WGST 100: Mind Map 3

Feminism

Previous: Feminism was a word and topic that I never discussed because I was afraid of what stereotypes it came with it.

Now: Learning about the different waves of feminism and what each group of people did for me to live the life I do makes me feel very grateful and privileged. I now don't shy from the term and if someone called me a feminism, I would happily say that I am.

Questions I Still Have

Are there any groups that speak out against normalized violence against women?

How can we combat the views people have against indigenous people?

Gender & Sexuality

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/feminism-how-this-will-affect-your-future-positively

Previous: Men have an advantage over women. Sexuality is something that should not be shunned or hated because that is who you are.

Has there been a direct effect between how women are portrayed in media and women's health/violence?

Now: From watching Tough Guise 2, I can say that I understand now how men become who they are and why much of the violence is against women. I sympathize with the boys who are taught to be "men". My perspective on sexuality has not changed but I hope that others opinions will change.

http://ryanjhite.tumblr.com/post/96707297662/masculinity-and-femininity

Topics Not Touched On

Overall

Reproduction

Previous: All women have a right to decide what to do with their bodies such as take birth control or have an abortion.

Education & Work: Globally, men have a large opportunity of success in getting a job and that is largely due to societies view on women in the workplace and the access to education for girls.

Environment & Activism: I have never really thought that being male or female changed to way you see the environment, I think it is how mainstream media and society condition us to think about it.

Now: My perspective has been enhanced after learning about the women around the world who can't take birth control or have an abortion do to the legality and societal expectations. I still believe that women should have a right to their body and what they do to it. Reproduction is largely linked to the health of women and when societies start to see that, the lives of women will change.

I learned a lot of new things about topics that I have never really talked about and on others that I felt that I knew very well. I came into this class open-minded and expected for my view of things to change to some degree. I was right.

http://www.hercampus.com/school/uprm/why-being-pro-choice-doesnt-make-me-pro-abortion

https://www.pinterest.com/ppncactionfund/birth-control/

Violence

Motherhood

Previous: Good mothers have the means to take care of their children and their children should reflect it.

Previous: Violence against women is largely due to men raised to believe it is okay.

Now: I still believe what I thought previously and, from being in this class, I know that violence is largely due media and the normalization of certain cases. I, however, didn't think the many cases of violence that goes unnoticed or ignored such as the Stolen sisters and the many cases of rape that are either not reported because of shame or portrayed to be a small offense which only increases the amount of shame and self-hatred women feel. Violence should never be normal and women should not be held acountable for something done to them.

Now: Mothers come in all forms and backgrounds. Just because you have the money and resources to have a child doesn't mean you should. Women are largely judged on their appearance, behaviour, and the behaviour of their children which does not reflect their love for their children. I understand that anyone can be a good mother no matter how they were raised and the resources they're given.

https://politicsofmothering.wordpress.com/

http://www.meri-k.org/_events_/20246/logo-stop-violence-against-women/

Pop Culture

Colonialism: Impact

Previous: Society has the ideal "specimen" for both men and women that has affected how any see themselves.

Previous: The impact of colonialism is in the past and shouldn't impact people now.

Now: My eyes have been opened to the ways in how women are both mentally and physically affected by popular culture in our society. The way ads make women into the products they are selling never really stood out to me but, as I started to look, I could see it everywhere; beer commercials, food, etc. Also the way women look in ads really stood out with photoshopped bodies, pieces used, poses. I didn't know how abnormal it all seemed until it was shown to me and discussed. I believe this is the most damaging to women and their lives in our society today.

Now: My previous perspective was very ignorant, especially due to me having the background I do. I have not been shunned for the way I talk or the colour of my skin. I do not doubt who I am as a person because of lost traditions. I have not been held back, in terms of getting an education or a job. I needed to see this to understand that colonialism does affect the lives of the indigenous people today and it negatively affects their future unless we learn about the truth from both sides.

http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/06/24/323665644/the-map-of-native-american-tribes-youve-never-seen-before

WGST 100: Mind Map 3

Cassidy Taylor