Focus on Feminism December 2016
Letter from the Editor 2 Feminist Voices Throughout Time 3 Feminist Theory: Feature Story 5 Media for Feminists 7 What do we tell the kids? 9 Clinician’s Corner 11 Coming up Next12 1
I can’t say that I’ve always known I was a feminist. I can’t even tell you the
first time I heard of that word. It must have been in one of my undergrad social work classes, or perhaps in a conversation with classmates about our values in the profession. But from a young age, I knew one thing: I was strong enough to do whatever I could set my mind to. Flashback to the summer of 2013…I was working at Camp Judy Layne, a Girl Scout camp in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest that I grew up going to as a child. This was my 12th year at camp and my fourth year on staff. I talked campers through the 80-foot rappel, led groups of 20 through the woods on trails and dealt with homesickness (and real sickness) like it was no big deal; yet I was about to come across biggest challenge I had ever faced as a counselor. One night, as I was walking back to my group’s campsite, my flashlight shined upon a copperhead snake just laying on the gravel path. I froze. Sure, I had watched fellow counselors kill many copperheads before. But I was simply an observer, never faced with the actual task that could potentially kill me (dramatic, I know, but I was pretty freaked). I quickly grabbed my radio, begging the closest staff member for help taking care of a “little buddy,” our code name for copperheads and rattle snakes. Three seconds later, my camp director came out of the dining hall, handed me a garden hoe and said, “You do it.” I pleaded with her not to make me. I wanted her to do it or call someone else, anything. She simply said, “Kim, you’re a grown woman. Kill the damn snake.” Apologies to anyone squeamish, but with no other option and adrenaline pumping out the wazoo, I hacked that snake to death right there in front of my boss, who simply laughed at my bad aim, patted me on the back and went back to her office in the dining hall. It was no big deal…why should it be? Living in the middle of the woods with no cell phone service for an entire summer teaches you about yourself. It teaches you that you’re stronger than you
It teaches you practical skills and knowledge of other types of people. But most importantly, the women who worked alongside me day in and day out taught me how to be confident in my womanhood. I started to believe in myself in ways I never thought I could. I learned women could do anything a man could do, and that should be celebrated. And if we did it as a team…look out! There were no limits to what we could accomplish. Being a Girl Scout taught me courage, compassion and confidence in ways it’s hard to put into words. Looking back, I know I’m lucky to have had feminist women and peers all around me as I grew up. Enjoy this magazine that celebrates strong women (and men!) everywhere. Feminism is an individual journey toward equality for all, regardless of sex. Equality for all—this isn’t just a women’s issue. This is everyone’s issue. And it starts with how we raise our children.
Xoxo, Kim
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Feminist Voices Elizabeth Cady Stanton, leader of the Seneca Falls Convention, 1848
Sojourner Truth, “Ain’t I a Woman” Speech, 1851
Susan B. Anthony, concerning the passing of the 19th Amendment, 1920
This list, of course, does not do justice to all of the feminist activists throughout history. For more badass women,
Betty Friedan, author of The Feminine Mystique, 1963
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Throughout History Gloria Steinem, women’s activist publishes Ms. Magazine, 1971 Sandra Day O’Connor is appointed to the Supreme Court as the first female justice, 1981
Violence Against Women Act is passed, 1994
Hillary Clinton is the first female to run for president after a long career as an activist
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What does feminist?
it
mean
to
be
a
Google the word “feminism” and you may find things like “feminism is…cancer” or “feminism
is…bullshit.” Go a little further down the list and you might find that “feminism is…for everyone.” That’s right folks, anyone can be a feminist! Feminism applies to any race, gender, sexuality, ability and economic status. It is not a label you can stick on every woman who speaks up for their rights, nor is it an insult to any man who stands with them in solidarity. Feminism is the belief that women and men should be treated equally and have the same opportunities politically, intellectually, and socially. Feminism simply “aims at understanding how gender is related to social inequalities and oppression (Marsiglia & Kulis, 2015, p. 148).” Let’s just set the record straight right here and now…feminists are not here to tear men down. Feminists are here to build up women. Feminism in the United States has gone through several transformations, each with a unique message surrounding a central goal: equality for women and men. Beginning in the mid 1800’s and early 1900’s, “first wave feminism” broke ground by speaking out for women’s political equality, focusing primarily on women’s suffrage. Who can forget Sister Suffragette in Mary Poppins? “Our daughter’s daughters will adore us and they’ll sing in grateful chorus, Well done, Sister Suffragette!” “Second wave feminism” came about during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s, where the world saw a new women’s movement that focused on equal pay and non-discrimination in the workplace. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were collective wins for the feminist movement. Black feminism was gaining momentum during this time as well, which points out the intricacies of intersectionality that a black woman faces in America. “Third Wave Feminism” comes in many shapes and sizes with the same ultimate goal: equality for men and women in an ultimately patriarchal society. The lovely ladies at EverydayFeminism.com list five things that feminism today is all about: 1)Knowledge—educating the public about the inequalities that women still face today (hello 79 cents to the dollar?! And that’s only the true statistic for white women!) 2)Linguistics—the belief that language is culturally constructed and influences thought. Therefore, language is a key component of selfidentification and identification of others 3)Listening—seems simple right? It’s not. Feminism today is leaning in to listen to the cultural norms that are floating all around us, such as when boys are told not to be a pussy, or girls are told “at least you’re pretty, right?” Intersectionality—feminism today learns from the feminists of yesterday and gains insight into the marginalization of minority groups, then walks together in solidarity. And finally, 4)Equality of Opportunity—feminism today seeks opportunities for women to excel in any and all areas they wish to, including in the workplace. And while they’re there, having the right not to be whistled at or called a bitch for having an opinion in a staff meeting (Lueptwo, 2014). These seem like relatively simple concepts, don’t they? So why isn’t everyone a feminist? As John Legend said, “We are all better off when women are empowered.” Part of the reason people are unsure of how to hop on the feminist bandwagon is of the popular opinion expressed in the media. A 2016 poll from the Washington Post only 33 percent of men surveyed would consider themselves either a “strong feminist” or simply a “feminist,” compared to 60 percent of women (Cai & Clement, 2016). The opinion that feminism is a movement from the past, filled with hippie women burning their bras is just plain wrong. As Lueptow put it in her article, “We’re not out there burning bras but…what we do intend to light up is some intelligent discourse (Lueptwo, 2014). The conversation is not new, but it has not been given the attention it deserves. Why not start the conversation early? Later on in the magazine, parents can discover unique resources for raising feminist kids. These resources are phenomenal for teachers, coaches, therapists and social workers—anyone who has the privilege of influencing a child’s life. Luckily, kids bring the world a gift of trust and excitement, which as they grow up, tends to fade. As feminist role models, let’s keep that gift shining as bright as it can for as long as it can. Because if we start raising feminist children, they’ll eventually grow up to be adults…adults with well-rounded, blossoming, open minds ready to learn from others and accept themselves. As social workers working with children, we pride ourselves on making a living helping those in need find success in life and become functioning and contributing members of society. Let’s put a feminist lens on that ideal, shall we? As pointed out by Marsiglia and Kulis (2015), “one theme of feminist theory that is often adopted by social work is feminism’s celebration of differences…feminist social work is influenced by the relational model of women’s development, which emphasizes connection and mutual empathy in the development of a woman’s sense of self (p. 148). As social workers, isn’t it our job to celebrate each woman’s developing sense of self? Aren’t we challenged with empowering the vulnerable to achieve greatness? Well, there you have it: the link between social work and feminism is a bond so strong that you simply can’t practice without it. So let’s go be the agents of change we claim to be. Let’s fight for equality while building women up. Let’s. do. this. –K.
Keep the conversation going! Check out these think pieces on feminism as it stands Women and men across the country today: talk about their attitudes towards feminism.
From Betty Friedan to Beyonce! Timeline of Feminist Movements The National Feminism Project— Feminism Typology (Quiz with videos!) Feminist figures in popular media— Women as Superheroes Why we need to talk about White Feminism—video
References Cai, W., & Clement, S. (2016, January 27). Poll: Feminism in the U.S. Retrieved December 06, 2016, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/feminism-project/poll/ Lueptow, A. K. (2014). Feminism Now: What the Third Wave is Really About. Retrieved December 06, 2016, from http://everydayfeminism.com/2014/01/feminism-now/ Marsiglia, F. F., & Kulis, S. S. (2015). Diversity, oppression, and change: Culturally grounded social work (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.
e Ultimate Girl Power Playl Respect by Aretha Franklin (1967) You Don’t Own Me by Lesley Gore (1964) It’s my Life by No Doubt (2003) Feeling Myself by Nicki Minaj and Beyonce (2014) Survivor by Destiny’s Child (2001) Fight Song by Rachel Platten (2015)
So What by P!nk (2009) Born this Way by Lady Gaga (2011) Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys (2012) A Broken Wing by Martina McBride (1997) Stand by You by Rachel Platten (2016) Wannabe by Spice Girls (1996) 7
Mona Lisa Smile, 2003 Film
Legally Blonde, 2001 Film
Miss Representation, 2011 Documentary
Now Now Playing Playing:
Femini st Movies
Steel Magnolias, 1989 Film
The Color Purple, 1985 Film
10 Things I Hate about You, 1999 Film
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What do we tell the kids? How to have a conversation with children about what it means to be a feminist
Talking to our children about feminism does not have to be intentional sit down conversation at the dinner table. This is not just a conversation to have with your daughters—have it with your sons too! As trusted adults, teach children how to be inclusive, how to learn about people of the opposite gender and what equality truly means. Teach them to respect everyone and the fact that everyone, no matter their status, identity, race or
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Organizations building strong women Girl Scouts
Mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Girls on the Run
Girls Inc.
At Girls Inc., we believe that all girls are inherently strong, smart, and bold, but need help overcoming society’s messages and pressures that make them doubt their self worth.
We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Books to Read: Rad American Women A-Z by Kate Schatz I Like Myself! By Karen Beumont Players in Pigtails by Shana Corey Amelia to Zora: 26 Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin Lee
Helpful Websites for Parents: A Mighty Girl “The World’s Largest collection of books, toys and movies for smart, courageous girls PBS Kids Books and Activities for Women’s History Month
Movies to Watch: Mulan Brave Mary Poppins Frozen He Named Me Malaya Akeelah and the Bee
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Clinician’s Corner Resources for Workers
Social
Helpful Websites and Articles Encyclopedia of Social Work: Feminist NASW Statement on Women’s Issues Social Work Practice (2009) Empowering Students in a Feminist Social Work Practice CourseJournal of Teaching in Social Work
NASW Women’s Issues Statements and Pr actice Implications
NASW Standards for Cultural Competenc e in Practice 11
Next month in Focus on Feminism‌
Full coverage of the Women’s March on Washington January 21st, 2017 Get your tickets here! Learn more information about the march
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Reese Witherspoon is a champion
for women’s equality in education, film and the fashion industry. Her most recent efforts include creating a company focused on female-driven content called Hello Sunshine.
Sheryl Sandberg is the founder of
the Lean In Foundation and was the first female on the Facebook board of directors before becoming the company’s COO. She has been been named in the Time 100 most influential people in 2012.
“We have to teach our boys the rules of equality and respect, so that they grow up, gender equality becomes a natural way of life. And we have to teach our girls that they can reach as high as humanly possible.” -Beyonce
Alice Walker is an American novelist, poet and activist. She won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel The Color Purple. She has spent her life speaking out for women’s equality and civil rights, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.
“All men should be feminists. If men care about women’s rights the world would be a better place. We are better off when women are empowered.“
-John Legend
Bety Friedan is the
author of Feminine Mystique, a leading text of the second wave of American Feminism. She broke new ground as an activist for women in the 60’s.
Gloria Steinem is a
writer, lecturer, political activist and feminist organizer who has been nationally recognized as a leader of the feminist movement, publishing Ms. Magazine in 1971.
J.K. Rowling is the author of the famous Harry Potter series, which featured strong female characters such as Hermione and Molly Weasley. She is known for speaking out about gender equality and unequal expectations of women.
Malala Yousafzai was born in the Swat District of northwest Pakistan. She has become an outspoken opponent of Taliban efforts to restrict education of girls.
“There’s a long, long history of women suffering abuse, injustice, and not having the same opportunities as men, and I think that’s been very detrimental to the human race as a whole.”
–Joseph Gordon Levit
“We don’t often talk about men being imprisoned by gender stereotypes…but, I can see that they are. And that when they are free, things will change for women as a natural consequence.” -Emma Watson
The sexiest thing in the entrie world is being really smart. And being thoughful. And being generous. Everything else is crap I promise you!”
–Ashton Kutcher