Pop culture icon takes a stand for feminism by | Hailey Port
A
student was sitting at a computer working on research when her teacher stopped what everyone was doing to get the class’s attention. The teacher asked the class if any of the boys were interested in a science magazine. The teacher’s question surprised the girl. She noticed how the teacher only asked the boys in the class. Science was a subject both men and women had succeeded in, and she wondered why her teacher would not just ask if anyone wanted a science magazine. “I think that though feminism has not been as prevalent a problem as it has been in the past, there are still a lot of different issues with gender equality,” junior MaryKent Wolff said. “Women are paid less than men and have fewer job opportunities. Women are also objectified and sexualized a lot in the media.” Feminism is the advocacy of women’s right to political, social and economic equality with men, but according to Wolff, the word feminism has been misinterpreted to mean “man-hater.” “I am super-pro feminism,” Wolff said. “I think feminism is widely misunderstood and that it is a good thing.” Blue Stockings is a new club sponsored by social studies teacher Angela Perry that focuses on gender equality. It meets every other Tuesday after school in Perry’s classroom. “During the 19th century, mainly during the Victorian Age, a ‘bluestocking’ was a woman who was thought to be over educated.” Perry said. The club stands for tolerance, acceptance and education. The club’s motto is, ‘Practice tolerance.’ The students discuss topics about gender equality that are currently in the news. “It’s partially driven and perhaps to a great part by things in the news,” Perry said. “When Malala (Yousafzai) won the Nobel Peace Prize we talked about that.”
14 | a & e | wingspan | february 2015
Emma Watson, a British actor, was appointed United Nation Women Goodwill Ambassador this past July. On Sept. 20, Watson gave a speech at the U.N. that sparked a debate about the meaning of feminism. “I thought it was a really good speech. Emma Watson had a very good message,” Wolff said. “I think that since she said what she said it will be a lot easier for all genders, men and women.” Watson asked fellow actors to post a photo of themselves with “#HeForShe” on social media. Photos of Benedict Cumberbatch, Logan Lerman and other actors flooded Twitter as they showed support for Watson by holding up signs with the #HeForShe message. “I think one of my favorite ones was Joseph GordonLevitt. He released a video on it, and it was great,” Wolff said. “I’m very happy that people are finally moving toward being open about it, and I wish there were more. In a lot of cases, male celebrities are worshiped for something that could just be common human decency.” The inequality of women includes the gender pay gap. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, women are paid 78 cents for every dollar earned by a man. This pay gap exists for all women regardless of race or ethnicity. “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,” Watson said in her speech at the U.N. “If men don’t have to be aggressive in order to be accepted, women won’t feel compelled to be submissive. If men don’t have to control, women won’t have to be controlled.” Watson explained how stereotypes against men are a part of the problem. Feminism is fighting for both men and women to have equality politically, socially and economically. “If you still hate the word, it is not the word that is important. It’s the idea and ambition behind it,” Watson said.
Do you think celebrities have an obligation to use their fame to promote causes? “Absolutely. Celebrities have become role models in our society and because of that they have a responsibility to promote a good way to live.” What do you think about celebrities taking a stand for certain causes? “I think it sets a good example for others. People are more likely to stand up for what they believe in if they see their favorite celebrity doing it.” Lauren Heywood, 11 Who is your favorite celebrity, and do they take a stand for a certain cause? “My favorite celebrity is Miranda Lambert, and she is a big advocate for animal rights.” Emaly Allison, 12