Usually when people classify sex and gender, they think they're the same thing. In our generation, we've learned that they mean two separate things completely. Sex is the body that someone is born into. You are classified into a sex by the body parts you are born with. This can be in contrast to gender, though, because many people classify themselves as women in a man's body, or a man in a woman's body. I'm not really sure how I feel about this because I believe that God created all of us in the body that we're supposed to be in. Sexuality is separate from both of these in that it's how the person feels towards other individuals sexually. The most common sexualities would be homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual. Many people believe that we cannot help what type of sexuality we are born with. The media continues to influence us that this is true. Lady Gaga's song, "Born This Way" is a good example of that concept. I used to believe that gay people chose to be gay, but over the years I've rethought this topic and have started to believe that they really cannot help it. This may be from the influence of media in shows like True Life, the Real World, and many of the songs out these days on the radio. Either way, it's obvious that people are more willing to view different sexualities and be more open to them because of the influence from media. When it comes to the quote, I believe that it means you may be born into a woman's body, but it's up to you to decide your own gender. We didn't find out in the reading which gender that "X" really was, but X decided that it didn't have a gender and didn't classify as one at all because she was told that she didn't have to. I think this quote goes along with the story about "X" in the sense that a person is able to choose which gender they classify in even though it is outside of society's norm.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Gender Theory
"One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman." - Simone De Beauvoir. This quote is getting across that people are not categorized as being a woman, or a man, until that person does something worthy of gaining that title. It is the events and amount of life that a woman goes through that others measure. But what is the real definition of a woman? Three main words take on different meaning on what a woman is - sex, gender, and sexuality.
In my opinion, sex is the true biological classification of what makes up a woman or a man. It is the reproductive body parts that we are born with that determines if we are male or female. There really isn't a way to persuade one person or the other that you are what you are because your body build doesn't lie. When referring to gender, I believe this term has evolved to mean the sex a specific person chooses to believe they are and the roles they think they should have. The world has grouped us into the man versus woman gender roles. Men are to careers as women are to stay-at-home moms. Gender can be a choice, and it can be an actual, physical change. For example, Chaz on the the youtube video that we watched in class. I would not have known he was born with the female reproductive parts if the media had not become obessed with the issue. And as far as sexuality goes, I define it as being the gender a person is attracted to - men to women, men to men, women to women, etc.
These are all possible meanings that the quote can reference to, but I believe Simone De Beauvoir meant it in status kind of way. What is it that a woman did to deserve to be called a woman? I define a being a woman as someone who is independent, responsible, and caring. She can make it through life with or without a significant other, and she is confindent in her own ways. Once a girl achieves theses characteristics it is then that she makes the transition into becoming a woman.
-Haley Daniel
In my opinion, sex is the true biological classification of what makes up a woman or a man. It is the reproductive body parts that we are born with that determines if we are male or female. There really isn't a way to persuade one person or the other that you are what you are because your body build doesn't lie. When referring to gender, I believe this term has evolved to mean the sex a specific person chooses to believe they are and the roles they think they should have. The world has grouped us into the man versus woman gender roles. Men are to careers as women are to stay-at-home moms. Gender can be a choice, and it can be an actual, physical change. For example, Chaz on the the youtube video that we watched in class. I would not have known he was born with the female reproductive parts if the media had not become obessed with the issue. And as far as sexuality goes, I define it as being the gender a person is attracted to - men to women, men to men, women to women, etc.
These are all possible meanings that the quote can reference to, but I believe Simone De Beauvoir meant it in status kind of way. What is it that a woman did to deserve to be called a woman? I define a being a woman as someone who is independent, responsible, and caring. She can make it through life with or without a significant other, and she is confindent in her own ways. Once a girl achieves theses characteristics it is then that she makes the transition into becoming a woman.
-Haley Daniel
WS 200-007: What Gender Role means to me.
I believe that we are born a certain sex, but we do not identify with a certain gender until we reach a certain age/point in our lives. When we are born, we are like a blank slate and our experiences, the way we were raised, and our true inner selves begin to shine through. For example, Chaz Bono, Cher's son was born female, but now he identifies as a male. In society's eyes we are born the way we should act. For example, if a man is born a man he should exhibit certain qualities that makes him a man. He should be strong, unemotional, and ready to provide and protect. If a man shows a likeness towards pink, shopping and styling, or doing hair, then their masculine identity is threatened. At the same time, if a woman exhibits theses qualities then they are accepted by society.
In my opinion society has marred our view and tried to put different sexes into a box. Not everyone fits directly into one category, and society is giving them no place to identify with.
In my opinion society has marred our view and tried to put different sexes into a box. Not everyone fits directly into one category, and society is giving them no place to identify with.
What Gender Role means to me.
"One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman" was a very powerful quote written by Simone de Beauvoir. It is highly prevalent to what we learned this week, sex and gender. I believe when Simone says this, that it is intended for the humans best interest. Basically, she is saying that sexuality is determined by multiple aspects. First of all like Simone I believe that gender is a sense of identity. It is definitely something that is gradually acquired over time. For a woman that portrays more masculine features, I feel like they are more inclined to become gay. It is all about comfort and security, for many people. Each individual grows into who they are meant to become. That is what I got out of the quote written by Simone de Beauvoir.
Sex, gender, and lastly sexuality can be terms that can be assimilated together. During the readings and our class discussion the differences in them became more apparent to me. It was explained as if gender are the pants one puts on, sex is what is in the pants, and lastly sexuality which is the pants you want to get in. In my eyes sex is what you are considered due to biology. Gender is what you are socially considered woman or man. I found this very funny cause it is extremely true. Honestly, the articles were not too helpful to me in realizing the differences between these terms. What was the most helpful was the class discussion about the new sensation Chaz Bono. In class this discussion was by far the most informative about these topics. Chaz Bono is the famous Cher’s son who was at one point her darling daughter. Bono is now on tv’s popular tv series Dancing with the Stars. This has caused a ton of controversy due to his new persona. The publicity is very derogatory and very sad. The media believes that it has a negative impact on kids from all over the world. Media today affects gender roles vastly. On the majority of tv shows people are very bias to seeing the typical male female relationship. That is what is usually aired on television today. When it happens to be different, viewers appear to be shocked. It is very sad to see how bias television is and how derogatory they can be towards certain sexual preferences.
From being born to growing old, we are shaped by society every day. For instance, if you are a male and your mom dresses you up and plays dolls with you, the little boy will most likely be more feminine. This goes for girls as well. Given different circumstance can adjust the way you feel about different genders. The best example I can think of is, is where you live. Say one person is from the traditional, conservative state of Alabama where gays are scarce, to a more prominent gay area like San Francisco, California. The one who lives in Alabama is most likely going to be more scared to come out unlike the one in California. Only because it is not common and is considered completely different. If society was more accepting of what is not considered the “norm” than different gender roles would be more frequent, because our society is not like this it is shaping our world to be more scared.
Morgan Leaf
Online Day 3
By saying that "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.", Simone de Beauvoir means that becoming what society considers to be a woman is a socialization process and not something that is instilled in us naturally. It begins when we are born, being dressed in pink with flowers and lace, and told how beautiful we are. We are given dolls to play with, and markers to color with. We are cradled, and treated as though we are more delicate and fragile than a male. Boys at birth are dressed in blue with trucks and tools. They are allowed to play in the dirt, and instead of being babied when risks are taken, it is said that boys will be boys.
This brings me to the difference in sex and gender. I'll use the pants analogy to explain. Sex is what is in your pants. Gender is the pants you choose to wear. Sexuality is the pants you want to get into. Media influences these things greatly. There are so many shows on tv telling society what a woman is, how she should look, and what her roles are. People that are not on these shows are socialized to think this is what they should be to be accepted.
This brings me to the difference in sex and gender. I'll use the pants analogy to explain. Sex is what is in your pants. Gender is the pants you choose to wear. Sexuality is the pants you want to get into. Media influences these things greatly. There are so many shows on tv telling society what a woman is, how she should look, and what her roles are. People that are not on these shows are socialized to think this is what they should be to be accepted.
Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
I believe we are not born a man or woman at childbirth. However, as we get older we choose to become a man or woman. As a child we do childlike things; as an adult we think like an adult. To become a man or woman independence, maturity, and responsibility is much needed. As a child non of that is necessary. One's sex is "what's in their pants". Their gender is they were born male or female, but what you consider yourself as an individual male or female. Sexuality is determined on what sex you're interested in. You can be bisexual, homosexual, or heterosexual. Media will always construct constant change in what gender, sex, and sexuality mean. I believe we all know the basic tradition of a family---man and woman. If one wants to be heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual that is their choice of sexuality. Who are we to judge? No one should have to hold in not being able to talk about their significant other because society disagree. In the end, they have to deal with themselves not society.
Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
Simone de Beauvoir stated, "One is not born, but rather becomes a woman." I believe that what she meant by this was that biology does not determine if you are a man or a woman; as you grow older, you choose whether you are or want to be more of a man or more of a woman. If this is what Beauvoir meant by this, I completely disagree. I think that you are either born a girl or boy, which is determined by biology. However, you do not become a woman or a man until you grow up, gain independence, and can take responsibility for yourself and your actions. I feel that you cannot choose if you want to become a woman or a man. The choice is whether you want to stay a girl or become a woman, or if you want to stay a boy or beomce a man.
There is a difference between sex, gender, and sexuality. Sex is strictly biological determined. Based on what is in your pants, you are either a male or a female. Gender is whether you are socialized to be a man or woman, girl or boy. Gender construction begins when you are first born. If you are biologically a male, your parents may dress you in blue; and therefore, you will be treated as a boy. If you are biologically a female, your parents may dress you in pink; and therefore, you will be treated as a girl. There are traditional gender roles, such as men mow the lawn and women do the dishes; however, as stated in "Night to His Day: The Social Construction of Gender," "Gender roles change-today fathers are taking care of little children, girls and boys are wearing unisex clothing and getting the same education, women and men are working at the same jobs. Gender roles are not set in stone; they are flexible and are constantly changing. Sexuality is which gender you prefer in a sexual way. You are either heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. In "X: A Fabulous Child's Story," I think that it was very cruel to make your child think he or she was an "X." This would be extremely confusing to them, especially when it came to their sexuality. Child "X" would not know whether to be with a man or a woman when they grew up. More importantly, I know that I would never want to be in sexual relationship with an "X." By labeling their child "X," the parents were being selfish and cutting off potential friendships and sexual relationships that the child may build.
I think the media plays a huge role in today's society forming new definitions of sex, gender, and sexuality. Celebrities are constantly pushing the boudaries of what is acceptable for males and females to do socially; new gender roles are being made every second. People are even trying to change their sex by getting operations to be biologically different from their natural sex. Sexuality is constantly covered by the media; women are with women, men are with men, a woman is with a man and a woman, and the list goes on. Today, we live in a much more liberal society. Sex, gender, and sexuality will never be definitions that are set in stone.
-Kristi Bardosi
There is a difference between sex, gender, and sexuality. Sex is strictly biological determined. Based on what is in your pants, you are either a male or a female. Gender is whether you are socialized to be a man or woman, girl or boy. Gender construction begins when you are first born. If you are biologically a male, your parents may dress you in blue; and therefore, you will be treated as a boy. If you are biologically a female, your parents may dress you in pink; and therefore, you will be treated as a girl. There are traditional gender roles, such as men mow the lawn and women do the dishes; however, as stated in "Night to His Day: The Social Construction of Gender," "Gender roles change-today fathers are taking care of little children, girls and boys are wearing unisex clothing and getting the same education, women and men are working at the same jobs. Gender roles are not set in stone; they are flexible and are constantly changing. Sexuality is which gender you prefer in a sexual way. You are either heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. In "X: A Fabulous Child's Story," I think that it was very cruel to make your child think he or she was an "X." This would be extremely confusing to them, especially when it came to their sexuality. Child "X" would not know whether to be with a man or a woman when they grew up. More importantly, I know that I would never want to be in sexual relationship with an "X." By labeling their child "X," the parents were being selfish and cutting off potential friendships and sexual relationships that the child may build.
I think the media plays a huge role in today's society forming new definitions of sex, gender, and sexuality. Celebrities are constantly pushing the boudaries of what is acceptable for males and females to do socially; new gender roles are being made every second. People are even trying to change their sex by getting operations to be biologically different from their natural sex. Sexuality is constantly covered by the media; women are with women, men are with men, a woman is with a man and a woman, and the list goes on. Today, we live in a much more liberal society. Sex, gender, and sexuality will never be definitions that are set in stone.
-Kristi Bardosi
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Gender
After reading the assigned texts this week, I found them to be very interesting. I didn't particularly agree with the readings that referenced to children being taught their sex rather than it being natural to them. I can remember growing up and being told that girls didn't do certain things and they way girls should act, but those statements didn't make me aware that I was female. As far as I can remember, I've always known that I was a female. If I'm not mistaken this awareness didn't come from the clothes I wore or my haircut, it came natural to me as far as I'm concerned. I may be wrong about this, but, that's juts how I remember it.
The baby "X" reading was kind of disturbing to me, I found it rather strange that someone would actually take the time to write that. In a even more disturbing way,some people actually agree with a child "growing" into their sex instead of being born into it. Am I saying that all girls should be prissy and guys should be macho men, no. I am saying that parents shouldn't allow their children to act in a way that is not becoming. I cannot accurately describe what's becoming and what's not because everyone's parenting skills differ.
The baby "X" reading was kind of disturbing to me, I found it rather strange that someone would actually take the time to write that. In a even more disturbing way,some people actually agree with a child "growing" into their sex instead of being born into it. Am I saying that all girls should be prissy and guys should be macho men, no. I am saying that parents shouldn't allow their children to act in a way that is not becoming. I cannot accurately describe what's becoming and what's not because everyone's parenting skills differ.
The statement about someone growing into a woman means that a young lady grows into a woman in good morals, manners, and educating herself. My interpretation is more than likely a lot different than that author intended. By growing into a woman, she probably means a young child can act anyway that they'd like and at a given time they'll realize whether they are male or female when "it's time", i definitely don't agree with that. I'm not knocking anyone who does, but my opinion differs greatly.
Online Day 3
I believe that Simone De Beauvoir's quote is pretty much on point. I believe we are born into the world being a certain sex, but we don't become a woman or man till later on in life. Everyone overcomes certain obstacles by growing up and being raised certain ways. For instance, girls are raised to play with dolls and wear dresses while boys are raised to play with cars and play in mud. It is their choice to be what they want to be when they grow up. For a woman to become and woman and a man become a man they must have independence and learn to live on their own and not depend on anyone else.
The sex of a person is determined by "whats in the pants" and gender is the trait of an individual person and sexuality is what a person wants to be and how they see themselves.
I think the media makes everything worse in today's society. In our generation everything is getting more rebellious. Homosexuals keep their sexuality on the down low rather than letting everyone know about it. The media and the public looks down on homosexuals most of the time. I believe a person is going to be what they want to be, so let them be and dont judge them for who they are.
Malorie Cummings MWF 9:00
online day 3: gender
Simone de Beauvoir's statement is very spot on. We are born with a certain sex but I believe we grow into being women and men. It starts off by how we are raised. Girls are stereotyped to wear dresses and play with dolls, while boys dress in overalls and play with plastic swords. But what happens to the people in between? What about the girl that did not play with the dolls, or what about the boy who did not like to play in the dirt or fight? Does this person automatically become gay as some might think? I do not believe so. I think the way we are raised does greatly determine how we will act and what traits we possess, but I do not think if a boy starts playing with dolls he is “becoming a woman.”
I believe the attention from the media is greatly effecting the ideas of how people view sex, gender, and sexuality. Sex is a major topic on the eyes of media, let alone the whole country, and people will do anything to hear the next buzz about it. I feel like sexuality it you are a straight man or woman can be easily shown through the media and throughout our everyday lives without the person being scrutinized or looked at weirdly. But I do believe for homosexuals, sexuality is something kept more secretive. Homosexuals are looked upon if they demonstrate their sexuality freely and the general public usually is disgraced by this. Do you think that is right? Should gays and lesbians be able to demonstrate their sexuality more freely?
For this week's readings I thought one story was very interesting, “X: A Fabulous Child’s Story.” It talked about how the gender of the child was not told to anyone but the child's parents. I thought it was very interesting because the child was not stereotyped and knew it could be good at everything, which included male and female activities. “X” was very comfortable in it's own skin and I believe everyone should be comfortable in their sexuality because of this. The story gave me a sense that sex does determine a male or female, but gender defines who a person is and how they act.
-EMILY ZABOR
WS 200-007: Online Day 3: Gender Theory
In my opinion, woman aren't born a woman, just as Simone Beavoir quotes in an article I recently read. The actually quote was "one is not born, but rather becomes a woman." I agree with this quote because i feel that women are once girls, encounter obsticles during their lives, and eventually mature into what are known as "women". These in my opinion are mature women that have the ability to provide for themselves. In other words, independent.
It is clear that the media as well as the the way a lot of us were raised has influenced the way we view sex, gender, and sexuality. I was taught that gender is what we were all born with. gender is the way the see ourselves, as in musculine or feminine. and finally sexuality is the sex we personally prefer.
It is clear that the media as well as the the way a lot of us were raised has influenced the way we view sex, gender, and sexuality. I was taught that gender is what we were all born with. gender is the way the see ourselves, as in musculine or feminine. and finally sexuality is the sex we personally prefer.
Online Day 3: Gender Theory
"One is not born, but rather becomes a woman."
In my own opinion, this quote by Simone de Beauvoir means to me that when you are first bought into this world you are not automatically termed "a woman". You are shaped by your environment into becoming a woman. The things we as females go through as human beings shape us into women. Biology doesn't mean a thing when it comes down to being identified as a woman. When you assume the role that society has identified as being considered a woman is when you become a woman. Until then, you go through the motions of growing up and being shaped by the society you live in.
"To explain why gendering is done from birth, constantly and by everyone, we have to look not only at the way individuals experience gender but at gender as a social institution."
Quote from "Night to His Day"
We have to face facts we are influenced by society and the media when it comes down to identifying the differences of sex, gender, and sexuality. From birth you born with female or male body parts and systems and this identifies your sex to the world. Then from there this details your gender and what comes with being the gender you are what your supposed to do and not supposed to do. Then when it comes down to sexuality you are told by society that you are supposed to be straight, and your considered a rebel if you venture out of this.
The media with each generation is getting a bit more rebellious, but still stays within the required norms of society. An example I could use for what I'm trying to say would be the Herbal Essence commercials. You see the beautiful woman tossing her hair around and she's all made up into what a woman is supposed to look like and from the looks of it she has no clothes on! It's not too revealing though because they just show her naked shoulders. You don't see a man in this commercial because they want women to use this product preferrably. They try to stay within the accepted norms of society, but for a bit of edge she doesn't have a top on but they don't show anything below her shoulders. This is the media molding us...
This in my point of view is why Simone de Beauvoir's statement is such a powerful one because it reflects on the past and the present period.
In my own opinion, this quote by Simone de Beauvoir means to me that when you are first bought into this world you are not automatically termed "a woman". You are shaped by your environment into becoming a woman. The things we as females go through as human beings shape us into women. Biology doesn't mean a thing when it comes down to being identified as a woman. When you assume the role that society has identified as being considered a woman is when you become a woman. Until then, you go through the motions of growing up and being shaped by the society you live in.
"To explain why gendering is done from birth, constantly and by everyone, we have to look not only at the way individuals experience gender but at gender as a social institution."
Quote from "Night to His Day"
We have to face facts we are influenced by society and the media when it comes down to identifying the differences of sex, gender, and sexuality. From birth you born with female or male body parts and systems and this identifies your sex to the world. Then from there this details your gender and what comes with being the gender you are what your supposed to do and not supposed to do. Then when it comes down to sexuality you are told by society that you are supposed to be straight, and your considered a rebel if you venture out of this.
The media with each generation is getting a bit more rebellious, but still stays within the required norms of society. An example I could use for what I'm trying to say would be the Herbal Essence commercials. You see the beautiful woman tossing her hair around and she's all made up into what a woman is supposed to look like and from the looks of it she has no clothes on! It's not too revealing though because they just show her naked shoulders. You don't see a man in this commercial because they want women to use this product preferrably. They try to stay within the accepted norms of society, but for a bit of edge she doesn't have a top on but they don't show anything below her shoulders. This is the media molding us...
This in my point of view is why Simone de Beauvoir's statement is such a powerful one because it reflects on the past and the present period.
Online Day 3
By stating "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman", Simone de Beauvoir meant that women are not automatically considered as "women", but they have to go through obstacles to develop in order to become a woman. By that I mean, it takes time to become a woman. Just because you are twenty years old or older does not make you a woman. Being a woman requires responsibility and independence. Some adults are not even considered as women. So i believe no woman is born a woman already, it takes time.
The sex of a person is how a male and female are distinguished structurally and functionally. Gender is defined as the psychological traits associated with one's sex. Last but not least, sexuality is how a person sees themselves. Media today is basically straight forward. We are exposed to how women are "suppose to act or dress" and how men are "suppose to act or dress". A boy is brought up to be a provider for his family. Also, the majority of men feel the need to be emotionless. We as women are taught to be nurturing human beings. Our feelings about certain situations run deeper than men, in my opinion.
In "Night to His Day": The Social Construction of Gender, Lorder argued that gender is a paradox. I guess by that she meant women can be women, but sometimes dress as boys or vice versa. Well, one can say it is most likely to see a girl dressed as a tomboy, rather than a boy dressed like a girl. Also stated in the reading, Lorder explained that as a social constitution, gender is one of the major ways that human beings organize their lives. In "We are All Works in Progress", I agree that gender is a social construct because to reiterate what i stated before, men are brought up to act a certain way and women are brought up to act a certain way as well. This upbringing would be described as a social norm.
-Bianca Jones MWF 9-9:50am
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
WS 200-007: Midwifery
in response to vanicka, i totally agree with what was said about the pain in child birth, and also why it is a law in Alabama. i feel that reproductive justice is the key for women to gain the right to give birth where and when they please.
WS 200-007: Midwifes
WS 200-007: Midwifes: in response to Meisha, i agree with what you said about having a child accompanied by a midwife is safe pertaining to medical drugs. however i will say so is a birth at home. but this is simply because you have to remember that not all deliveries happen so smoothly.
Gender Theory
Simone de Beauvoir wrote "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman." What do you think she means by this? What is the difference of sex, gender and sexuality and how much does media influence our ideas of them? Use this week's readings to talk about how society shapes us from infancy to become "men" or "women."
Monday, September 19, 2011
Midwifery
Personally, I believe that a natural birth is not allowed in the state of Alabama because it is a very traditional and conservative state that is stuck in it's ways. I also think that the majority of people feel that with a drug induced birth it is more sufficient and safe. Whenever hospitals, drugs, or doctors are involved the majority of people are going to be more bias. Regardless, of these circumstances I firmly believe that people should give natural birth a chance.
I do believe everyone should have a choice of whether or not they want a natural birth or not. By no means should it be one or the other. “The Business of Being Born,” enlightened me about the term midwifery. I found this topic to be extremely intriguing because it showed how some woman are disrespected and taken advantage of during labor. With midwives in place, this can be easily prevented. Personally, I would define midwifery as a way to incorporate the woman's voice and to respect her morals. In labor it is very intimidating when a doctor says what they should do, that is why often times they do whatever the doctor says. Sometimes this is emotionally scarring for woman as well as physically scarring. Midwives do their best to make birth a pleasant and painless experience. They also make sure they make sure everyone feels equal. A lot of the time after birth woman do not feel happy about their birth. While watching “The Business of Being Born,” I was astounded to see the reactions and results of each birth. Honestly, I rather not be consumed by drugs during the birth of my baby if it is going to affect my baby in the end. It seems to me that it is much more special to experience a natural birth in your own home. Rather than being in a hospital where there are sick people I rather be in the comfort of my own home. After doing extensive research on Midwifery the most simplistic definition I could come up with is the right of every woman to ensure the best possible outcome for her soon to be baby. Someone who practices midwifery is known to be a midwife. Midwives refer to both men and women who are involved with midwifery. Their goal is to provide a woman with a safe and natural birth experience unlike the ones of hospitals. I believe that hospitals want you in and out as fast as possible. They are not concerned about the amount of drugs they are putting in your body but, they are concerned about getting home or even just going to the next patient. Midwives strive to make you as comfortable as possible and not rush this experience. Although some do not think that these midwives are capable of complications, these people think wrong. Midwives are fully capable of dealing with the majority of complications. They can deliver twins, breech births and posterior position.
Overall I think that the idea of natural birth is a very special and sacred experience for one to undergo. They used this method centuries ago so why not continue.
Midwifery
“The Business of Being Born,” enlightened me about the term midwifery. I found this topic to be extremely intriguing because it showed how some woman are disrespected and taken advantage of during labor. With midwives in place, this can be easily prevented. Personally, I would define midwifery as a way to incorporate the woman's voice and to respect her morals. In labor it is very intimidating when a doctor says what they should do, that is why often times they do whatever the doctor says. Sometimes this is emotionally scarring for woman as well as physically scarring. Midwives do their best to make birth a pleasant and painless experience. They also make sure they make sure everyone feels equal. A lot of the time after birth woman do not feel happy about their birth. While watching “The Business of Being Born,” I was astounded to see the reactions and results of each birth. Honestly, I rather not be consumed by drugs during the birth of my baby if it is going to affect my baby in the end. It seems to me that it is much more special to experience a natural birth in your own home. Rather than being in a hospital where there are sick people I rather be in the comfort of my own home. After doing extensive research on Midwifery the most simplistic definition I could come up with is the right of every woman to ensure the best possible outcome for her soon to be baby. Someone who practices midwifery is known to be a midwife. Midwives refer to both men and women who are involved with midwifery. Their goal is to provide a woman with a safe and natural birth experience unlike the ones of hospitals. I believe that hospitals want you in and out as fast as possible. They are not concerned about the amount of drugs they are putting in your body but, they are concerned about getting home or even just going to the next patient. Midwives strive to make you as comfortable as possible and not rush this experience. Although some do not think that these midwives are capable of complications, these people think wrong. Midwives are fully capable of dealing with the majority of complications. They can deliver twins, breech births and posterior position.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Midwifery
Before watching “The Business of Being Born,” I had never heard the term “Midwifery.” Although I knew that some women chose to birth naturally, I did not know there was a name for it or the extent of the practice. Seeing as I didn’t even know what Midwifery was, this shows that the majority of women in the United States are unaware of the issues involving reproductive justice. I think that Midwifery is still illegal in many states because the issue isn’t widely publicized. If the public isn’t informed about the practices of Midwifery, then there obviously will be no concern shown by women or men.
I think that Midwifery is still illegal due to society’s distrust of women’s decision making processes as well as distrust of their bodies. Melanie DeMaeyer wrote in “Living Incubator, Fetal Container, or a Womb with Legs,” that women are basically used for their reproductive organs and have no control over their own bodies. I agree with DeMaeyer’s argument in saying that women are thought of as subjects of others instead of being treated as equals in society.
Another reason I believe Midwifery is still illegal in many areas is because the majority of the United States is content with the way women traditionally give birth in hospitals. This is true because most women are not informed on the proper way to give birth and what is actually the healthiest, most comfortable way to birth a child. After watching the movie, I learned for the first time of the unsafe nature of many of the drugs that doctors give women in labor in order to carry along the process faster. The busy schedules of doctors and nurses in hospitals makes a relaxed birth almost impossible and many of the methods used are in order to ensure the comfort of the doctors, not the laboring women.
I firmly believe that if society had more awareness about the practice of Midwifery and knew the truths about the impersonal nature of many hospital births, there would be a great boost in participation on women’s reproductive justices. Both men and women who are expecting children or plan on having children someday would be much more likely to support Midwifery if they were properly informed. In order for women and men to fight for reproductive justices and Midwifery, the issues must be more widely spread and made aware to the public.
I think that Midwifery is still illegal due to society’s distrust of women’s decision making processes as well as distrust of their bodies. Melanie DeMaeyer wrote in “Living Incubator, Fetal Container, or a Womb with Legs,” that women are basically used for their reproductive organs and have no control over their own bodies. I agree with DeMaeyer’s argument in saying that women are thought of as subjects of others instead of being treated as equals in society.
Another reason I believe Midwifery is still illegal in many areas is because the majority of the United States is content with the way women traditionally give birth in hospitals. This is true because most women are not informed on the proper way to give birth and what is actually the healthiest, most comfortable way to birth a child. After watching the movie, I learned for the first time of the unsafe nature of many of the drugs that doctors give women in labor in order to carry along the process faster. The busy schedules of doctors and nurses in hospitals makes a relaxed birth almost impossible and many of the methods used are in order to ensure the comfort of the doctors, not the laboring women.
I firmly believe that if society had more awareness about the practice of Midwifery and knew the truths about the impersonal nature of many hospital births, there would be a great boost in participation on women’s reproductive justices. Both men and women who are expecting children or plan on having children someday would be much more likely to support Midwifery if they were properly informed. In order for women and men to fight for reproductive justices and Midwifery, the issues must be more widely spread and made aware to the public.
Midwives
Midwives as well as hospitals both offer positives and negatives that involve birthing a baby. Having a birth with the assistance of a midwife may be reassuring to a mother because the birth is in the comfort of her own home. It really depends on what kind of person you are because others might feel safer with more than one person assisting you in having the baby. The appointments of the two births are also very different. A prenatal appointment at the hospital may consist of a five to ten minute visit with the doctor and the appointment with a midwife may consist of thirty minutes to an hour just because the midwife not only wants to see how the baby's doing, but wants to see how the mother is doing also.
I really can understand having a birth with the assistance of a midwife as well as having a birth in a hospital. Having a birth at home in my opinion is more peaceful and allows the mother to really get involved with the birth whereas in a hospital, they drug you up and pull the baby out themselves and sometimes perform a c-secton. According to the video we watched in class on Wednesday, having a birth in a hospital is much more complicated as for as the health of the baby. Alot of things could go wrong in doing so and it just can be harmful to the baby. At the same time having a birth in the hospital is now pretty much an american tradition, so we might get looked at crazy by a family member if we decided to have a birth at home.
On the other hand birthing while at home can also have its complications. A midwife does not have all the technology a hospital may own. Yes, having a midwife can be a great benefit because the health of the baby is believed to be better this way. I guess its just a personal preference and what that person can afford because I'm aware that they both have their price differences. A birth at a hospital is usually less expensive if you have insurance.
I really can understand having a birth with the assistance of a midwife as well as having a birth in a hospital. Having a birth at home in my opinion is more peaceful and allows the mother to really get involved with the birth whereas in a hospital, they drug you up and pull the baby out themselves and sometimes perform a c-secton. According to the video we watched in class on Wednesday, having a birth in a hospital is much more complicated as for as the health of the baby. Alot of things could go wrong in doing so and it just can be harmful to the baby. At the same time having a birth in the hospital is now pretty much an american tradition, so we might get looked at crazy by a family member if we decided to have a birth at home.
On the other hand birthing while at home can also have its complications. A midwife does not have all the technology a hospital may own. Yes, having a midwife can be a great benefit because the health of the baby is believed to be better this way. I guess its just a personal preference and what that person can afford because I'm aware that they both have their price differences. A birth at a hospital is usually less expensive if you have insurance.
Midwifery
Midwifery is illegal in 14 states including the great state of Alabama.Which I think that law should be changed in all 14 states due to certain reasons. Hospital pregnancies can cause the mother more pain than necessary. Hospitals often dope mothers up on medicine to speed their process of contractions up. While pregnant women in Alabama deserve the option of choosing to have their children at home or in the hospital bed. Due to the laws of Alabama pregnant women aren't allowed this option. Midwifery also causes the women to receive less pain than hospitals. While it also allows the mother to have a natural birth. After watching the video in class I've come to the conclusion that midwifery benefits the child more than a hospital pregnancy. Midwives are trained individuals who have attended school to only help women bring new life to the world. While doctors in hospitals are not necessarily equipped with the knowledge midwives have when it comes to pregnancies. While there are surgeons who deliver babies in hospitals everyday. They attended school to perform open heart surgeries and emergency surgeries. Why are they in the delivery room delivering babies? This the reason the United States lies at the bottom when it comes to birth rates among countries worldwide. We don't have enough doctor's who specifically just focus on delivering babies all day. Until this problem gets fixed then we will remain at the bottom of birth rates worldwide.
Midwifery
I have researched and learned more than I knew about midwifery. I think its so much less painful on women versus having a child in a hospital. some medications given in a hospital that are suppose to help with the mother's pain, instead is harmful to the child. Though i believe midwifery is to a certain extent a profession, I believe it is illegal in Alabama because it is seen as an unsafe and unhealthy birth. Also, if women showed a great deal of interest in midwifery, hospitals would be losing a lot of money.
I think legislation would be challenged if women are better informed of their reproductive justice rights. Women have the right to decide how, when, and where they want to give childbirth. Therefore, I do not understand why midwifery is illegal not only in Alabama, but other states also. I think legislation should make midwifery legal. The practice should be open to the women who have the right to have their child how they want to. If women disagree with the practice and choose to have their baby otherwise; the hospitals are there to go to. reproductive justice allows the woman to choose ho she wants to give childbirth.
Midwifery In Alabama
Before watching "The Business of Being Born", I wasn't aware of the many dangers of the medicines that mothers were given during birth. I think that if women knew how much the drugs that they took could harm their children, there would be fewer taking those drugs. I am puzzled on why midwives are illegal in Alabama. It seems as if the legislators are uneducated on the role that midwives play in births. Midwives have evolved over the years and are no longer random women, they are educated nurses that are doing well at their craft. Before watching the film, I didn't know that midwifery was so complex with agencies and women who were dedicated to midwifery alone.
If more people were educated on midwifery, the attitudes towards it would more than likely be different. Since the norm today for births take place at hospitals with medicines and doctors, it's going to take awhile for people to even consider having children at home with a midwife instead of going to a hospital with a doctor.
I was very surprised when the doctor in the movie said that labor pains increased when the mother is given certain drugs during the delivery. This goes back to people being uneducated on the fact of midwifery. I don't know anyone who would choose to be in more pain when there is a way that the pain can be reduced. Although I am indifferent on whether people choose midwifery of not, I do believe that women should have a choice in the way that their children are born.
If more people were educated on midwifery, the attitudes towards it would more than likely be different. Since the norm today for births take place at hospitals with medicines and doctors, it's going to take awhile for people to even consider having children at home with a midwife instead of going to a hospital with a doctor.
I was very surprised when the doctor in the movie said that labor pains increased when the mother is given certain drugs during the delivery. This goes back to people being uneducated on the fact of midwifery. I don't know anyone who would choose to be in more pain when there is a way that the pain can be reduced. Although I am indifferent on whether people choose midwifery of not, I do believe that women should have a choice in the way that their children are born.
Online Day 2 / Midwifery
I can see why midwifery is outlawed in the state of Alabama as well as 14 other states. It really is a profession that is not really safe for the mother nor the child. Also the main purpose of a midwife is to simply offer the woman a natural childbirth. Now that technology has advanced the way it has, there really is no need for a midwife. That is just a request by the family of the mother and herself.
However, in ancient times (in the Old Testament) there were speakings of a midwife being recognized a natural profession for a woman. I believe this was so because of the lack of doctors and the cost of a doctor. Some midwives were actually seen back then as trained physicians and received a steady income for performing their duties. With midwives present, the majority of births have shown to come with less complications, however.
Online Day 2: Midwifery
After watching "The Business of Being Born," I believe Midwifery is illegal in the state of Alabama because it is seen as too dangerous. The movie portrays Midwifery as this process so easy and beautiful, and yes it is beautiful to have natural childbirth, but what if there are complications. A midwife cannot save a child or the mother if something severe happens. Only a doctor knows how to do this, and this is why children are born in hospitals. I do not think that the hospital distrusts a woman's body but instead wants to protect it if something does happen.
My choice would be to have my child in a hospital, but I do think women should be able to have their kids the way they want to. "The Business of Being Born" states that the epidural does not help with the pain of having a child and it is easier to have natural childbirth, but this is wrong. The doctor's are only trying to make it easier and they women should not be scared of having a child in a hospital. On the other hand, it is a scary decision to have a midwife if there are complications. To get pregnant and have a baby is one of the biggest decisions a family can make, therefore I do think the woman should be able to choose her own method of childbirth. In doing so I do think legislation might change if women were more informed on how midwives were used.
Something I would implement in order to bridge both of the issues of having a child in a hospital or using a midwife would be to have midwives hired by hospitals. This would be easier for women who do not want or need medication and do not have any complications. This would also help doctors not rush through pregnancies and focus more on the women who have severe surgeries in front of them. Yes, this might cost a little more but I do believe it would be more beneficial for the woman. The knowledge of the doctor's could be combined and the United States could end up as the highest rates of childbirth instead of low rates of babies dying during childbirth.
-Emily Zabor MWF @9 am
My choice would be to have my child in a hospital, but I do think women should be able to have their kids the way they want to. "The Business of Being Born" states that the epidural does not help with the pain of having a child and it is easier to have natural childbirth, but this is wrong. The doctor's are only trying to make it easier and they women should not be scared of having a child in a hospital. On the other hand, it is a scary decision to have a midwife if there are complications. To get pregnant and have a baby is one of the biggest decisions a family can make, therefore I do think the woman should be able to choose her own method of childbirth. In doing so I do think legislation might change if women were more informed on how midwives were used.
Something I would implement in order to bridge both of the issues of having a child in a hospital or using a midwife would be to have midwives hired by hospitals. This would be easier for women who do not want or need medication and do not have any complications. This would also help doctors not rush through pregnancies and focus more on the women who have severe surgeries in front of them. Yes, this might cost a little more but I do believe it would be more beneficial for the woman. The knowledge of the doctor's could be combined and the United States could end up as the highest rates of childbirth instead of low rates of babies dying during childbirth.
-Emily Zabor MWF @9 am
Thursday, September 15, 2011
WS 200-007: Midwifery in Alabama.
I think that midwifery is illegal in the state of Alabama because it is a very conservative state and it still holds true the value that "men are above women." I think that they don't want women to have the right to choose which method of birth they would like to go through. I also think that it is a business for the hospital. For example, women pay the hospital for medicine and sedatives needed during labor. Midwifery costs almost $10,000 less than hospital births. I think that more women should consider midwifery because it seems healthier for the baby and for the mother. All parties involved seem to have a more pleasant and peaceful experience, however I do still think that hospitals should be an option. I want women to have the choice on what they want to do.
If women were more informed about reproductive justice, I do think it would make a difference in legislation because women would see that they actually have options. I'm sure many women don't even know home-birthing is even an option. If more women knew about midwifery, I truly do believe that legislation would consider revisiting their decision. I would like for both women and ment to be more open to the idea of midwifery and the benefits of it. The documentary proved that home-births were a lot safer than the hospital methods. Babies are born alert with their correct coloring, instead of bluish/gray and dazed. I feel that the documentary proved the home birthing method was much safer than other procedures.
If women were more informed about reproductive justice, I do think it would make a difference in legislation because women would see that they actually have options. I'm sure many women don't even know home-birthing is even an option. If more women knew about midwifery, I truly do believe that legislation would consider revisiting their decision. I would like for both women and ment to be more open to the idea of midwifery and the benefits of it. The documentary proved that home-births were a lot safer than the hospital methods. Babies are born alert with their correct coloring, instead of bluish/gray and dazed. I feel that the documentary proved the home birthing method was much safer than other procedures.
Midwifery..Post#2
Midwifery is one of the oldest practices in the world. A midwife is a woman who took care of the pregnant woman and helped her deliver the baby. The reason why i think midwifery is illegal in Alabama is because it is so outdated and unsafe. In doing research to find out more information about midwifery, I found out that is illegal in only 15 states. Midwifery was performed before other methods of birthing a child came about. If there was any complications while birthing the child, it was very dangerous because the midwife was not trained for it. Even though midwifery is very dangerous, I feel that if the woman wants to birth their child at home and there is no complications with the mother or child then it is perfectly fine. Surprisingly alot of women would rather have a "natural birth".
Before this class i had no idea what reproductive justice was. In fact, I have never heard of it before. Relating reproductive justice to midwifery, I believe the man should have no say so in where or how the woman chooses to have her child. Even though having a natural birth could be dangerous without doctors and professionals around, having the baby at the hospital could also be harmful to the baby because of all the medicines they give to the mom. So overall midwifery without any complications could actually come out better and the baby will be healthier without all of the medicines.
Midwives in AL
I believe having a midwife is illegal here in Alabama because government likes having a sense of control and for the sheer fact of being uneducated on what midwives entail. Today, being pregnant is now a showy thing - an attention grabber. I'm not saying it isn't something that should highlighted because it should - pregnancy is a joyous moment in a woman's life - but it's taken too far sometimes. For example, in out reading, Living Incubator, Fetal Container, or a "Womb with Legs?", it talks about Lucille Ball's public pregnancy. I believe this helped women feel more open about their own pregnancies. However, it is taken to extreme when they are on covers of the headline magazines and are being gossiped about. With all the new technology, publicity is playing its part. Women have kinda been suckered into thinking the better the technology, the safer and less painful birth. The women who are more publicity hungry have gotten into, I think, a technology competition - who can afford the highest and most effective process, as well as, the best known doctor. Now that hospitals have captured women, coming in and out, and with all of the money funding that comes along with this, women in Alabama are unable to choose a midwife way of birth.
Another reason why I believe midwifery is illegal is because people are simple not well educated on what exactly a midwife is and does. I admit that I had no clue what a midwife was before taking this class. It also has me thinking about all of the men who are high up. In the government, there are more men based choices, and they are making choices for women when they in fact see no other than their own. Men typically share little say-so in how their wife or a woman gives birth. It just does not mean as much to them as it does women. Having said that, they are oblivious to what they are keeping their wives, girlfriends, sisters, friends, etc from. Midwifery being illegal is sort of like saying, having a natural childbirth is foolish and unheard of. A pregnant woman's baby is hers and her husbands, plain and simple. She deserves to decide how she wants to have her baby without the persuasion of technology and doctors.
Another reason why I believe midwifery is illegal is because people are simple not well educated on what exactly a midwife is and does. I admit that I had no clue what a midwife was before taking this class. It also has me thinking about all of the men who are high up. In the government, there are more men based choices, and they are making choices for women when they in fact see no other than their own. Men typically share little say-so in how their wife or a woman gives birth. It just does not mean as much to them as it does women. Having said that, they are oblivious to what they are keeping their wives, girlfriends, sisters, friends, etc from. Midwifery being illegal is sort of like saying, having a natural childbirth is foolish and unheard of. A pregnant woman's baby is hers and her husbands, plain and simple. She deserves to decide how she wants to have her baby without the persuasion of technology and doctors.
Midwives in Alabama
Regarding the situation that the State of Alabama is one of 15 state that have made midwifes illegal, my position is that Alabama, along with the 14 other state under the same law, are stuck in the stereotype that midwifes are old-fashion, and unsafe.
Anyone, including myself until Wednesday's class, who has not learned about how midwives work, are under the impression that it is just a weird, unsanitary, and painful way to giving birth. This is the stereotype we are being influenced by. When I first thought of the term midwives in class, it immediately brought my mind to the way midwifes are portrayed in the movie "Backup Plan." In this movie, a lady having her baby at home looked as if she had been possessed by a demon with the sounds and expressions she made as well as how she portrayed it to be an unbearable discomfort. It is movies like these that make me, and I am sure many others as well, freak out about the idea of having a baby in your home.
Although there were areas in the movie "Business of Being Born" that grossed me out and made me feel a little uncomfortable, I learned that having a midwife was definitely a better, safer, and less painful alternative to your typical birth in a hospital by an OB/GYN. I definitely feel like Alabama is in a state of misunderstanding towards the idea of having a midwife. I think eventually when midwifing makes a come-back in our Nation, that Alabama, along with the other states who enforce hospital births, will demolish this law due to realizing that it is a safe practice that puts mother and baby first.
Midwifery in Alabama
I feel like Alabama is still stuck in a lot of their old ways. Many topics such as racism and sexism exist here in the deep south more than anywhere else because of the traditions the south upholds. I think this is one of the reasons why the government has made Midwifery illegal. They may not think that women should make their own decisions, but instead, a man should make decisions for them instead. The man in this case would be the doctor. However, I can also see the side where the government would make this illegal because it is unsafe. While midwifery is probably more unsafe than having the baby in the hospital when it comes to complications, the video even said that many complications come from the medication that the doctor's give you as well as the position you're in when you have a baby. This video really made my eyes open to the idea of midwifery and how it can actually be a good idea for those that want the entire natural birth experience.
I think that it would make a difference in legislation if people were more educated about reproductive justice. Maybe then women would be less afraid of other options when it comes to birth and their bodies if they were more educated on the subject. I think that women and men both would re-think the birthing process if they knew more about what happens when the hospital puts all of those drugs into your body and deprives your baby of oxygen. While I used to think midwifery was weird and not practical, this video made me realize why people still do it.
Overall, there are pros and cons to midwifery. It's unsafe if you have complications, but if everything goes according to plan, the baby ends up being healthier in general without all of the medication and the position they are in when giving birth.
Midwifery in Alabama.
After watching the beginning of "The Business of Being Born", I believe that Midwifery is still illegal in our state because everyone has gotten so use to going to the hospital to deliver their babies. I honestly believe that the thought of not being on medication while in labor frightens America, that is why most are probably against natural births. Society is under the impression that hospitals are the safest way. The medication the doctor gives a pregnant women is suppose to "ease the pain". I am more than sure that half of the society is clueless to that fact that medications the doctors supply could cause danger towards a newborn's health. I did not even know that, prior to seeing the movie.
Before watching "The Business of Being Born",I did not know that natural births were still thought about. In my opinion, the thought of births scare the heck out of me. As a matter of fact, the woman giving birth to her newborn in her oldest child's swimming pool caught me offguard! Furthermore, as far as natural birth being illegal in Alabama, i completely understand. I do not believe that midwives are trained enough to handle a women if something tragic happens. Do not get me wrong, the midwives featured in the movie seemed educated and all, but as a viewer, natural births would still leave me undecided.
I do not believe that natural birthing henders the decision making process of a woman whatsoever. It is absolutely up to the woman, as to whether hospitals or natural birthing is safer. If women were better informed about the issues of reproductive justice, I do not think it would make a difference in legislation. As Americans, yes we do have a right to voice our opinion, but safety overpowers opinions and I believe that is why natural births are still illegal in Alabama. As for the Egg and Sperm reading, Emily Martin made developed great arguments although it seemed as if she was whining the whole time. To sum it up, she explained how biology books basically makes it seems as if sperm is superior when it comes to a women's egg. Relating back to the story, I believe that in this case, the man most likely will not have a say so as to whether a woman should go through a natural birth or deliver at a hospital because it all comes to down what SHE is most comfortable with. Not that the way their children are born matters to the men anyway.
-Bianca Jones 9-9:50am MW Class.
Before watching "The Business of Being Born",I did not know that natural births were still thought about. In my opinion, the thought of births scare the heck out of me. As a matter of fact, the woman giving birth to her newborn in her oldest child's swimming pool caught me offguard! Furthermore, as far as natural birth being illegal in Alabama, i completely understand. I do not believe that midwives are trained enough to handle a women if something tragic happens. Do not get me wrong, the midwives featured in the movie seemed educated and all, but as a viewer, natural births would still leave me undecided.
I do not believe that natural birthing henders the decision making process of a woman whatsoever. It is absolutely up to the woman, as to whether hospitals or natural birthing is safer. If women were better informed about the issues of reproductive justice, I do not think it would make a difference in legislation. As Americans, yes we do have a right to voice our opinion, but safety overpowers opinions and I believe that is why natural births are still illegal in Alabama. As for the Egg and Sperm reading, Emily Martin made developed great arguments although it seemed as if she was whining the whole time. To sum it up, she explained how biology books basically makes it seems as if sperm is superior when it comes to a women's egg. Relating back to the story, I believe that in this case, the man most likely will not have a say so as to whether a woman should go through a natural birth or deliver at a hospital because it all comes to down what SHE is most comfortable with. Not that the way their children are born matters to the men anyway.
-Bianca Jones 9-9:50am MW Class.
Midwifery & Alabama
In my opinion, I think that midwifery is illegal here in the state of Alabama because our conservative government is very skeptic when it comes to the idea of midwifery. Since it's not a huge profession here in America they don't consider its legitimacy. The government would like to be in control when it comes to knowing how many births have taken place here in Alabama and among other things. I believe this still can be possible even if midwifery was legalized here in Alabama.
I understand that there are some women who would like to have a natural birth at home with a midwife, but there are some safety issues that have to be considered. This is probably another reason as to why it has not been legalized here in Alabama. Even though these midwives have been trained there is only so much you can do for a baby or a mother if the right equipment isn't available on hand. This could cause huge problems that the government does not need. So this could be another reason as to why its restricted here in Alabama. If the government were to set down guidelines and have classes for midwives into what the government wants them to do then the government would be a bit more open to it.
Since not a large amount of women here in Alabama have really considered having a midwife the state does not worry about it and maintains its restrictions. This only happens because a large amount of women here in Alabama do not know about reproductive justice. I know I've never heard about it until I took this class. Would the legislation consider changing its mind if women were better informed? Maybe, but they still want to have some type of control over the situation. So alot would have to be worked out.
When it comes down to the whole process with men I havent really heard of a man making a big deal about were his child is born, it's mostly the women who really care about this process. I think we all need to learn more about midwifery and the government included so they can express their concerns and midwives can answer their questions. Until then, we are going to be at this standstill for quite awhile.
Jessica Ebikake
9-9:50 AM MW
I understand that there are some women who would like to have a natural birth at home with a midwife, but there are some safety issues that have to be considered. This is probably another reason as to why it has not been legalized here in Alabama. Even though these midwives have been trained there is only so much you can do for a baby or a mother if the right equipment isn't available on hand. This could cause huge problems that the government does not need. So this could be another reason as to why its restricted here in Alabama. If the government were to set down guidelines and have classes for midwives into what the government wants them to do then the government would be a bit more open to it.
Since not a large amount of women here in Alabama have really considered having a midwife the state does not worry about it and maintains its restrictions. This only happens because a large amount of women here in Alabama do not know about reproductive justice. I know I've never heard about it until I took this class. Would the legislation consider changing its mind if women were better informed? Maybe, but they still want to have some type of control over the situation. So alot would have to be worked out.
When it comes down to the whole process with men I havent really heard of a man making a big deal about were his child is born, it's mostly the women who really care about this process. I think we all need to learn more about midwifery and the government included so they can express their concerns and midwives can answer their questions. Until then, we are going to be at this standstill for quite awhile.
Jessica Ebikake
9-9:50 AM MW
Online Posting 2
In my opinion, I feel that women should have the right to choose where and how they have their babies. If the child isn't at risk of being born with any medical issues, I feel that it is perfectly acceptable for a midwife to help with the deliver. Before doctors were delivering children, midwives successfully delivered children that matured to full adulthood. The movie also stated that the US has the most child deaths during birth in the world. In Europe, midwives deliver most of the children. In the same rankings for baby deaths, European countries have the fewest every year. This piece of information goes to show that midwives are very safe for child deliveries. They aren't as educated when it comes to classes and operating rooms, but they make up for that with experience. They allow the woman's body to do its job naturally, only stepping in when needed. I don't think that it should be illegal to use midwives in Alabama. Women should have the right to deliver their baby by whatever makes them more comfortable, as long as there is no serious risk for the child or the mother.
Online day 2
Before watching the video, I was not even familiar with that the term "midwife" was or meant. So watching the video didn't completely change my mind, as the entire subject has just been introduced to me, but it did spark a definite interest and open my eyes to the fact that there are more options in the world than what i've been seeing. It's also caused me to think about how I want to bear my children when I have them.... I do feel that women should be far more educated about all the possibilities for them.
As far as the legality of midwifery, I seriously feel like it should be legal. Making it legal does not force anyone to participate in the practice. It simply gives them the freedom to do what they want to with their bodies and children. It's probably still illegal in alabama, because we aren't the most progressive state in the country(in case you didn't know), and because the hospitals earn money this way. The people in this state that actually have the money to fight for a cause or make a stance are generally doctors and farmers... So of course the doctors push to keep the birthing process in their offices(and wallets). I haven't done enough research to say whether it's safe to have a midwife yet, but just off the top of my head, I think I would feel safer for my child being around professionals just in case something seriously goes wrong. But that view could just come from being socialized my entire life thinking birthing can only happen in the hospital.
Of course I do feel like midwifery would become far more common if people were educated about all their options. I think there's just a negative stigma on anything but hospital births now days, so people just try to fit the mold. They think they're doing what's best, but in reality most do not know all the choices that are out there, and they have not been informed of all the positive things that come from each option. I think education levels definitely influence change, so yes, I think the birthing process would be viewed differently.
As far as the legality of midwifery, I seriously feel like it should be legal. Making it legal does not force anyone to participate in the practice. It simply gives them the freedom to do what they want to with their bodies and children. It's probably still illegal in alabama, because we aren't the most progressive state in the country(in case you didn't know), and because the hospitals earn money this way. The people in this state that actually have the money to fight for a cause or make a stance are generally doctors and farmers... So of course the doctors push to keep the birthing process in their offices(and wallets). I haven't done enough research to say whether it's safe to have a midwife yet, but just off the top of my head, I think I would feel safer for my child being around professionals just in case something seriously goes wrong. But that view could just come from being socialized my entire life thinking birthing can only happen in the hospital.
Of course I do feel like midwifery would become far more common if people were educated about all their options. I think there's just a negative stigma on anything but hospital births now days, so people just try to fit the mold. They think they're doing what's best, but in reality most do not know all the choices that are out there, and they have not been informed of all the positive things that come from each option. I think education levels definitely influence change, so yes, I think the birthing process would be viewed differently.
Midwifery
I think midwifery is still illegal in Alabama because it is typically viewed as something that is completely outdated, unprofessional, and unsafe. Alabama, as a whole, is definitely more conservative than it is liberal, and I believe that the modern midwife is viewed as a liberal profession.
I think that midwifery is completely unsafe. It is not a distrust of women's bodies and the decision making process. Midwifery was how babies were delivered centuries ago before hospitals and doctors existed. It was the only way women knew to deliver a baby before modern technology and other methods were invented and discovered. If a delivery undergoes complications, midwifes are not trained to handle it; the baby is not safe. Delivering a baby is the hospital with a trained doctor is the only logical option. If there are complications with the delivery, there is team of professionals waiting and ready to take action to protect the mother and the baby.
If women were better informed about the issues of reproductive justice, I do not think it would make a difference in legislation. I believe this because the legislation against midwifery is only looking out for the ultimate safety of the mother and her child. Women should be thankful for the legislation instead of considering it to be an act of reproductive injustice. "The Business of Being Born," portrays giving birth in the hospital to be the worst idea ever. They make it seem as if the doctors and nurses have no interest in the mother and child. If this was the case, then no mother would want to give birth in a hospital and hospitals would not have the success rate of healthy babies that they currently do. If women and men were better informed about the issues of reproductive justice, I do not think they would make different decisions about how children were born. If anything, I think it would make men and women more confident about their decision to have children in the hospital.
I think that midwifery is completely unsafe. It is not a distrust of women's bodies and the decision making process. Midwifery was how babies were delivered centuries ago before hospitals and doctors existed. It was the only way women knew to deliver a baby before modern technology and other methods were invented and discovered. If a delivery undergoes complications, midwifes are not trained to handle it; the baby is not safe. Delivering a baby is the hospital with a trained doctor is the only logical option. If there are complications with the delivery, there is team of professionals waiting and ready to take action to protect the mother and the baby.
If women were better informed about the issues of reproductive justice, I do not think it would make a difference in legislation. I believe this because the legislation against midwifery is only looking out for the ultimate safety of the mother and her child. Women should be thankful for the legislation instead of considering it to be an act of reproductive injustice. "The Business of Being Born," portrays giving birth in the hospital to be the worst idea ever. They make it seem as if the doctors and nurses have no interest in the mother and child. If this was the case, then no mother would want to give birth in a hospital and hospitals would not have the success rate of healthy babies that they currently do. If women and men were better informed about the issues of reproductive justice, I do not think they would make different decisions about how children were born. If anything, I think it would make men and women more confident about their decision to have children in the hospital.
WS 200-007: Online Day 2
I've done some research onm this topic and have found out that since the beginning of human history, women have been delivering babies, and usually with the help of other women, making midwifery the oldest practice in the world. This suprised me, because i thought that midwifery was a fairly modern practice. I also found that it was illegal in only 15 states, Alabama being one of them.
I feel that midwifery in Alabama is illegal because for one, Alabama has the oldest un-changed constitution in the U.S, which automatically tells us that our legislatures dont have a problem keeping things the way they were. Also, speaking in a professional sense, midwifery isnt exactly the most professional way to deliver a baby.
I feel that if women were better informed about the issues of reproductive justice, it would make a difference in legislature. Then i think the way women and men make decisions on child birth will definitely change.
I feel that midwifery in Alabama is illegal because for one, Alabama has the oldest un-changed constitution in the U.S, which automatically tells us that our legislatures dont have a problem keeping things the way they were. Also, speaking in a professional sense, midwifery isnt exactly the most professional way to deliver a baby.
I feel that if women were better informed about the issues of reproductive justice, it would make a difference in legislature. Then i think the way women and men make decisions on child birth will definitely change.
Online Day 2
After watching the beginning of "The Business of Being Born," and looking over the readings for the past week, why do you think Midwifery is still illegal in our state? Is it unsafe or is it a distrust of women's bodies and decison making processes? If women were better informed about the issues of reproductive justice, do you think it would make a difference in legislation? Do you think women (and men) would make different decisons about how children are born?
Don't forget to use the readings and the documentary as reference material for your opinions.
Don't forget to use the readings and the documentary as reference material for your opinions.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Feminism Today
Today Feminism means much more to me than what the title seems to reach out to, women. Feminism has an effect on people of color such as my self and it pertains to homosexuals. You can see how when we blacks were trying to gain our rights, they even shunned the women still. The typical white man believes that a woman isn't capable of doing the things that they do, which is directly similar to how they treated us. Feminism stretches out way more than to just women.
Feminism even stretches out to homosexual groups as well. The way they mistreated women during the suffrage movement is how they are treating gays now. I actually have matured myself. I used to make comments and act really immature until I realized that I was no better than how people treated my ancestors and in some ways today. So I began to treat gays with more respct because I had to realize that they are people too.
Jonathan Hubbard
Feminism even stretches out to homosexual groups as well. The way they mistreated women during the suffrage movement is how they are treating gays now. I actually have matured myself. I used to make comments and act really immature until I realized that I was no better than how people treated my ancestors and in some ways today. So I began to treat gays with more respct because I had to realize that they are people too.
Jonathan Hubbard
Opinion on Feminism
Feminism is so empower to many women because of the fact that they are able to take a stand on something they believe in. My opinion on feminism is that it decreases generation after generation. Not because women just don't speak up anymore, but because women had more to stand up for in the past such as the right to vote, reproductive rights, equal pay, and property rights. Due to the fact that all these rights have been fought for, there are really no major rights to fight for in the present. We all know that the right to vote was fought for to its entirety because we had our first woman in the running to become a president.
Women in the past have been seen as a strong figure in the motherly or housewife aspect, but inferior when it came to making executive decisions. Although women are good at fighting in what they believe in, I feel as if women had more pride in the past than in the present. Women in the past had this powerful attitude and did not fall into the foolish category. Women now are often found in magazines posing provocatively and displayed as sex symbols. I just don't think women respect themselves as they use to.
Examples of this are displayed through the media mostly reality shows such as Bad Girls Club, Jersey Shore, and Basketball Wives. These reality shows are being discussed by peers which makes others want to tune in to these shows. Not to say women fully mock the actions of these characters, but as these shows are being watched I found that some women begin to pick up the behavior. Some women understand the concept that these shows are being aired for entertainment purposes but others don't. I don't believe that women should stop watching these shows, but they should recognize the wrong so they have an idea of how not to act in public places.
-Meisha D.
Women in the past have been seen as a strong figure in the motherly or housewife aspect, but inferior when it came to making executive decisions. Although women are good at fighting in what they believe in, I feel as if women had more pride in the past than in the present. Women in the past had this powerful attitude and did not fall into the foolish category. Women now are often found in magazines posing provocatively and displayed as sex symbols. I just don't think women respect themselves as they use to.
Examples of this are displayed through the media mostly reality shows such as Bad Girls Club, Jersey Shore, and Basketball Wives. These reality shows are being discussed by peers which makes others want to tune in to these shows. Not to say women fully mock the actions of these characters, but as these shows are being watched I found that some women begin to pick up the behavior. Some women understand the concept that these shows are being aired for entertainment purposes but others don't. I don't believe that women should stop watching these shows, but they should recognize the wrong so they have an idea of how not to act in public places.
-Meisha D.
Feminism In the World
As a man oppurtunity is endless in the world we live in the world we live in. While these oppurtunities are not available for women.W omen are often seen as the individual who cooks,cleans,and watch after the kids. While there husband's are looked upon to provide for the family. Feminism isn't just traits that come with women. It's a part of who they are deep down inside. Women weren't allowed to do simple things men take for granted like voting.During my reading I discovered women had no control over who governed them. The women's sufferage act helped move women forward. Women still face these problems today with things such as the glass ceiling. There is still work to be done for feminism.
Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas
What I believe feminism is today.
Feminism isn't a stand against men like many people believe it is. Feminism is women's desire to be treated equally no matter race or gender. Women want to have the same rights as men and to be treated fairly without discrimination. However, feminism isn't for women alone. It is for everyone, it's the belief that everyone should be treated equally no matter who they are or what they look like. Feminism is a general respect for everyone around you. Regardless of how silly some people believe feminism is, it is a very important issue that should be taken seriously. Feminism is the desire for women to be able to work and prosper as successfully as men. It's women's declaration that we can do more than just cook, clean, be submissive, and be soft spoken. Women now are taking hold of their feminists core and demanding to be treated fairly. They're saying we will no longer be treated as maids or house wives, but we will be out in the work force working along side men and doing the same exact jobs and working in the same conditions. Feminism simply is the demand of respect for all people regardless of who they are or what they look like.
Feminism To Me...
So much has changed over the years for women thanks in part to the feminist movement. After reading the articles I have read this past week on the views of a couple of strong minded women I can't help but to think what my life would have been like if none of that had ever taken place. Before, like most, I associated feminists with loud mouth women who had nothing better to do with their lives than argue women's rights. I imagined hippie women throwing up peace signs and decorated fully in all types of different clothing. Yet, I am reminded in the statements that have been made in these articles that things have changed though thanks in part to not only them but women of the past too. I realize I had no right in judging them because there is a bit of feminist in all women alike.
I can remember back to the many conversations I've had with my male counterparts over the very many overly masculine statements they have made, and the defense my female friends and I have made against them. When I read the article "Becoming the Third Wave" by Rebecca Walker, it reminded me of those times and of how they still go on today when men congregate in public and have these conversations. I know I still hear them when I'm occassionally about campus and I'm sure others do too. Except, unlike the past when there was the occassional strong woman around who didn't take it and spoke up things have changed. Most choose to ignore those statements made and hope they change the subject; I know I do.
I think most, including myself, only chose to do this because we feel like there is nothing much really to fight for. We are now set in the ways that great women like Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton have worked hard to procure us. If they were alive even today I still believe they would be fighting for something. I believe there is always a fight to won, and maybe even they would agree too.
Jessica Ebikake
MW 9-9:50 a.m.
I can remember back to the many conversations I've had with my male counterparts over the very many overly masculine statements they have made, and the defense my female friends and I have made against them. When I read the article "Becoming the Third Wave" by Rebecca Walker, it reminded me of those times and of how they still go on today when men congregate in public and have these conversations. I know I still hear them when I'm occassionally about campus and I'm sure others do too. Except, unlike the past when there was the occassional strong woman around who didn't take it and spoke up things have changed. Most choose to ignore those statements made and hope they change the subject; I know I do.
I think most, including myself, only chose to do this because we feel like there is nothing much really to fight for. We are now set in the ways that great women like Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton have worked hard to procure us. If they were alive even today I still believe they would be fighting for something. I believe there is always a fight to won, and maybe even they would agree too.
Jessica Ebikake
MW 9-9:50 a.m.
My Opinion on Feminism
In my opinion, feminism is more than just a fight that women fight alone. Although the feminist movement was started by women, over time men began to support the fight for equal rights. I also believe that some women feel obligated to live by precedents set by their ancestors in an effort to be "traditional". (Ex: cooking, cleaning, care taking, etc.)
-Jared W.
In my opinion, feminism is more than just a fight that women fight alone. Although the feminist movement was started by women, over time men began to support the fight for equal rights. I also believe that some women feel obligated to live by precedents set by their ancestors in an effort to be "traditional". (Ex: cooking, cleaning, care taking, etc.)
-Jared W.
What Feminism Means to Me today
Although before taking this class, Women's studies really wasn't of that much interest to me, after reading the different articles assigned, it's quite interesting. I know that the feminist movement, if there is one today, is not as complex as the movements prior. As females, we should hold true to the values that we have and instill them into young females. I am a strong believer if you do not respect yourself, then no one else will. When i say this,I'm not only referring to males, but to people in general.
After reading Sojourner Truth's article"Ain't I a Woman", although it was logical, it seemed as if she had opened a new chapter in a movement. She was simply saying that, if one deserves to be treated with respect then they all do.It's amazing that people in those times didn't think that way, even now, some people think that all women don't deserve respect. If this was so, women wouldn't be raped on account of what they have on. However, I do think that negative attention can be drawn through what you wear but, that still is not a reason for them to assaulted.
I think that the feminist movement helped a great deal to move my gender in the right direction, but I think that sometimes some females take it too far. By that I mean, not wanting to dress nice because they're "not trying to impress a man". I think that's stupid, just because a female cares about her appearance doesn't mean that she is looking for attention from males. Those types of "feminists" are a little too radical for me, I think that they should reconsider.
As I learn more about the feminist movement, I think that I will learn to appreciate it more.
After reading Sojourner Truth's article"Ain't I a Woman", although it was logical, it seemed as if she had opened a new chapter in a movement. She was simply saying that, if one deserves to be treated with respect then they all do.It's amazing that people in those times didn't think that way, even now, some people think that all women don't deserve respect. If this was so, women wouldn't be raped on account of what they have on. However, I do think that negative attention can be drawn through what you wear but, that still is not a reason for them to assaulted.
I think that the feminist movement helped a great deal to move my gender in the right direction, but I think that sometimes some females take it too far. By that I mean, not wanting to dress nice because they're "not trying to impress a man". I think that's stupid, just because a female cares about her appearance doesn't mean that she is looking for attention from males. Those types of "feminists" are a little too radical for me, I think that they should reconsider.
As I learn more about the feminist movement, I think that I will learn to appreciate it more.
Feminism Today
I enrolled in this course because I needed humanities credits. I was dreading it because I assumed that women's studies and feminism focused on angry lesbians. However, I couldn't have been more wrong. After reading and comprehending the first two sets of articles assigned, I believe that I have a fairly good grasp on the concept of feminism. Feminism is the advancement and empowerment of women in all aspects on life. Feminism focuses on, but is not limited to the legal, social, cultural, and personal issues involving women of all races and classes.
My understanding of feminism continues to grow with each article that I read. The one article that spoke to me the most was, "A Day Without Feminism" by Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards. In this article, I learned that feminism does not just involve women, it involves men too. For example, the article states, "...it may be against the law for a male to teach grades lower than the sixth, on the basis that it's unnatural, or that men can't be trusted with young children." This is shocking because without feminism, men wouldn't be trusted with young children. The single dads of today's society would not exist. Little League baseball coaches might not be trusted around the little boys on their team. It amazed me that without feminism, women would be required to wear makeup at work, women would be fired from their jobs if they got married, and if women exceeded the age or weight deemed "sexy," they would be fired as well. This opened my eyes to the extreme importance of feminism because without it, women today would not have even a fraction of the opportunities in society as they do.
Feminism is extremely useful in my life because as a woman, I know that I deserve to be able to take advantage of every opportunity out there. I would not want to be held back from anything simply based on my gender. I know that if I ever encounter an unequal situation, I can rely on the strong ideals and values of feminism to push through the barrier of inequality.
-Kristi Bardosi
My understanding of feminism continues to grow with each article that I read. The one article that spoke to me the most was, "A Day Without Feminism" by Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards. In this article, I learned that feminism does not just involve women, it involves men too. For example, the article states, "...it may be against the law for a male to teach grades lower than the sixth, on the basis that it's unnatural, or that men can't be trusted with young children." This is shocking because without feminism, men wouldn't be trusted with young children. The single dads of today's society would not exist. Little League baseball coaches might not be trusted around the little boys on their team. It amazed me that without feminism, women would be required to wear makeup at work, women would be fired from their jobs if they got married, and if women exceeded the age or weight deemed "sexy," they would be fired as well. This opened my eyes to the extreme importance of feminism because without it, women today would not have even a fraction of the opportunities in society as they do.
Feminism is extremely useful in my life because as a woman, I know that I deserve to be able to take advantage of every opportunity out there. I would not want to be held back from anything simply based on my gender. I know that if I ever encounter an unequal situation, I can rely on the strong ideals and values of feminism to push through the barrier of inequality.
-Kristi Bardosi
Thursday, September 1, 2011
My Opinion on Feminism
In my opinion, Feminism is a movement as to where women fight to gain their rights. During this time ( and still today) women felt as if they deserved the same respect and power as men did, which is true. Sexism still remains a problem today. Men are known to be "in charge" of the household, or anything else for that matter, which prevent women from having a voice of their own. During these times, women believed that there was more to just "gaining" the right to vote. Their main goal was equality. It is a given fact that it is a "Man's world", but think about it, what is a man without a woman? In my opinion, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Aside from the topic, we are the nurtures and the best supporters, that should serve as some type of significance. Women are just as important as men are.
One of the readings that stuck out to me the most was Sojourner Truth "Ain't I a Woman". In her speech, Sojourner Truth talks about the importance of women. As a reader, her argument possessed strong evidence. One statement/question that i felt was admirable ii n her speech was when she asked "Where did Christ come from? From God and a woman?" I can almost promise each and every one of you that no one looked at the situation that way. I believe this speech encouraged Women's Right Activists to keep fighting for their rights, even today.
Feminism is useful considering that I am a female. Feminism is very important to me, simply because women are still stereotyped against. Feminist movements were not created to make men look bad, their groups were formed to try and cease the separation amongst men and women when it came to capabilities of women. Last semester, in my Sociology class I learned alot about these types of factors along with the "Glass Ceiling" situation(which still occurs today also). Still to this day it surprises me the kind of advantage men have over women. It is simply unfair. Maybe if women continue to form groups and speak out about this issue, things will start to change, sooner or later.
-Bianca Jones WS200 9:00-9:50AM
WS 200-007: WS 200-007: What Feminism Means to You Today
Feminism for me today means, a group of intelligent women fighting together to make sure that the female gender is treated with the same respect as the male gender. Now it seems that feminism is starting to reach and protect the the protect the rights of more than just white women. Blacks, whites, Latina, Asian, and lesbian women's rights are all being tackled by different organizations and groups to make life for them better. According to the readings this week, it has been established that there are three waves of feminism that has occurred over the years. The first wave was during the 19th century during the Seneca Falls Convention. The first wave mostly concerned with making upper-class white women equal in the eyes of men. In addition they wanted equal voting rights. The second wave of feminism occurred during the 1960's when women were incorporating the welfare of others while fighting for equal rights. Women were a lot more demanding during this wave, and fought for what they wanted to achieve. Betty Friedan's book, The Feminine Mystique, catapulted this wave and helped them to make all the progress they did. The third wave is supposedly now, but I don't see any current progress being made. In my opinion, women are at a great point in which they can be married, have children, and a successful career. Of course, there is room for improvement, but things general for us are not as bad they were.
Feminism is very useful in my life, being that I am a woman, and directly affects me. It was allowed me to do many things such as vote, get paid well, have children without the penalty of being fired, and has given me all around more options. I have learned many new things this week in the readings. I learned that women could get fired if pregnant, that is considered a woman's fault if raped late at night in a secluded area, and that women earned close to 60% less than some men when working the same job.
Feminism is very useful in my life, being that I am a woman, and directly affects me. It was allowed me to do many things such as vote, get paid well, have children without the penalty of being fired, and has given me all around more options. I have learned many new things this week in the readings. I learned that women could get fired if pregnant, that is considered a woman's fault if raped late at night in a secluded area, and that women earned close to 60% less than some men when working the same job.
Online Day 1
I have to admit that even as a female I really didn't have much interest in women's studies. I just took the course because it was the only humanities that fit into my schedule, but following the first week of class, I am already seeing things differently. In the beginning, I saw women's studies as most men do (women wanting to whine and fuss about something), but now I see that it's much more than that.
Through the readings I have learned that women in the past had to go through a lot to create the life that I see as normal today. Without these brave women and the documents and struggles they made, my life would be completely different. This became particularly apparent to me in the reading "A Day Without Feminism." Another reading that really stuck out to me is "Becoming the Third Wave". This story, in all honesty, pissed me off. It did so because it made me realize that there are still issues with and disrespect for women in the world today. As I was reading this story, I could envision these conversations taking place....because they do take place, ALL the time. Something needs to be done about the disrespect people have for each other.
- Emily Hamilton
Through the readings I have learned that women in the past had to go through a lot to create the life that I see as normal today. Without these brave women and the documents and struggles they made, my life would be completely different. This became particularly apparent to me in the reading "A Day Without Feminism." Another reading that really stuck out to me is "Becoming the Third Wave". This story, in all honesty, pissed me off. It did so because it made me realize that there are still issues with and disrespect for women in the world today. As I was reading this story, I could envision these conversations taking place....because they do take place, ALL the time. Something needs to be done about the disrespect people have for each other.
- Emily Hamilton
Emily Zabor
In our world today, feminism means that a woman can be comfortable with who she is, on the outside and the inside, and be free of judgement in doing what she pleases. I also believe that it goes along with women standing up for what they believe in, let alone all citizens of the world, and not fearing what the result will be. Women have gone through many challenges since their existence on earth and as time has passed they have achieved many goals and broken many perceptions of what their role should be. Today, women actually have high paying jobs in the U.S. and are not stuck in the household 24/7. Think what it would be like if we did not go to college and instead went to a school to learn how to maintain a family and to do chores in the household? I know I would feel underachieved.
I believe feminism is very useful in our lives today. Without it, I believe that the woman race would be less successful and afraid to fight for its rights. Without feminism I also believe that homosexuals, transgenders, etc. would be afraid to fight for their rights. I think feminism truly paved the way for each of us to be able to speak freely on our morals and about our opinions on life.
Before starting this course, I believed feminism only dealt with women and it was a woman power sort of cult idea. My assumptions have been reversed and I now believe that feminism is a push for freedom and equality in all parts of life. Everyone disagrees on certain issues, but I know that we all want to feel equal. Feminism gives us the ability to do that and not settle on how life is as we know it. Because of feminism people can now voice their opinions more comfortably, dress funny, have equal salaries, get a crazy tattoo, and excel to greater heights in the workplace. We now can not only be women, but we can live it.
I believe feminism is very useful in our lives today. Without it, I believe that the woman race would be less successful and afraid to fight for its rights. Without feminism I also believe that homosexuals, transgenders, etc. would be afraid to fight for their rights. I think feminism truly paved the way for each of us to be able to speak freely on our morals and about our opinions on life.
Before starting this course, I believed feminism only dealt with women and it was a woman power sort of cult idea. My assumptions have been reversed and I now believe that feminism is a push for freedom and equality in all parts of life. Everyone disagrees on certain issues, but I know that we all want to feel equal. Feminism gives us the ability to do that and not settle on how life is as we know it. Because of feminism people can now voice their opinions more comfortably, dress funny, have equal salaries, get a crazy tattoo, and excel to greater heights in the workplace. We now can not only be women, but we can live it.
As a guy, when i hear the term "feminist", I automatically do not think of any men being involved. I'm not neccesarily proud of it, but I've had a sterotype about the issue. Before i actually learned what feminist meant, I thought of a hostel woman who hates men. I also thought of one that even dressed ratically.
As I have read the readings the past few weeks, i have quickly realized that feminism is nothing like i thought it would be. i have learned that the term describes almost a lifestyle that women live. they have fought for their rights just as the civil rights movement had at one point in time.
However, i do not feel that femimism is that big of a help in my personal life, mainly because i am a male. but i do feel that is is neccesary for other people to learn about it for their information.
As I have read the readings the past few weeks, i have quickly realized that feminism is nothing like i thought it would be. i have learned that the term describes almost a lifestyle that women live. they have fought for their rights just as the civil rights movement had at one point in time.
However, i do not feel that femimism is that big of a help in my personal life, mainly because i am a male. but i do feel that is is neccesary for other people to learn about it for their information.
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