in my perspective towards feminism. All of the readings, lectures, discussion groups, free writes, and assignments are significant elements of the story that directed me towards my altered thoughts and opinions on feminism as a whole.
All of the class notes, lectures, free writes and assignments really helped me gather my opinions, thoughts and ideas on feminism. Even the newspaper article and short video clips that Dr. King provided for us were helpful because it kept me updated with the current issues and news today and how our society is altering through these matters. Although I entered the classroom with a naïve and clueless mind knowing absolutely nothing about feminism, I exit that same classroom with an opinion, a voice, and a meaningful reflection upon what I have gained from this course, this story that I was a part of. I now come to a realization that all of these assignments connect and intertwine with each other and that there was a purpose to everything. This story was put together in this particular way because it helped us gradually take a step closer to what feminism is and how it could impact our personal lives, whether we are fighting for equal opportunities or even simple as reflecting upon who we are as people and how we impact ourselves or how others impact us within the society. I never expected myself to pick up this book and read the story about Women’s art and culture, but I do not regret at all. I have not only learned about what feminism is, but also how I perceive feminism now. As adventurous and daring this journey was, it was worthwhile at the end.

Assignment 4: LaBelle Rose

My name is LaBelle. This morning, I took my daughter and ran away from home. It began years ago but I found myself walking down a lonely path this morning, one without houses, without the presence of human life, only animals and bugs, dying trees and smelly swamps. Though this may seem to you a little eerie and maybe even dull and unwelcoming, for me it was comforting, it gave me refuge. I started walking once I got to this desolate place but it began with a run. I ran out of my house and just kept running, baby in one arm, the tears streaming down my face so that I could hardly see where I was going, stumbling over this and over that, but I kept on running, without even a hesitation.
See, I was so distraught over the ways of the world in which I live. No one around me seemed to understand. I felt captive in my own home. One would think that in this day and age and having made so much progress towards liberation for many people in my country that I could at least feel comfortable in my house. This was not the case. My husband thought I should take on the “traditional” role of being home maker, taking care of kids and cooking, cleaning, tending to his personal needs. While he had the freedom to pursue any course of life he pleased. He could leave and go to work, go back to school, or stay home when it pleased him. I thought about it and decided there was no way I could simple be a home maker. For me, I needed some other type of fulfillment. I couldn’t just live vicariously through our one child and possible future children. I felt like there was more which defines me and that I’d literally be selling myself short by denying myself the opportunity to pursue personal goals and interests.
My husband thought this was ridiculous. He decided he wanted to pull out the scriptures in the Bible which he thought justified his mentality. He said women are supposed to be submissive to their husbands and that we’re supposed to take care of the kids and house. We’ve had this discussion before and many other people I spoke to surprisingly agreed with my husband saying how things “just work out easier that way”. I ask my husband since it’s important one parent be able to stay home with the kinds, would there be a difference if I could make more money in my profession than he could in his and thus, we’d live a more comfortable life and be able to provide better for our children having me go into the work force. He told me that wasn’t how God wanted things to work. I protested. He tried to control me more with manipulation. He made me believe I was wrong and that I was going against God’s will for humanity. I imagine, now, he knew how those statements would deeply affect me. I became someone I didn’t know. I became submissive and with that I also became deeply depressed and confused. I felt miserable and unaccepted and underappreciated. And this wasn’t anything new. This was how life went on between us for years. Years of resentment, depression, pain, suffering, trying to protect my child, the breaking down of my soul. I felt that I had to make something work for the sake of our family. I wanted to want the lifestyle my husband demanded of me so that we could be a complete family.
Until this one day I said, “No more”. This was not what I wanted for myself and I definitely didn’t want my daughter to live like this now or when she decided to marry. After he’d beaten me the way he normally does, I ran. I ran, and ran, and kept on running. I had no idea where I was going or what I was going to do when I got somewhere but I knew I couldn’t be there. I took my baby girl with me, cuts, scrapes, bruises and all and just ran.
We kept on going until we came to this peaceful, lonely place in the middle of nowhere. A calm came over me and I was able to catch my breath. I sat down and looked into my daughter’s eyes as she then wiped my tears away. I noticed then, out of the corner of my eye, a lady. She was quiet and simply observing not out of confusion but out of empathy. She walked towards us and introduced herself as KK. I didn’t feel at all threatened; her overall demeanor was sweet, kind, and welcoming. She simply said, “Come with me. I have something to show you”. She took my hand in hers and we walked only a short distance before we came to a cobblestone bridge. She saw the confusion in my expression and answered it with a kind smile. As soon as we reached the other side of the bridge our entire surroundings changed. It was almost as if we inhaled the fragrance of love, nurture, happiness, and comfort. There were women everywhere, children laughing and playing with one another, and just a few men with welcoming expressions on their faces. Everywhere you looked you could see rose gardens. There were roses of all colors, shapes, and sizes and everybody was making rose bundles or giving people roses to decorate themselves with. I asked KK, “Where are we”? She responded by saying, “You’re in a peaceful place. A place where no one will harm you or judge you. A place where no one is asked to do anything subhuman or degrading. Everyone who is permitted here must respect everybody else. All rights for everyone. This is a place palpitating with love and appreciation for the next person”. She then said, “Let you daughter laugh and play with the other kids. We have to talk”.
She took me to a quiet garden where we could talk and then she told me how she knows who I am and what I’ve been going through. She explained to me that I am significant. KK made me understand that I am strong in spite of what my husband has said and that I have an important role in the life of my generation and in creating the life of freedom for future generations. “Every person plays an important part in society’s history by either helping or hindering the growth of humanity in the direction of positivity”.
We then strolled through the garden looking at various art pieces. Each one with a personal story. KK said, “These art works weren’t created by the people who live in this place, they were created by people, mainly women who come from the same world in which sent you running. For years, their art work was kept hidden and their value minimized. Why do you think they made such creations in spite of that”? I wasn’t exactly sure but I could feel a certain spirit moving across the art. This spirit spoke to me and said “I am a woman. I deserve to be acknowledged. I am just as valuable as a man. I too can make art which inspires and touches lives and I can do it in any medium or form, sometimes, ones you haven’t even thought of. I’m just as talented as anyone else and you will not deny me the right to live and express myself as a human ought to for I too am human and your view of me as a lesser sex is wrong. And you will see”. I knew who this spirit was referring to and I felt proud that someone could articulate those emotions aloud without anger or bitterness in its voice. These were emotions I could partially relate to but hadn’t had the courage to defend.
KK then asked me if I knew what it meant to be a feminist. I told her that I knew I didn’t feel right about how I was living. I told her that something in me was telling me that it wasn’t right and that it was unfair. I didn’t know what gave my husband authority over me. KK then informed me that the “something” which was talking to me was the tip of the iceberg of feminism. She also told me that some people believe they have authority over another kind of people and that can sometimes be against women. “Some people think that when I say I’m feminist that I’m a lesbian, that I hate men, that I must be masculine looking, that I’m trying to replace men”, she said to me, “but in actuality, I love all people and want equity for everyone no matter their gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or appearance. That’s what being a feminist is about. How I love and who I love, how a dress or express myself, as long as it’s not harmful to or oppressing towards anyone then that’s my freedom as a human being. This is a freedom we all deserve”. I began to realize that in the past, when I heard the word feminism, I sometimes made the assumptions KK said other people make. I decided two things right then and there. First, I was wrong about a lot of my assumptions regarding feminism. And secondly, I am and need to be a feminist.
KK then took me to a group of mostly women; there were only about two men there, who were working on some type of pamphlet. They explained to me that they were preparing for an event which will entertain but mostly educate a wide audience on “what is feminism”. Together we set up an all day forum for women. It feature prominent women in society to speak on topics relating to women and included a comedy skit and concert, concluded by a raffle with proceedings going towards the breast cancer initiative. I was proud to be a part of something so well purposed. I was amazed at how much can be done with only a few people and a cause. I realized that there are so many opportunities to make a difference in the world from which I ran and yet I rarely hear about anyone pushing for things like this for women’s rights. I knew things like this happened back in the 60’s and that, but it was beginning to sink in that the struggle women face has not ended and that more, much more, still needs to be done on our (and even my daughter’s) behalf. I felt I need to take initiative.
At this point, I turned to KK and said, “I’m in awe. I’m moved to do something. I want to see change and a better life for myself, my daughter, and all women around the world. But I’m also angry and don’t know how to handle that anger without jeopardizing what feminist stands for”. In her hand KK had a book called “Fight like a Girl, How to be a Fearless Feminist” by Megan Seely. “This book says that it’s ok to be a fighter. Women fight too and we ought to. People should hear more about the fights women putt up for our rights. Women can be very comforting and the stereotyped nurturer we’re usually portrayed as, but women are also fierce fighters when under attack, be it physical, territorial, or for our rights as people. This is something we, as women, ought to embrace” KK told me. “I have another book”, she said “this one is called “Feminism is for Everybody” by bell hooks. bell hooks discusses the political aspect of feminism as she’d encountered it in her life time. The struggles, though improved, are still a very realistic aspect of women’s lives. She explains the contradictions in some feminists’ lifestyles. Both books include what women need to do to keep the war against oppression a real one politically but with Megan Seely, she makes it know it’s ok to bite back whereas bell hooks takes a less fierce stand point. Both are very valuable since we need to find some kind of medium between the two, using the Megan Seely approach when appropriate and the same with bell hooks”. When I told KK I thought I was beginning to understand, she informed me there was still a long way to go.
She said, “There’s one other story that I think is important for you to read and understand, “Kindred” by Octavia Butler. This will help you to see just how much has changed. In this book you can see very clearly how society’s view on women and blacks and black women has dramatically been changed for the better. It clearly portrays many injustices to black people and women in the antebellum south of America. It’s extremely important that you know where you come from”.
After our discussion on the literature, we returned to the mass group of people working with the roses. Many of them had scratches from the thorns of the roses. I asked why don’t they just cut off the thorns and KK responded by saying, “Oh no, dear! Sometimes the thorns are the most important part. Without the thorns we may find it hard to appreciate the roses. Just the same as some people forgetting the struggle women have gone through and taking for granted all the privileges we now have because of the fight. It’s important when appreciating the accomplishments that we too remember the suffrage and appreciate those who’ve gone before us. Appreciating the thorns will also remind you of the courage you have and must utilize when fighting for more justice for all. The rose should symbolize all that can be, just as we’ve peacefully journeyed through my land, peace and equity can also be accessible to those where you come from”.
“I understand and appreciate all you’ve taught me”, I said, “because of your lessons I feel stronger. I feel empowered. Without visiting this place, I may have continued to crumble under my circumstance and my daughter would have learned to do the same. Thank you so much. How can I adequately show my gratitude”? KK then handed me almost ten dozen bundles of roses with thorns and said “Share what you’ve learned and make your world beautiful thorns and all”.
Once KK had finished her sentence I found myself back in my home being awakened by my daughter’s calls. It was the morning we’d ran away from my husband and the ten dozen bundles of roses lay around my house. My husband began the day just as he had once before, “Aren’t you going to get up and make breakfast? You don’t hear the baby”? The only difference this time around was me. I had been completely changed because of KK’s lessons. I understood why she’d taken me through the place one step at a time. She showed me first that I didn’t know what I thought I did about feminism. Then, she made me aware of my own injustices against me and those of others. Next, she explained that we all have the will to make the change we just need courage to do so. And lastly, she told me about the books: appreciating how far women have come, where we must go, and how not to be afraid to demand it. Instead of rebelling against my husband this morning and causing what I knew would turn into the fight we’d had before I went to KK’s land, I chose to tell my husband just how things were going to be.
“Yes, I hear the baby and I’m getting up to care for her. I too will be making breakfast but it will be for her and I since we’re going to be traveling today. You are a fully grown and capable man who can make his own breakfast if you’re hungry. I’m sick of you treating me as though I’m less worthy of respect than you. It’s wrong for you to oppress me the way I’ve let you and I’m not putting up with it anymore. You have the choice: continue with your inhumane thinking and ways but do it alone. Or learn to treat me with equal respect and appreciation as I award you. Until then, we will not be here. It’s time for a change. We will leave and take care of ourselves, informing other people of our story and encouraging them to make the same change. Everyone will get a rose, even you. Just be mindful not to prick your finger on its thorns”.
With that said, I made breakfast for myself and my daughter and we left. I was more than willing to back up my words. And that’s what I did. My baby and I have been giving out roses with thorns ever since.

Assignment #4

Estifanos Berhe

WMST 250 – Assignment Four: Learning Analysis

There are several aspects of this class that make up the general description of this course. I feel that there are several goals that were set out for students to ensure they leave this class with a different outlook. Many types of art, by or about women, have been created to address inquiries regarding power and gender struggles, nationality and language barriers, questions of religion and faith, and many others. We have come to learn these are what are considered the marked and unmarked categories of society.

But this leads us to the question, what is the story of the class? What is the goal and true purpose? I believe the answer to these questions is one that incorporates women, art, and culture through the means of exploration, ascertainment, understanding and change. This course was designed to offers an introduction into some form of women studies, therefore assuming that most of the people who have chosen to take this class have little or no knowledge on the subject matter. Every major assignment that was assigned signified level of understanding that is correlated with the previous assignment.

In the first assignment, we were asked to visit four museums, two of which were mandatory and two that we were able to choose from a list. I feel that this step was very important in order for us to gain a general feel about what art is and what feminism is also about. This assignment offered museums that displayed what is considered feminist art and others that did not. I felt that it was very important to incorporate museums that had other genres of art (other than feminist art); because it is sometimes also beneficial to understand this in order to gain a richer definition of the subject. This trip allowed us to accomplish two things. The first, is that it helped us begin to define what we considered as “Art” and the second, what we considered to be “Feminist Art.” I have always considered “Art” to be any form of expression that portray creativity and meaning to any one person; this could be a painting, sculpture, drawing, play, song, poem and the list goes on. Although, we have ethics and laws to distinguish what is considered art and what is considered to be immoral. For example, in some twisted way a murderer could consider his or her murderers to be art, whereas society, as a majority, considers that to be wrong and unethical. My definition of art has not changed to much as this course is coming to an end, but that is not the same case for what I consider to be “Feminist Art.”

Before taking this class, I though feminism was strictly about the empowerment of women. I simply thought it was a female movement, whose goal was to increase the status of women. I had some notion that it dealt with equality issues but was very far from what I believe it to be now. By traveling to the different museums and taking in all the different pieces of artwork, I began to reevaluate and sculpt my own definition of feminism and feminist art, although it was not complete after concluding assignment one. We were asked to submit assumptions that we had, that changed, after visiting the different art galleries. This allowed us to witness and understand the change that was about to begin. It took other ideas and thoughts about art before a more fulfilling meaning was reached. After completing assignment one, we moved on to the book But is it Art? by Cynthia Freeland. This book discussed about what art is, what it means, and why we value it. It reviewed different art theories and took a very bold approach towards the audience. In this primer on aesthetics, Freeland explains why innovation and controversy are valued so highly in art, intertwining together philosophy and art theory with many gripping examples. It explains why society is so drawn into the type of art that is shocking and provocative; art that taps into the different aspects of one’s identity.

This led us into the second assignment, where students as a group, were asked to create an event that focuses on our own definition of feminism. This point in the class allowed students in the discussion section, to confer thoughts and perspectives and gain a better understanding of the different viewpoints of feminism our peers had to offer. Every person in our discussion contributed in order to reach our one agreed definition. I feel that this assignment was very important because it allowed so many people, like myself, who only had a broad assessment about feminism, to truly focus and consolidate a new meaning to the word.

The third assignment we were asked to evaluate ourselves in the marked and unmarked categories of society. It asked us to assess our lives where we felt either privileged or oppressed due to some aspect of our character. I feel that this was a very enriching experience because it brought a different twist to the concept beyond feminism. We also worked with a few peers in our discussion class and I feel that the contrast in our characters helped me understand feminism somewhat better. This assignment focused on the different trials and tribulations that everyone faces because of their gender and sexuality, race and religion, nationality and language, and other socio-economic factors. I feel as though feminism is incorporated in the larger scheme which was explored in this assignment.

Assignment after assignment, reading after reading, has led us to this point. The culmination of what we have learned and gained from this class; the change we have undergone. I feel it would be difficult to grasp all this in a few sentences. The conclusion to this class has provided so much I have experienced. It has enabled me to understand what exactly needs to be done and what change needs to take place in our society. It magnified the issue in my eyes and how it links everyone as a whole, and each of us individually. We need to understand that the solution to all of this has been trying to be accomplished through art activism and feminist art. It shows how art itself has a voice of its own, that can reach the deepest depths of a person, far deeper than words could ever reach. The story of this class is about our beliefs, how they were affected through the different art that was presented to us through our assignments, and what we choose to do with this new found knowledge.

Initially, I registered for this course because of two reasons. The first was because I am currently a senior and I still needed one more CORE class to fulfill my requirements. And the second reason was that this class was recommended to me by a friend. I must admit, I was very skeptical about this class and whether or not I would enjoy it. I was not against feminism in any way at the beginning of the class but as mentioned, my definition of the topic was somewhat distorted.

I am a part of the story of this course because I am an individual different than any other person in the class. Like everyone else, there is no other person exactly like them. Each person contributes some part of themselves to the story of this course through participation and involvement. By accomplishing the different tasks put in front of me, I have reserved my seat in this story. Similarly, every student in the class has done the same. Therefore, if the story were to be retold (which it will be with a new group of students), it will never be this exact story, it would be a different version. It would be a version which ultimately reaches the same theme and understanding, but through various means due to the fact that its contributors are different and unique than its predecessors.

Again, I truly feel that I underwent different changes in my outlook towards art, feminism, and myself, changes that will continue to affect me and how I live my everyday life. I mentioned that my definition of feminism has changed. I now know that feminism is not about status of women, but is more about the struggle for equality. This change took place throughout the semester but mostly between the first and second assignment for me. I feel this time period is where I honed my outlook on feminism and this was done mostly through the art I was exposed to. Visiting the museums and discussing the different pieces of artwork broadened my horizon and allowed me to consider alternative perspectives. The different assumptions we had and the free writings we completed during lecture, throughout the semester acted as a live journal. It allowed us to keep a record of our thoughts and reflections about readings, artworks, and other things during that specific time. I feel that this was a good idea because it charted each phase of our transformation as a result of the class. Another concept that changed in my eyes was the concept covered in the third assignment; the marked and unmarked categories I have always felt that there is prejudice and discrimination in this society but I never really understood the individuality of a person and how aspects of their character may benefit or hinder them in everyday life. It showed me that there is and probably will always be some form of a power struggle in our society as long as we continue to perpetuate these dominant and subordinate theories. As I continued to label myself in the marked and unmarked categories, I realized that I fall directly in the middle. Things like my race, religion, nationality, and class offer more oppressions than privileges whereas aspects like my gender, sexuality, able-bodiedness and age offer me more privileges than oppressions. I did not fully comprehend the fact that there were so many different dynamics that offered opportunities to a person in life.

The part of this course which benefited me the most has to be the discussion. From years of education, I know that I work best in smaller classes, and this class offered both. I feel that the students in our discussion were very comfortable speaking and in turn made me more comfortable as well. I am normally a timid person but did not feel that way in our discussion sessions. Throughout the semester, I felt that I gained a greater understanding of the course through the discussion since we were able to address and voice specific issues that we were interested in. Our meetings allowed us to become a part of the story of this class because it enabled us to reach higher conclusions and meanings in terms of the concepts discussed in the lecture. It is as if we made our own chapters in the story of the course.

There were several things of this course that worked for me and others that did not. The only aspect of the course that I did not find as helpful as other parts was the lecture itself. I felt that it brought about some new information but it did not have a great role in my development in the class. I like to find out what others feel about a certain topic, to enrich my knowledge on a specific matter; this was generally accomplished in the discussion section. I found myself needing clarification on what was discussed in the lecture quite often. Eventually, I found myself attending the lecture less frequently yet I attended all of the discussion sessions. On the other hand, this course has offered me so much. I felt all the major assignments were significant in gaining the most out of this class. I enjoyed the out of class experiences like the museum trip and the tunnel of oppression that was held on campus. They helped me grasp the issues better by experiencing them outside of the classroom. I also believe the smaller tasks we did in our own discussion sections helped as well. I am not sure if every teaching assistant (TA) had freedom to bring in material of their own liking to the discussion, but I felt that was the case in our discussion. This was valuable to me because it incorporated our TA into the discussion more as a participant rather than an observer.

There were five different texts that were offered in this course. Of those, the first that I enjoyed had to have been one I’ve mentioned earlier; But is it Art? by Cynthia Freeland. I felt she addressed the idea of art theory and activism in a very bold manner, discussing why and how innovative and controversial art is so valued in our society. The part of this book that intrigued me the most was the fourth chapter entitled “Money, Markets, Museums.” It discussed how art sold for unbelievable prices in the past years and how this tarnishes the true value of the artwork. She mentioned sales in the millions of dollars that took place in the late 20^th century, specifically mentioning the well renowned artist Vincent Van Gogh. The reason why this chapter interested me so much is because, like many others, I was completely captivated when first seeing his “Starry Night.” Prior to this class, I did come to learn that Van Gogh was a very poor artist in his time, and his work did not sell for the millions of dollars they are said to be worth, until centuries past his life. This book reminded me of this fact, and how things like money and museums can strip the true value and beauty of a piece of art. By putting a price on things like this, it is forcing society to gauge its caliber on what it’s “worth” rather than how it influences them. I feel like this reading is connected to the story of the class because through one chapter, it shows how art affects this world and how it will continue to affect the motive behind creating art. It has shown me to appreciate art strictly on a personal level, rather than a global one.

A second reading I enjoyed, but did not expect to, was Kindred by Octavia Butler. I assumed this book to be another historical journal of slavery and did not initially see the correlation towards this the story of this course. This book focuses on the abuse of power, the gender struggle, and racism. This book did not necessarily address art but it did incorporate racism and the struggle faced by women in the early 19^th century. I felt this was linked to the third assignment that we completed and touched on some of the marked and unmarked categories that were introduced. Although fiction, I found it to be amazing how the main character, Dana, reacted to the extreme change in the time periods (1819 and 1976). She grasps the true nature of slavery and the struggles African Americans endured in order to survive. I feel that this reading helped understand what it was like to be oppressed by domination and racism. This was a very good text that set up for the third assignment and understanding power relationships.

Lastly, one other text I felt connected to was Feminism is for Everybody by Bell Hooks. This book touches on feminist theory and history; it targets an audience that has the stereotypical theory about feminism. I learned to appreciate this book because it helped me mold my definition of what I believe to be feminism. It talks about the different successes and failures of the feminist movement and how feminism is the catapult into a new future. Strangely, I feel that this reading is aimed to transform the meaning of the movement in they eyes of men specifically. This text informed me on things that I was unaware of prior to taking this course. It has affected me and in turn, changed my outlook on feminism as an idea.

Overall, the different readings and materials have all influenced the meaning of women, art & culture, and feminism. I think the overall goal of this course was to encourage us to discovery and interpret things, regarding art, women, and power, for ourselves and leave with a different mindset. As we are each individuals contributing to the story of this course, we are also contributors to a larger, more prominent tale, one involving the entire world. It is our mission that some sort of change is attained through different means, but it is absolutely necessary that citizens of our society come together. We have all witnessed the change that has taken place in ourselves, through the different artwork and readings presented to us. It is time that we do our parts outside of the classroom and spread the knowledge of our experiences.

Erin Smith

WMST250

 

                                                                 Assignment #4

 

 

        Before taking this women’s studies class my perception of women’s rights and feminism was completely different then what it is now.  It was through our assignments, both reading and writing, that enabled me to reconsider the conventional assumptions about these concepts and create my own opinions. Throughout the class we were encouraged to analyze our progression and change of opinions that had occurred over the semester.  By considering our thoughts from the beginning of the semester we were better able to realize how much we truly learned in the class. Each assignment in it’s own way enabled us to grasp a deeper understanding of the concept and encouraged us to challenge our own conceptions of feminism, oppression, and various other theories.

        Assignment One really made us examine what we believed to be art.  It forced us to go out and view art, something that many of us would not do on our own.  When asked the question, “what is art?” many people would think of famous artist such as Picasso and Van Gogh but not many people stop to think about what and who classifies this as “art.” Many people just accept what other people tell them is art. However, if art is a form of expression then who can classify certain pieces as art and not others?  Each individual views art in a different way.  What is beautiful to some it ugly to others and some pieces can really have an influence on some people and other people can just look at it and wonder how it is even classified as art.  It is by asking these questions that we begin to understand art more complexly. As we discussed in my discussion group art is created in order to convey a message or to express the feelings of the artist that he or she may not be able to express in other ways.  Art is also sometimes a way to analyze societal problems or the way in which the artist views the world.  We also discussed the fact that art does not necessarily need to be pretty.  For example, the Paula Rego exhibit in the National Museum of Women in the Arts was far from traditional art. It was not the typical “pretty’ artwork that many people are used to.  Her paintings were both disturbing and unusual.  From this exhibit I learned that art does not necessarily need to be visually appeasing.  Sometimes the more disturbing art has a bigger influence on the viewer.  The disturbing images set it apart from the other art and make the viewer take notice.  I feel that sometimes it is necessary to make the art disturbing in order to convey a message.  The shock value of the art will force people to view it and maybe think a little more into the meaning behind the image. Pretty art is nice to look at but many people do not try and analyze the meaning behind it and just take it for it’s face value.  I think that Paula Rego’s artwork really got her message across and even though most people don’t like to view ugly things, life is not always pretty and “picture perfect.”  Life is imperfect and disturbing at some times and I think that her exhibit really displayed this.

        The Hirshhorn museum also displayed some artwork that would not necessarily be what most people consider “artwork.” A lot of the pieces were simple and some were absurd as well.  However, this was my favorite museum and the modern pieces were really intriguing.  I think that traditional art is boring to me.  Of course it is nice to look at a pretty picture but I personally don’t get any meaning out of viewing this type of art.  I think this entire assignment really opened my eyes to art and it’s meanings.  I am not really an artistic person and while I can appreciate artwork, I would probably not go out of my way to view art in a museum as we were assigned to do for this first Assignment. 

        Assignment Two was helpful in developing my idea of feminism.  Before coming into this class I upheld the typical view of feminist; extreme radical women, most likely lesbians, who hated men and felt that all women were oppressed in our society.  Throughout this course I really learned that this is not true at all.  Feminism is more about equality for everyone, not just females.  I also learned that while there are extremely radical feminists, not all feminists are like that.  While I consider myself pretty liberal and completely for equality for everyone I never considered myself a feminist. It just seemed to me that this title produced a negative stigma and I just never wanted to be placed under this category.  However, now I consider myself partly a feminist because I agree with a lot of the ideals that they uphold.  I also learned that most feminist do not hate men. I’ve learned that like political parties there is a scale of feminism. There are some who are radicals and adhere to every ideal and follow it strictly and others who are more loosely feminists.  They agree with the basic concepts of feminism but do not take the radical view on every issue.  When we were asked to come up with our own definition of feminism it was interesting to see how everyone’s definition differed slightly from everyone else’s.  We all had the same basic idea but each individual definition was slightly different from the others.  However, we were able to all agree on one definition of feminism that seemed to encompass all of our own individual definitions. This assignment helped me to better assess my view on feminism because I was able to see how others felt on the issue as well.  We all came from different backgrounds but we were all able to decide on a common definition that represented our ideas.

        I think Assignment Three was the most helpful to me.  Before completing Assignment Three I never really thought about the ways in which I was oppressed in society. Since I am a white female I have not really felt truly oppressed throughout my life. However, when I stopped and began to analyze the marked and unmarked categories I am in I began to truly understand that everyone in society is oppressed in their own ways.  Perhaps they are not oppressed in the traditional ways but there are more subtle things that restrict people from obtaining the same opportunities as others.  I think this assignment really went along with what I considered to be a major theme in the class, reevaluating typical assumptions about ideas such as feminism and even oppression in society.  By being forced to examine certain things in different contexts we are also forced to reconsider our typical assumptions and make our own opinions regarding issues such as those.  Assignment Three was a good eye opener, not only writing the paper itself but the things we discussed in lecture and discussion.  When we went over all the marked and unmarked categories and shared what each person wrote about it really showed how every category has it’s own oppressions.  It also showed where different people view power in our society.  Where each individual viewed power in our society depended heavily upon their race, gender, socioeconomic status, where they lived, and many more characteristics also factored in.

        I think all these Assignments, including this one, have helped me to more fully develop my thoughts about feminism and oppression in society and art as well.  Each assignment changed my opinion slightly every time because every one was different and thus encouraged the class to examine things in a different perspective.  While examining my free writes throughout this semester I have observed an obvious change in my perception.  As I have mentioned earlier I used to hold the common misconception of feminists and I never really examined what I considered art.  I would say that I held the same views as the majority of college freshman.  I think that college in general enables students to second guess conventional thinking and classes such as this encourage us to explore beyond what we were used to and thus helps us to develop our ideas and opinions.

        Not only did the written assignments help to broaden my perspective but the readings did as well.  Three readings that I liked the best were Chicana Art , But Is It Art?,  and Feminism Is for EVERYBODY. In Feminism is for EVERYONE, I was especially intrigued by the chapter about Feminist Class Struggle.  It discussed the difference between feminism in the different social classes.  Something that they talked about that I had never thought of myself was the fact that during the feminist movement the feminists in the middle and lower classes started working because they wanted the same opportunities as men but they were disappointed when they returned back home and found that they still had to do all the housework. This is now referred to as the “second shift.” This is the concept that women now go to work during the day then when they come home they have to take care of the kids and do the housework.  In essence women are reaching equality in the business world but they are still expected to take care of everything in the household as well.  I think complete equality would obviously be equally dividing the workload in each area.

        But Is It Art? Discussed very different topics, obviously regarding art and its effect on culture. In chapter three Freeland discusses John Dewey believed art to be the “universal language.”  He also said that it was the best way to understand a culture. I completely agree I think that societal aspects of a culture are represented through art.  The artists use their artwork as an outlet to the oppressions and troubles that they experience in their everyday lives. This enables viewers to have a better understanding of the problems of that society at that time period. Thus, art truly is the universal language.  A person doesn’t have to learn how to read art if is simply interpretation and the message you receive when you view the piece.

       I enjoyed reading Chicana Art the most.  I really enjoyed looking at the different art pieces that Perez scattered throughout the book.  I also enjoyed the message that she tried to convey to the reader.  She stressed the lessening of the importance of religion in society.  There is obviously a very clear lack of religious observance, especially in our country.  Centuries ago many country’s governments and law making systems were deeply entwined with the country’s religion. Today, however, the separation of church and state is highly stressed.  The public does not want lawmaker’s religion to influence their decision in the legislature.  I agree that there should be complete separation of church and state.  I do not think that a person’s personal moral choice or religious belief should be applied to the general public. However, I also think that religion among the general public has decreased as well.  With the growth of technology and scientific advancements people are finding it harder and harder to have faith in something that is not a scientific fact.  Personally I think faith is a very hard thing to come by.  To completely believe something without any evidence to support it takes a lot.  Some people feel that those who hold faith like this are strong, others believe they are ignorant.  I have the utmost respect for those who have strong faith. However, I do not believe that faith and religion is the same thing. Faith is an individual thing while I feel that religion is more of a societal institution. This is another thing that I may not have thought of  on my own.  We discussed the difference in discussion and before I had never really stopped to analyze the difference between faith and religion, most people just assume they basically the same thing but essentially they aren’t.

       Overall, I think the central theme of this women’s studies class was to encourage us to dismiss the conventional assumptions about issues such as feminism, art, oppression in society, our own individual oppressions, and other issues that were unintended such as religion.  I think through the many assignments, both reading and writing we were able to explore these issues on many levels. We are able to view them through the artwork, through our own individual experiences and through the experiences of our classmates.

Assignment 4

Chelsea Martino WMST 250
Sec. 06 5/13/08
Assignment 4 Learning Analysis

When I was scheduling my courses for this spring semester I had a clear cut vision of my future semester and the classes I would need. My goal was to get started on classes that would go toward my communications major. I had a few Core requirements that I needed to fulfill, but I figured that would only be a small portion of my schedule. But oh how wrong I was. I quickly learned of the pecking order of scheduling classes at Maryland. Being a freshman, I am clearly at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to getting priority for pretty much anything. Not only where all the classes I wanted for my major filled, but the Core classes that I had planned on taking had waitlists as well. I wanted Communications 107, and instead got Linguistics 200; I wanted Biology, I got Geology (which turned out NOT to be “rocks for jocks”). In all honesty, I had not planned on taking Women Studies 250 either. I needed to complete a Core and it was the only class that fit into my schedule. I did not anticipate that I would enjoy women studies. I was afraid it was going to center around angry protests about issues I really did not know much about, and I am not one to join hostile activities. Also, I enjoy looking at art but I was concerned that my exposure to what I now know as “High Art”, would not be presented in the class. I tend to be a little skeptical when it comes to learning about things I am unfamiliar with, especially when I was asked, what counted as art. I do not like the feeling of not knowing what to expect. However, as the class progressed I did warm up to it. I surprisingly liked learning about art, women’s contribution to art, and art as a form of expression whether it be emotional, political, or both. Additionally, I became more informed about the ways that feminist art can be an act of social agency and a way to promote social change.
Just like my hesitation to taking the class, I was extremely concerned about our first assignment/experience of visiting a variety of different museums. I was partly nervous because I am not from this area and I did not know how to navigate my way around Washington DC, and partly because it was the first assignment. This assignment was completely different than any other one I have ever had. However, it turned out to be my favorite part of the class. I enjoyed the museums and learned a great deal. I feel I was educated about ideas, political issues, and art works that I would never have looked at or considered to count as art. I enjoyed the National Museum of the American Indian and National Museum of African Art because they both portrayed women very similarly and in traditional and familiar forms of art. Even though the styles of art were different, both cultures displayed women as mothers and wives who maintained the housework. The National Museum of Women in the Arts however, surprised me quite a bit. It completely opposed what I had seen in the other museums. Women were portrayed with more power and control. Some of the paintings upset me because of their graphic detail and controversial topics, which made me question what counted as art. After going on the trip and talking about it in discussion I felt better. I got to hear how other people reacted to the Paula Rego exhibit, which had bothered me. Talking about it made me realized that art did not need to be beautiful or follow norms of society. It was about self expression, and sending a message. I may not have enjoyed every painting I saw, but that is ok, because not everything in life is pleasant and sometimes people need to show that. Also by expressing political topics the artists were able to contribute to social change. They sent messages about how oppression hinders society and how many women do not get enough recognition for all that they do. After my experience I decided to read more about the different forms of art in But is it Art? I read Chapter 1, Blood and Beauty, where it discussed how blood can be used like paint because they have many similar properties and texture. Blood, however gross, is more symbolic because it is life like. The chapter also pointed out that even though people are used to seeing high art, the use of blood as art was actually common in European cultures and religions. Another artist used body parts of sharks and bodily fluids such as urine and semen. Now, I would probably not ever go see any of these forms of art, but the chapter made me realize why these unusual techniques counted as art. The chapter discussed viewers’ discrepancy of what counts as beauty. It stated that art is not always about beauty. The point of art is more along the lines of self expression and enabling viewers to have a reaction to the art and challenge how a person feels, thinks, and reacts.
Our second experience dealt with feminism. What is feminism? Once again I was in the dark because I ignorantly believed that feminism equaled to the hatred of men. Ok, maybe not that harsh, but I did expect there to be one simple definition of feminism that Dr. King would tell us about and we would memorize it. Turns out Dr. King did not have a definition for us. I probably should have figured that out since her method of teaching does not echo that of my other professors. She wanted us to explore and formulate our own thoughts and definitions about feminism. I actually liked that, especially since we are guided through the course with the help of discussions. Also by working in a group I got to see that I was not the only person who was unsure and mislead about feminism. We brainstormed ideas and combined them into one definition that was not too specific because it is now clear to me that people can interpret feminism differently. Our overall premise was that feminism is about gender equality in all aspects of life. Women are not equally treated or represented in the workplace, government, or media. Many of the clips and readings set up on the blog supported our definition and made it clear that feminism varies depending on who is dealing with it. For example, Dr. King showed us a video from the Gorilla Girls. It was rather funny. One thing that stuck out at me was when a Gorilla Girl asked a man if he believed in equal pay for equal work. He answered yes, and she told him that he may be a feminist. This made me realize that there are a variety of feminists’ views and many people probably have similar ideas, but never knew them to be feminist. It also showed that many of their views make so much sense and seem very basic, equal work means equal pay, but many times in society it does not work that way.
After these two assignments I saw how feminism and art really connected. We had a few class discussions about how science fiction and feminism are linked. The lecture was primarily regarding Kindred. I found it interesting that years ago many female science fiction writers chose to use pennames because many people, particularly men, would not have read a book written by a woman. Writing is a form of art, especially science fiction because it deals with a person’s imagination and creativity. Kindred is a perfect example of art work that is not only feminist, but deals with power as well. I feel Kindred exemplified art in the form of writing, feminism in the form of the writer and female dominant characters, and power in the form of domination of white people, particularly men over their slaves. When Dana goes back to in time, her experience with slavery is scary, emotional and realistic. There she is a slave and treated horribly because she is black. She also faces even harsher adversity because she is a woman and can be taken advantage of. Another women slave is also forced to work to exhaustion, but is raped and sexually abused by her owner, Rufus. Through Rufus’s actions readers can really comprehend and connect with the idea that during that time, white people had power to do as they pleased even if it harmed others. However, even though there was great deal of racism during the 1800’s, the book also points out the prejudices of more modern times. Dana’s husband Kevin is white, and when Kevin tells his sister he is marrying a black woman, she is upset and does not approve of it. Similarly, Dana’s family was also infuriated that she was marrying a man of a different race. This segment proves that even though slavery was years ago, people are still not able to completely move on and see others as equal. This is a major issue in our country and is the cause of oppression and uneven distribution of power. Writings like this are forms of activism the try to bring about social change.
After reading this book we moved on to dealing even further with power structures in society and how they play a role in peoples’ lives. There are many institutions such as the government, education, and religion that help and hinder people based on race, social class, and gender. It is clear that many people are at unfair disadvantages. Women, not matter how hard they work, have fewer job opportunities and with lower pay. They are also commonly responsible for raising the children and maintaining a household. I now understand why there was such a need for feminist movements. Thankfully, there has been change, but there should be more. Many of the feminists, particularly the artists, we read and learn about in class probably do not get enough recognition. They spend their lives trying to make change for people, but the media does not focus on their efforts. Instead women are shown as sex objects and supermodels, not leaders and activists. But women are not the only people that suffer. Minorities often are not treated equally; they get turned down for jobs just because of their race. The poor have to work arduous jobs for little pay and no health care. All of these issues are important. Our discussions of them have helped me to see the pitfalls of society and how our country fails the people who need its help the most. Our third assignment was very interesting to me. It gave me the opportunity to learn about my classmates who have been treated cruelly by others just because they may be a bit different. I was able to learn about how marked religions and ethnicities, which do not apply to me, have caused people to be oppressed. It has made me realize that many people are not accepting and do not care about others. It was eye-opening to hear that one of my friends does not tell people she is Jewish because she fears they will stereotype her. It is wrong that institutions and ideologies of societies can be so damaging to people.
Along with the project there were readings that dealt a great deal with power. Chapter 5, Good Enough, in Fight Like a Girl How to be a Fearless Feminist was one reading that I particularly liked, because not only did it deal with power but I found it to be very relatable. In my paper I wrote about the media’s power to define “beauty”. I talked about the unrealistic goals the media sets for the “perfect” body type of women. This chapter also dealt with eating disorders that stem from ideologies of society. It was emotional to read about the author’s personal experience with bulimia and the physical and psychological effects it had on her. It made her feel as if she was not a true feminist, because she was so concerned about her self image. However, it turned out she was not alone and her feminist friends also had body image issues. Her story only points out that so many women, feminist including, struggle to feel good about themselves, because power from the media is putting pressure on them to look a certain way. I know I go to the gym everyday, and not because it is healthy, but because I do not want to gain weight especially when bathing suite season is coming. When the reading pointed out that years ago women were forcing their bodies into corsets that caused physical harm to their organs, it made me feel that I was not alone with body image insecurities. Today women are spending billion of dollars on plastic surgery and dieting methods. Think about what other, healthier things that money could go towards. This made me realize that if a woman’s body cannot look a certain way without unnatural practices such as starving, corsets, or surgery than we are not meant to look that way and it is ok.
Another reading that I found interesting that dealt with power was Chapter 10, Race and Gender from Feminism is for Everybody. It made me realize that because I am white, I am more privileged than a person of a different race, particularly African Americans. White women do not face the injustice that black women face. Many white people have more power when it comes to getting better jobs and education. The reading points that feminism for a white women is different than for a black women, because black women have to deal with racism on top of being a female. This topic also came up in discussion, where someone mentioned that there are many cases where white people and minorities will compete for jobs and the majority of the time the white people will get the job. This makes me realize that there is a major flaw in society and if we claim to be living in a country of equality than more people need to be equal.
After taking this class, I am glad that other Core classes were filled up. This class was completely different than any other one I have ever taken. For the first time I was taught to think on my own and come up with my own conclusions for the presented material. I enjoyed learning about the influence artists have on social change, and how many feminists’ main objectives are to live in a society that is equal and helpful to all of the people who work hard, no matter race, gender, or economic status. There are power structures in our country that are implemented to make some people’s lives better, while others worse. However, everyone is in this together. Each person has faced some form of oppression and understands its detrimental effects on society. Change can be made if people work together and become educated on ways where our systems fail. Through the art work we have been presented and the readings we have studied it is clear that feminists, along with the help of others, have the power of agency to make social change.

Assignment 4

Chelsea Martino WMST 250
Sec. 06 5/13/08
Assignment 4 Learning Analysis

When I was scheduling my courses for this spring semester I had a clear cut vision of my future semester and the classes I would need. My goal was to get started on classes that would go toward my communications major. I had a few Core requirements that I needed to fulfill, but I figured that would only be a small portion of my schedule. But oh how wrong I was. I quickly learned of the pecking order of scheduling classes at Maryland. Being a freshman, I am clearly at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to getting priority for pretty much anything. Not only where all the classes I wanted for my major filled, but the Core classes that I had planned on taking had waitlists as well. I wanted Communications 107, and instead got Linguistics 200; I wanted Biology, I got Geology (which turned out NOT to be “rocks for jocks”). In all honesty, I had not planned on taking Women Studies 250 either. I needed to complete a Core and it was the only class that fit into my schedule. I did not anticipate that I would enjoy women studies. I was afraid it was going to center around angry protests about issues I really did not know much about, and I am not one to join hostile activities. Also, I enjoy looking at art but I was concerned that my exposure to what I now know as “High Art”, would not be presented in the class. I tend to be a little skeptical when it comes to learning about things I am unfamiliar with, especially when I was asked, what counted as art. I do not like the feeling of not knowing what to expect. However, as the class progressed I did warm up to it. I surprisingly liked learning about art, women’s contribution to art, and art as a form of expression whether it be emotional, political, or both. Additionally, I became more informed about the ways that feminist art can be an act of social agency and a way to promote social change.
Just like my hesitation to taking the class, I was extremely concerned about our first assignment/experience of visiting a variety of different museums. I was partly nervous because I am not from this area and I did not know how to navigate my way around Washington DC, and partly because it was the first assignment. This assignment was completely different than any other one I have ever had. However, it turned out to be my favorite part of the class. I enjoyed the museums and learned a great deal. I feel I was educated about ideas, political issues, and art works that I would never have looked at or considered to count as art. I enjoyed the National Museum of the American Indian and National Museum of African Art because they both portrayed women very similarly and in traditional and familiar forms of art. Even though the styles of art were different, both cultures displayed women as mothers and wives who maintained the housework. The National Museum of Women in the Arts however, surprised me quite a bit. It completely opposed what I had seen in the other museums. Women were portrayed with more power and control. Some of the paintings upset me because of their graphic detail and controversial topics, which made me question what counted as art. After going on the trip and talking about it in discussion I felt better. I got to hear how other people reacted to the Paula Rego exhibit, which had bothered me. Talking about it made me realized that art did not need to be beautiful or follow norms of society. It was about self expression, and sending a message. I may not have enjoyed every painting I saw, but that is ok, because not everything in life is pleasant and sometimes people need to show that. Also by expressing political topics the artists were able to contribute to social change. They sent messages about how oppression hinders society and how many women do not get enough recognition for all that they do. After my experience I decided to read more about the different forms of art in But is it Art? I read Chapter 1, Blood and Beauty, where it discussed how blood can be used like paint because they have many similar properties and texture. Blood, however gross, is more symbolic because it is life like. The chapter also pointed out that even though people are used to seeing high art, the use of blood as art was actually common in European cultures and religions. Another artist used body parts of sharks and bodily fluids such as urine and semen. Now, I would probably not ever go see any of these forms of art, but the chapter made me realize why these unusual techniques counted as art. The chapter discussed viewers’ discrepancy of what counts as beauty. It stated that art is not always about beauty. The point of art is more along the lines of self expression and enabling viewers to have a reaction to the art and challenge how a person feels, thinks, and reacts.
Our second experience dealt with feminism. What is feminism? Once again I was in the dark because I ignorantly believed that feminism equaled to the hatred of men. Ok, maybe not that harsh, but I did expect there to be one simple definition of feminism that Dr. King would tell us about and we would memorize it. Turns out Dr. King did not have a definition for us. I probably should have figured that out since her method of teaching does not echo that of my other professors. She wanted us to explore and formulate our own thoughts and definitions about feminism. I actually liked that, especially since we are guided through the course with the help of discussions. Also by working in a group I got to see that I was not the only person who was unsure and mislead about feminism. We brainstormed ideas and combined them into one definition that was not too specific because it is now clear to me that people can interpret feminism differently. Our overall premise was that feminism is about gender equality in all aspects of life. Women are not equally treated or represented in the workplace, government, or media. Many of the clips and readings set up on the blog supported our definition and made it clear that feminism varies depending on who is dealing with it. For example, Dr. King showed us a video from the Gorilla Girls. It was rather funny. One thing that stuck out at me was when a Gorilla Girl asked a man if he believed in equal pay for equal work. He answered yes, and she told him that he may be a feminist. This made me realize that there are a variety of feminists’ views and many people probably have similar ideas, but never knew them to be feminist. It also showed that many of their views make so much sense and seem very basic, equal work means equal pay, but many times in society it does not work that way.
After these two assignments I saw how feminism and art really connected. We had a few class discussions about how science fiction and feminism are linked. The lecture was primarily regarding Kindred. I found it interesting that years ago many female science fiction writers chose to use pennames because many people, particularly men, would not have read a book written by a woman. Writing is a form of art, especially science fiction because it deals with a person’s imagination and creativity. Kindred is a perfect example of art work that is not only feminist, but deals with power as well. I feel Kindred exemplified art in the form of writing, feminism in the form of the writer and female dominant characters, and power in the form of domination of white people, particularly men over their slaves. When Dana goes back to in time, her experience with slavery is scary, emotional and realistic. There she is a slave and treated horribly because she is black. She also faces even harsher adversity because she is a woman and can be taken advantage of. Another women slave is also forced to work to exhaustion, but is raped and sexually abused by her owner, Rufus. Through Rufus’s actions readers can really comprehend and connect with the idea that during that time, white people had power to do as they pleased even if it harmed others. However, even though there was great deal of racism during the 1800’s, the book also points out the prejudices of more modern times. Dana’s husband Kevin is white, and when Kevin tells his sister he is marrying a black woman, she is upset and does not approve of it. Similarly, Dana’s family was also infuriated that she was marrying a man of a different race. This segment proves that even though slavery was years ago, people are still not able to completely move on and see others as equal. This is a major issue in our country and is the cause of oppression and uneven distribution of power. Writings like this are forms of activism the try to bring about social change.
After reading this book we moved on to dealing even further with power structures in society and how they play a role in peoples’ lives. There are many institutions such as the government, education, and religion that help and hinder people based on race, social class, and gender. It is clear that many people are at unfair disadvantages. Women, not matter how hard they work, have fewer job opportunities and with lower pay. They are also commonly responsible for raising the children and maintaining a household. I now understand why there was such a need for feminist movements. Thankfully, there has been change, but there should be more. Many of the feminists, particularly the artists, we read and learn about in class probably do not get enough recognition. They spend their lives trying to make change for people, but the media does not focus on their efforts. Instead women are shown as sex objects and supermodels, not leaders and activists. But women are not the only people that suffer. Minorities often are not treated equally; they get turned down for jobs just because of their race. The poor have to work arduous jobs for little pay and no health care. All of these issues are important. Our discussions of them have helped me to see the pitfalls of society and how our country fails the people who need its help the most. Our third assignment was very interesting to me. It gave me the opportunity to learn about my classmates who have been treated cruelly by others just because they may be a bit different. I was able to learn about how marked religions and ethnicities, which do not apply to me, have caused people to be oppressed. It has made me realize that many people are not accepting and do not care about others. It was eye-opening to hear that one of my friends does not tell people she is Jewish because she fears they will stereotype her. It is wrong that institutions and ideologies of societies can be so damaging to people.
Along with the project there were readings that dealt a great deal with power. Chapter 5, Good Enough, in Fight Like a Girl How to be a Fearless Feminist was one reading that I particularly liked, because not only did it deal with power but I found it to be very relatable. In my paper I wrote about the media’s power to define “beauty”. I talked about the unrealistic goals the media sets for the “perfect” body type of women. This chapter also dealt with eating disorders that stem from ideologies of society. It was emotional to read about the author’s personal experience with bulimia and the physical and psychological effects it had on her. It made her feel as if she was not a true feminist, because she was so concerned about her self image. However, it turned out she was not alone and her feminist friends also had body image issues. Her story only points out that so many women, feminist including, struggle to feel good about themselves, because power from the media is putting pressure on them to look a certain way. I know I go to the gym everyday, and not because it is healthy, but because I do not want to gain weight especially when bathing suite season is coming. When the reading pointed out that years ago women were forcing their bodies into corsets that caused physical harm to their organs, it made me feel that I was not alone with body image insecurities. Today women are spending billion of dollars on plastic surgery and dieting methods. Think about what other, healthier things that money could go towards. This made me realize that if a woman’s body cannot look a certain way without unnatural practices such as starving, corsets, or surgery than we are not meant to look that way and it is ok.
Another reading that I found interesting that dealt with power was Chapter 10, Race and Gender from Feminism is for Everybody. It made me realize that because I am white, I am more privileged than a person of a different race, particularly African Americans. White women do not face the injustice that black women face. Many white people have more power when it comes to getting better jobs and education. The reading points that feminism for a white women is different than for a black women, because black women have to deal with racism on top of being a female. This topic also came up in discussion, where someone mentioned that there are many cases where white people and minorities will compete for jobs and the majority of the time the white people will get the job. This makes me realize that there is a major flaw in society and if we claim to be living in a country of equality than more people need to be equal.
After taking this class, I am glad that other Core classes were filled up. This class was completely different than any other one I have ever taken. For the first time I was taught to think on my own and come up with my own conclusions for the presented material. I enjoyed learning about the influence artists have on social change, and how many feminists’ main objectives are to live in a society that is equal and helpful to all of the people who work hard, no matter race, gender, or economic status. There are power structures in our country that are implemented to make some people’s lives better, while others worse. However, everyone is in this together. Each person has faced some form of oppression and understands its detrimental effects on society. Change can be made if people work together and become educated on ways where our systems fail. Through the art work we have been presented and the readings we have studied it is clear that feminists, along with the help of others, have the power of agency to make social change.

Tunnel Of Oppression

Though I was able to walk through the tunnel of oppression, I didn’t feel as though I had as much time as I wished I could have spent taking it all in. There were many exhibits that moved me. The first one, which I spent a good amount of time on, was the one about consumerism in America. It was shocking to me to actually see just how much Americans waste. I had previously acknowledged the fact that as Americans, we have lifestyles that are very superficial and that would include the absentmindedness with which we consume. It’s previously been made clear to me that as a nation, we have and are continuing to create a culture with very little realistic values and more superficial ones. This particular exhibit actually displayed how priorities for the majority of Americans lie mainly with the media, celebrities, mimicking celebrities, and consuming and an alarming rate. What was made even more apparent to me than previously was how much of the Earth we’re destroying in doing the process. Americans consume much more of the Earth than we even occupy of it. That’s truly alarming. It also providing evidence that our economy is based on the consumerism we perpetuate. So much so that manufacturers make things which I designed to fail in order for consumers to purchase more either because the item simply not longer works, or because it functions are out of date. On the one hand, I thought this to be crude of manufacturers, but on the other, it made me question its validity. Is it possible that technology is advancing so fast that updates on purchases are necessary, or is it and intentional marketing strategy?
I was also moved at the exhibits which contained different media images. I understood that such things influence consumers but I was pleased to know that many people acknowledge it as a negative ideology and also that people are trying to prevent this cycle of self dissatisfaction among Americans. I think that during this age, a huge amount of adolescence and beyond, even now reaching preteens, are being brainwashed to believe that what we see on TV., in magazines, and billboards are actual realistic images of comparison. This exhibit even took us through the process from model to cover. It showed the viewers that and ordinary-looking woman can sit down, be made up, cropped, edited, and airbrushed into a physically admirable super model. It’s extremely misleading to consumers of such material. It was also noted that most of such material is targeted towards teenage girls. The majority of the magazines, which undoubtedly simulated such processes on their cover and spread pages, had headlines specifically appealing to girls. Images containing what many perceive to be perfect women on them were the majority and even of the minority, those covers appealing to men/boys, contained even more falsely represented images of perfection. The remainder, those appealing to men which didn’t contain images of women on their covers, contained images of “perfect men” on them which also deceives the consumers. Girls grow up believing they’re supposed to look like the women on TV., billboards, and magazines, to look like sex symbols, and boys grow up expecting women to look that way and be available to provide the sexual fantasies conveyed in such messages. On the other hand, Boys grow up believing they’re to look as the men do on such medial images and girls grow up expecting that as well. All these images lack true substance of individuals. The focus is on nothing which makes a life meaningful. These are the images we feed our youth and therefore they grow up on such images which later become normal. Perhaps that’s why 5th and 6th graders have been learned to be pursuing sex and seeing such ideas to be casual and “not a big deal”. Perhaps, that’s why the tunnel of oppression then proceeded to display statistics regarding body image, false body images, eating disorders, and self-dissatisfaction. When ones send such images repeatedly through the underdeveloped minds and self identification of young children, one can’t be surprised that they then develop such destructive ideals and behaviors. The tunnel of oppression was trying to reveal these ideas to people who may have grown up eating such self destructive food distributed liberally by the media. I think that, as a start, such topics discussed in the tunnel of oppression are absolutely necessary for many individuals because much of our society lives ignorantly amongst such oppressions. If it weren’t so the issues and effects of such oppression too wouldn’t be as apparent as they are. Many individuals simply are unaware and I believe the first step in changing anything is to educate, which is what I perceived the purpose was for the tunnel of oppression.
It was and should be an eye-opening experience even for those who think they’re educated and that these ideas don’t apply to them. Drug trafficking, human trafficking, slave labor, domestic abuse, hate crimes, learning disabilities, rape and sexual assault, as well as other topics including the ones I’ve discussed which were covered in the tunnel of oppression may not “directly” affect myself or even anyone in our discussion group, but it directly affects us as human beings as wells as commands our individual responsibility to acknowledge and change, as human beings, such injustices and suffrages.