Feminist Terms

      The terms used when describing or discussing feminism may be influenced by society, perceptions, stereotypes, and time periods. Or they may have been derived from a specific feminist or activist throughout history. The term feminism is generally used to describe the advocacy of equality among genders, or women's rights in social, political, and economical equality to men. Unfortunately, some people may assume the word has negative connotations, leading to some believing feminists are man-haters (very wrong). The term feminist may also vary between the waves of feminism. The first wave feminists were involved in the women's rights movement in the 1960s, while the second wave feminists developed forms of feminist theory based on the first wave's work. These variations and misunderstandings of the terms "feminist" and "feminism" show how important term usage can be in feminism. Of course other terms such as "girl power" may be intermixed with women's rights and such, but the vocabulary used can change the perspective of the movement by weakening or strengthening it.

      As mentioned before, many of the terms used in discussion today were derived from feminists themselves. The term "womanist" came from Alice Walker who wanted to move away from the term "feminist" because it once ignored different races. A Womanist is obviously geared towards all women. Betty Friedan developed the concept of "Feminine Mystique" to describe how women have been limited to having only a role of a mother and wife due to a patriarchal society. Other authors elaborate on terms that directly relate to feminism such as Chandra Mohanty. She defines colonization as "a relation of structural domination, and an often violent suppression of the heterogeneity of the subjects in question". She believes that colonization has lead to the categorization of third world country struggles, which may limit some women to help based on whether they are living in a third world country, instead of depending on if they are suffering from "third world problems" such as genital mutilation. Obviously, terms used in feminism vary and change greatly through history, and may have been affected by stereotypes, decades, or feminists themselves.

Feminism in Japan and China

Sources:

Germer, Andrea. "Feminist History in Japan: National and International Perspectives." Intersections: Feminist History in Japan: National and International Perspectives. Murdoch University, 18 Mar. 1008. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.

Schneider, Helen M. "Mobilising Women: The Women's Advisory Council, Resistance And Reconstruction During China's War With Japan." European Journal Of East Asian Studies 11.2 (2012): 213-236. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.

Xinmo, Li. "History of Feminism and Feminist Art in China - News - Artintern.net." Artintern.net. Artintern, 21 Mar. 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.

Moran, Dunham, and Poehler and Fourth/Fifth Wave Feminism

      A first, second, and third wave of feminism are definite and accepted among most. A fourth and a fifth? Well, explained in past posts, the fourth wave is detailed to be prominent in today's technological and social media world. Although it is not as defined as the first, second and third, and may not always be agreed with, the "fourth wave" of feminism is made up of different types of activism, communication, and support than past waves. As social media and the internet takes up much more of peoples' time, especially women supposedly, there becomes a greater ability for discussion boards, online and call support systems, international communication, and online organization factors to develop. However, there is still question to whether boards, blogs, and online petitions make as much of a difference than rallies, public speeches, and protests. The supposed fifth wave of feminism is even more undefined and questionable. While the fourth wave is still booming with traces of the third, is it necessary to declare us in the beginning of the fifth wave. Caitlin Moran is rallying women to declare our generation as the beginning of a fifth wave of feminism. Most of Moran's motives for the fifth wave of feminism lay in the more personal and social norm aspect that affects women's images of themselves.

      As mentioned above, Caitlin Moran has focused on women's personal choices, image, social pressures, and self-consciousness within the fourth and fifth feminist movement with her book, How to be a Woman. Her proposal of the fifth wave of feminism presents issues in a loud and humorous manner so that feminists can be seen as "hot" and likable in their beliefs. Although she references serious choices such as abortion, her laughing and joking relevance obviously works best with topics such as facial hair. Fifth wave feminists should call themselves strident according to Moran. She pointed out that the word "feminist" in today's society has drawn out some negative connotations and has sometimes been replaced with weaker phrases such "girl power" which does sound girly and saucy like her feminist attitude, but it also takes away from the real meaning of feminism. Although I enjoyed her humorous writing, I noticed a few viewpoints that many others did not agree with. Throughout history, men have had important voices in the feminist movement. She made the comment that you are a feminist if you have lady parts and want to speak for them. Although this may have been one of her entertaining points, some readers may get the wrong picture either because she gives her specific opinions of because of her humor. 

      Lena Dunham has also captured audience with the use of humor when relating to feminist issues in Girls and her book Not That Kind Of Girl. However, her writing has a serious tone among lesser jokes. Dunham has taken stand for the sexual image and issues affecting women in the current fourth and fifth waves of feminism. Similar to Moran, she keeps in mind the "big picture" of pressures and self-consciousness of women. She discusses her personal experiences and relates them to younger women and others who struggle with finding the right times, wants, and thoughts about sexual relations. Targeted women in these pressures include college and high school girls who believe that they should be having sex and may not be ready for that step in life, girls who look for unhealthy sexual relationships because they feel weak, and women who are pressured by men. Dunham wrote about her first sex experience in college, many years after her fellow classmates which led her to make the decision at the wrong time. She believes that this wave truly fights identity and sex becoming one. Also similar to Moran, she believes that the normal image of a woman should be spread to everyone's vision in comparison to perfect and plastic models. Often self-criticism can lead to mistaken sexual behavior as someone wants another to compliment their image through attraction.

      Yes, Please by Amy Poehler explores what being a real woman is all about. Although the book details her life memoirs, Poehler's ideas about being a woman and feminism appear. Contrary to women in the historical past, Amy portrays herself to be a strong, independent woman who does not enjoy to be bothered by others. Although this may sound rude in the public eye, a greater understanding of per personality unravels throughout the reading. Many of her feminist values and beliefs are explained by famous quotes such as Eleanor Roosevelt's statement, "A woman is like a teabag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water." Her individualistic personality is very important in the current wave of feminism. Women are continuing to move away from the control and manipulation of others and making their own choices, such as Amy did throughout her acting career. Although a strong woman, she shows how women can be very dynamic characters, such as her love of the phrase "yes please." Showing respect, professionalism, and feeling like a "real woman" is combined with a willed and individualistic personality. In contrast to Moran's writing, Poehler discusses her love for men, and how that does not interfere with her feminist and gender respective views. This is a very important aspect in current society, because many compare the word "feminist" to man-haters, or something very radical such as women who want to take over the world. Without the acceptance of men's respect and support, the feminist movement would definitely not be as strong. 

Fourth Wave of Feminism Leadership: "Hollaback!"

      Online nonprofit organizations are relatively new ways of raising money, supporting a cause, and promoting activism. These organizations began to come about during the growing "fourth wave of feminism" as described in past posts. Although the fourth wave reaches across the world, inspires women to take action and stand up for themselves, and fits perfectly in our increasingly technological society, these organizations are struggling to establish themselves as strong foundations. (BCRW)

Photo: Yahoo Images

     One of these online organizations is called "Hollaback!". Hollaback! is a nonprofit movement to end street harassment created to educate about street harassment, encourage public discussion, and to develop plans for equal access to public areas. They define street harassment as sexual harassment in public places to make victims feel scared and the harasser powerful. It can be sexist, racist, transphobic, homophobic, ableist, sizeist and/or classist. According to co-founder and executive director Emily May, "We’ve had to hustle really hard for every dollar, in part because most foundations just don’t have a portfolio that we can fit into," describing how their organization is not getting enough funding compared to non-online organizations (ihollaback.org). They only have enough funding to pay two full time individuals and 350 square feet of office. The organization is funded to be in one country, but supported by activists in 79 cities and 26 countries. Of the cities, the organization holds research in twenty of them. The activists have met with 250 policy makers to make change, and educated over 2,500 youth. (BCRW) 

Sources: 

"About." Hollaback You Have the Power to End Street Harassment RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2014.

"Barnard Center for Research on Women." Barnard Center for Research on Women. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2014.

Critical Analysis of a Current Issue: Human Trafficking of Women and Girls

Photo: www.saintpetersblog.com

      Human trafficking of women and girls occurs throughout the world, but is usually hidden from the public. Trafficking refers to both sexual and labor exploitation of victims, usually of females who are most vulnerable due to discrimination, poor economic situations, forced situations, and desperate measures. Although governments are obligated to protect citizens from abuse, victims are often too afraid to report it, and others are detained as prostitutes or illegal citizens, and released into the horrendous cycle again. (amnesty.org)

Areas in the United States Affected by Human Trafficking
Photo: polarisproject.org

      According to HumanTrafficking.org, "The United States of America is principally a transit and destination country for trafficking in persons," (humantrafficking.org). HumanTrafficking.org is a web resource used for combating human trafficking across the world. I find this fact very alarming because many people in the United States believe that since it is considered a first world country, many dangers such as these are low. Since trafficking is hidden from the public, it is not appropriate to assume any safety and therefore, more people need to be educated on the topic. The website also states that 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked to the United States every year. Fortunately, the U.S. government has taken strong initiative to combat these crimes. The country began monitoring trafficking in 1994, which focused on the trafficking of women and girls for sexual exploitation. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act was passed in 2000 which increased criminal penalties, offered increased protection and services to victims, and established a cabinet-level federal task force for the issue. (humantrafficking.org)

European Human Trafficking Main Routes

photo: iubccat.blogspot.com

      Sex at the Margins is a book written by Laura Maria Agustin to detail the human trafficking and similar issues that take place in European countries. Since human trafficking is a world-wide issue, it believe it is important to understand the crime in countries in the world other than America. Also, since women and girls are trafficked back and forth from numerous countries, the crimes are interconnected in the global community. Therefore, every country needs to be targeted to tackle these crimes. The author describes that many women in European countries sell themselves to slavery because of the high costs of living and a feeling of no other choice. The book gives a story from a real victim: "‘I start work at six most evenings and sometimes don’t finish till eight the next morning. I must see up to 30 men a night if all the bills are to be paid. I owe a lot of money to the men who brought me

here," and a response from someone else: "It is hard to hear Aura’s quiet voice over the noises in the Soho street below. She is sitting on the edge of a small double bed. The

sheets are soiled, the floor covered with a stained carpet. Her dark features and highly made-up face belie her age. She is only 17 . . ." (Agustin, Laura Maria). The author further explains that poor children from Eastern Europe, including Aura, are trapped in prostitution in London. It is not unusual to hear about sex trafficking in Europe as females from all around the globe are trafficked to the countries and vice versa. An example the author gave was the increase in human trafficking for specific events brought to a certain area such as the World Cup. According to the reading, around 40,000 women were brought to Germany to "service" the fans, around one-third of them being from Central and Eastern European countries. (Agustin, Laura Maria)

A Dominican Republic Girl was Tricked into Prostitution
Photo: newsjunkiepost.com

      According to the Migration Information Programme, "Sources in the Dominican Republic state that their country has the fourth highest number in the world of women working overseas in the sex trade, after Thailand, Brazil and the Philippines," (Migration Information Programme). It is detailed that the number of women sex workers abroad totals around 50,000 individuals. Many of the women trafficked around the world enter into the country with legal work visas or similar documentation. I found it very alarming to read that many workers who deal with the incoming of migrating individuals have links to the sex industry or are themselves a sex slave driver. This is a very eye-opening fact that should call for government review and investigations to close in on these scandals. According to the academic journal, there is a specific strategy to entering the industry in the Dominican Republic. The first contact is made through someone who uses the code phrases "impresario" or that they "know a woman who organizes trips" (Migration Information Programme). Once in contact and hired as a dancer, barmaid, or other similar employee, the female is charged anywhere from $400 to $1,000 USD. The "employer" takes care of all the legal documents of the victim, including their birth certificate. Each is addressed a false identity and a life story to memorized before they are departed to anywhere in the world. It is also horrifying to understand that the men in the victim's life usually accepted that she would be taken into trafficking without knowing what type of "job" she'd be forced into. The men often receive the pay of the sex worker. (Migration Information Programme) Since the process is almost formal because it is so often occurring in the Dominican Republic, similar processes must also be occurring everywhere else in the world. It also brings question to security and why it is so easy to get through systems with false identification.

      As mentioned in the beginning statistic of the paragraph above, Brazil is a leading country in human trafficking. According to the Forced Migration Review, the dramatic levels of social inequality in Brazil and lack of economic opportunities lead thousands of women and girls into sex exploitation and prostitution across the world or into agricultural estates within Brazil. Once females are taken from their homes to "live a better life", victims are warned that they owe money for travel expenses, leading them to the only quick option of trafficking. This warped assumption has been the majority reason for women to leave their country, which has become a highly contradictory topic depicted in Brazilian soap operas. Once these details were released to the public through television, warning that these ideas are very false, the government began to take action against the crimes, but their action is far too little to pertain to all victims. According to the article, "In 2003, 5,100 people were freed [by the government's anti-slavery teams]" (Forced Migration Review). In 2002, the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations initiated an international partnership, along with Brazilian police, to combat the crimes. Although according to the International Labor Organization, Brazil has become a role model for other countries, their enforcement lacks many important aspects that would allow for important action to be taken. Brazilian legislation only references trafficking to be illegal if the purpose is prostitution, attention does not explain the difference between forced exploitation and prostitution, foreign governments may be using human trafficking to create agendas, there has been an increased lack in abilities to migrate legally. (Forced Migration Review)

      I find the value of this information to be very eye-opening as it gives an understanding of a global issue women face. Living in a first world country often distracts us from the crimes and victimization that could and is happening, but is hidden from the public eye. I find it very important to be informed on these massive threats to be cognizant of the danger around us, and to have the ability to influence and advocate change. Without a broad knowledge of sexual and civil rights dangers women face, it is very easy to have a closed and naive view of women's status in the world.  

Sources:

Agustin, Laura María. "Chapter 1: Sexual Commotion." Sex at the Margins: Migration,    Labour Markets & the Rescue Industry. 1-9. n.p.: Zed Books, 2007. SocINDEX with Full   Text. Web. 3 Nov. 2014.

Almeida, Luciana Campello R., Luiza Helena Leite, and Frans Nederstigt. "Brazilian Trafficking: Soap Opera Versus Reality." Forced Migration Review 25 (2006): 34-35.Academic Search Complete. Web. 3 Nov. 2014

"HumanTrafficking.org | United States of America." HumanTrafficking.org | United States of America. Academy for Educational Development, n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2014.

"Migration Information Programme, 'Trafficking In Women From The Dominican Republic For Sexual Exploitation,' International Organization For Migration, Budapest, Hungary, June 1996." Trends In Organized Crime 3.4 (1998): 26. Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File. Web. 3 Nov. 2014.

"Trafficking of Women and Girls | Amnesty International." Trafficking of Women and Girls | Amnesty International. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2014.

A Fourth Wave of Feminism?

Photo: Yahoo Images

      Is there a fourth wave of feminism among us? According to the Political Studies Association, this is a very serious question to ask. The use of the internet and technology to spread activism is being questioned to see if the transition of communication is in fact a new era of feminism. Whether or not this change should be coined as the fourth wave of feminism, what this represents is a whole different question. It is obvious that our world has transformed into an instant-messaging, social media, technological community, but it is not for certain that this is the best way to spread activism. The internet makes it very convenient for an individual to log on in minutes to research feminism or discuss about it. Women's rights websites obtain thousands of views daily, as well as discussion board participation that gives women across the world to discuss and gain support about their struggles. However, it is very questionable to whether this activism is making a difference in the world since it is not actual political action parading the streets. There are several pledges and petitions that are "signed" by thousands or even millions on the internet, but do these online documents advocate change? Do the people that sign actually take action in their lives in support of the petition they signed? It is hopeful that they do, but not for certain. Some believe that women are speaking out in activism online because they do not have the chance to in actual politics. PSA explained that UK media favors men over women, so it would be more difficult for political women to have their voices heard. The fourth wave of feminism may be a beneficial or negative in different aspects, but I believe that what it represents is the change in communication of today's society. The feminist and women's movement views are being carried on into our modern society, which is a very positive entity aside from the fact that other types of activism is still necessary.

Sources: 

Munro, Ealasaid. "Feminism: A Fourth Wave?" The Political Studies Association. PSA, n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2014.

Documentary Review: Makers: Women Who Make America, Part One: Awakening

Photo: Yahoo Images

      This post is part two of a documentary review of Makers: Women Who Make America, Part One: Awakening. As mentioned in the last post, Part One: Awakening focuses on an introduction to the feminist movement, detailing the status of women in the first wave and then the beginning of the second wave. In my opinion, it makes sense that the documentary would start out with women in the first wave of feminism to provide background information and a visual of the opportunities and lives faced during the nineteenth century. The status of women is described through the eyes of society, and how it began to be questioned by women and politics. The second wave is introduced by the event that is noted to be the transition into the second wave of feminism although the first did not end until the early twentieth century. The film provides information and interviews of very motivational and historical figures in the movement and what they faced during the time period, as well as different and contradicting views and disagreements that swirled through society at the time. The value of the information provided in the documentary is very important as it combines information about organizations, events, laws, societal beliefs, and individuals who made a difference in the movement. It serves as sort of a historical timeline of the women's movement which then leads into part two and three. 

National Organization of Women
Photo: Yahoo Images

      There are two main pieces of information discusses during the beginning that provides understanding of the first wave of feminism. One of which is a personal memoir from Kathrine Switzer who was a long distance runner most of her life. In 1967, she was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. She was a junior as Syracuse University. She made the statement, "I started as a girl and finished as a grown woman," because of the details of the event. During the race, the coordinator ran after her while grabbing her and demanding her to give him her number because women should not be in the race. The idea that women were not to compete with men and exercise was created in the physical view of women. They were not to have strong legs and a firm body, and also not be fit to endure physical activity. The other detail that was attacked during the first wave of feminism was the status of women. The film described the ideal woman to be married before she graduated college, a house wife or maid, to never have a job, and to never have any wants and needs out of her house wife and motherhood. Propaganda flooded society with women being viewed as weak, but happy housewives, under control of their husbands. 

      The second wave of feminism was much more highlighted in the documentary compared to the first. The second wave moved into more radical views, a collective fight from all ethnicity of women, and also a more personal view as well as the continued political fight. The Feminine Mystique by author Betty Friedan is a piece of literature that seemed to almost lead the second wave of feminism. It brought women together into a collective voice because most had the same struggle of the "problem that has no name." This struggle was the want for something more than just the role of a housewife and motherhood. Women wanted to have the same opportunities as men did, but they were taught to feel guilty if they had that want and to hide it from others. Betty Friedan and others formed the National Organization for Women which is still a large organization that fights for women's rights today. This organization was a strong voice in the women's movement. The Miss American Pageant was an event that also had a strong impact in the beginning of the second wave of feminism. Women gathered and decided that the "perfect image" of women portrayed in the pageant was very oppressing and decided to make a statement about it. A sheep was crowned "Miss America" because women felt that they were being herded by men. There was a "freedom trash can" where participants disposed of items that were worked into the feminine image such as high heels, curlers, bras, and playboy magazines. Finally in the pageant, a large sign was held that read: "Women's Liberation" which furthered the spreading of the movement throughout the world. Women's liberation was a term coined during the second wave that was used as a title to the movement. The liberating factors that women fought for included the workplace and opportunities. Although there were more jobs available in the second wave compared to the first, salaries compared to men were only fractions, many had limits, and most were only factory jobs. One of the examples given was the flight attendant position that was given to women for the first time. Women were very optimistic about their careers, but at the age of 32, they were all fired because the companies only wanted young, attractive women and believed that women at the age of 32 should be at home raising children. Another aspect that was explained in the documentary that proved that it was mainly referring to the second wave was activists that were involved in the civil rights movement. Since the Civil Rights Movement was still a popular topic, the feminist movement adopted many ideas from the Civil Rights Movement. However, black women still struggled to fit in the movement in the early days. They were also less privileged in the workplace and many other areas. Finally, the second wave of feminism was also characterized by radical views that some main feminists such as Betty Friedan did not agree with. Some of the radical groups projected their voice through humorous actions, mass strikes, and were made up of lesbian couples. Although some of their ideas were in argument with other feminists, their voice was very fierce and in the movement. All of these details in the documentary proved that the time period being discussed was the second wave of feminism. 

      

Documentary Review: First and Second Wave of Feminism

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      This post is part one of a documentary review of Makers: Women Who Make America, Part One: Awakening. This documentary details the first wave of feminism in the beginning, but moves onto the rise of the second wave. The first wave of feminism occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries throughout the world, but most evidently in the United Kingdom, United States, Netherlands, and Canada. At the time, these countries were experiencing urban industrialism and a grow in liberal and socialist politics. The strongest goals of the movement were to allow women to have more opportunities and to vote. The Seneca Falls Convention in 1948 is accepted as the beginning of the wave, which is now modeled on the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration proposed that women are men's equal and it is against nature to exclude them, that men should be supporting women's opportunities and independence, and that women should have the right to vote. During the first wave, most of the activists were in relation to the racism and slavery abolitionist movements because both slaves and women had little rights in comparison to men. The second wave of feminism began in the 1960's and ended around the 1990's. The movement occurred in relation to the Civil Rights movement. Some of the events that took place included: creation of the National Organization of Women, the Women's Political Caucus, Title Seven of the Civil Rights Act, Equal Rights Amendments, and women's liberation. While the first wave of feminism was mostly empowered by middle class white women, the second wave became more radical and also included black women and females of other ethnicity. This phase was thought to arise during the Miss America Pageant in 1968, where women began to rally the ideals and expectations of women and their bodies as oppressive. (Rampton, Martha) 

Black Women in the Feminist Movement
Photo: Yahoo Images

      According to Lori D. Ginzberg of Feminist Studies Journal, the waves of the feminism movement occurred and originated in response to the status of women created by society and men. The status of women in the American Republic was created due to politics and how they defined females based on their particular class, race, religion, marriage, and motherhood. The waves of feminism were collectively a movement that targeted politics and patriarchal ideas that excluded women from the rights of mankind. Citizenship was based on genders and had been defined by white men to only allow white men to hold superiority in the American republic. Although women were excluded as a whole, the author stated that there were two victimized groups: white women and black women. Black women suffered from discriminating dualism because they were both black and women, putting them at the very bottom of the social ladder. Most feminists were also in support of abolishing slavery, so many targeted slave struggles to advance in black communities and culture. White women were assumed to be homemakers and property of their husbands and men in their lives, rather than citizens with rights. (Ginzberg, Lori D.)

Sources: 

Ginzberg, Lori D. "Re-Viewing The First Wave." Feminist Studies 28.2 (2002): 419. SocINDEX with Full Text. Web. 2 Nov. 2014.

Rampton, Martha. "The Three Waves of Feminism." Pacific University. Pacific University, 23 Oct. 2014. Web. 02 Nov. 2014.

Recent Cases Shed Light on Domestic Violence, However, Nothing is New

      Domestic violence has affected women around the world for far too long. One of the

A woman is begging to be spared
 by a man.
Photo: livejournal.com

earliest documented cases was in 753 B.C. in Rome under the Laws of Chastisement where men had the right to physically beat their wives in punishment with rods. In the 1500s, the Russian State Church sanctioned the oppression of women by issuing a household ordinance which stated that men could beat and kill their wives for punishment. They were allowed to use a whip as long as it was no thicker than their thumb (the rule of thumb). Some wives rebelled and killed their abusive husbands first, but were punished by being buried alive with only their head over the surface of land.

Some early doctors claimed beating was "therapy."
This ad was released in the mid 1900s
Photo: boingboing.net

During the same time of the "Golden Age," England taught women and children that they are to obey the man of the house and abuse was encouraged to men. During the 1880s, women were allowed to separate from their husbands, but were not allowed to divorce them. During the late 1800s, some courts in Louisiana begin to hold men accountable for marital rape, wives can no longer be kept under lock and key, life threatening beatings brought about divorces, and wives and daughters were no longer allowed to be sold into prostitution. In the late 1960s, for the first time in Italy, men were charged for killing a wife, sister or mother. Although the women's movement definitely called for serious change in domestic violence, the severity in past years is almost unbelievable. The women's movement was not enough to stop all violence, and a serious amount still occurs today throughout the world. (ICADV.org)

      The new cases of domestic violence in the NFL have definitely brought the abuse to

Ray Rice "apologizes" alongside his wife.
Phtoto: khon2.com

light. Ray Rice dragging his significant other out of an elevator after hitting her hard enough to knock her out, aside from other recent players being accused, brings question of if women are really respected in multi-million dollar organizations, franchises, and entertainment sites. Although new laws are being made in the NFL that conclude that a first offense will lead to a six-game suspension, while a second will cause a banishment from the NFL. (Muir, David) It is interesting to note, however, that players who have been caught smoking weed and getting illegal tattoos have been suspended for much longer terms, including Cleveland Brown Josh Gordon who is suspended for a year because of marijuana use. Also, 21 of the 32 NFL teams employed players with sexual violence or domestic abuse on their records. Obviously, people really are not taking domestic violence seriously and it is ashamed that people are being hired into professional positions without the examination of their criminal record. (Dockterman, Eliana) 

      Aside from recent cases polluting the news and major company cover-ups, statistics also prove that domestic violence is far from being cured among women. According to safehorizon.com, one in four women will experience domestic violence in their life time with more than 4 million physical assaults and rapes from partners. Women are more likely to be killed by their partner than men and one in three female homicides are carried out by a significant other. Similarly to sexual abuse, domestic violence often strikes young adults of the ages 20 to 24. (Safehaven.com)

Sources:

Dockterman, Eliana. "The NFL Needs To Take Domestic Violence Seriously." Fortune.Com (2014): 1. Business Source Premier. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

"Domestic Violence: Statistics & Facts." Safe Horizon. Safe Horizon, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

"History of Battered Women’s Movement." ICADV. Department of Health Services, 1999. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

MUIR, DAVID, and MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO. "Nfl's New Rules On Domestic Violence." Good Morning America (ABC) (2014): 1. Regional Business News. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

The Argument Over Birth Control and Abortion

    Although my opinion is not expressed in this post towards abortion, it is inevitable to recognize the constant arguments that surround and criticize abortion and even contraception. Some of these opinions take into account religion, past influences, and politics. Some say the impact of restricting women from these choices removes their rights, and is also not understood by man. Additionally, some believe that if men were in this position, their freedom of choice about their bodies would be unquestionable. 
      

Planned Parenting Propaganda
Photo: truthandcharityforum.org

        Margaret Sanger, considered the Mother of Birth control, is seen to the right in a video of an interview she had with Mike Wallace in 1957. Her strategy to allow the choice up to women in regards of abortion and birth control began with challenging the Anthony Comstock laws in court, which forbid the distribution and information about contraceptives. She studied birth control methods and produced the first family planning pamphlet that shared her findings, although it was quite illegal. As a nurse, she opened the first American birth control clinic in 1916 in Brooklyn after observing the outstanding number of women who requested contraception. However, the New York City Vice Squad raided and closed the building, all while putting Sanger in jail. She was a strongly hated woman by some people at the time proven through trials, harassment, and raids, but she continued to gain pubic appreciation. In 1952, a national birth control conference was held by American supporters of Sanger's efforts, as well as Albert Einstein. Today, this group has continued through generations and is called the International Planned Parenthood Association. She argued that although her fight was for the rights of women to control their fertility and the right of parents to be free of crises of unwanted pregnancy, these rights would also give every child the right to be wanted. She received the Medal of Achievement of the American Women's Association in 1931. (Wardell, Dorothy)

      The Sachs case was one of the most influential and motivating in Margaret Sanger's life. She was called once 28 year old Mrs. Sachs was found dead on a floor from blood poisoning after a self-induced abortion. Previously, she went to her doctor for help; their conversation described by Sanger read: "The pale and grave Mrs. Sachs asked, 'Another baby will finish me, I suppose? ' The doctor strongly agreed, 'Any more capers, young
woman, and there'll be no need to send for me.' 'I know, doctor.' she replied timidly, 'but . . . what can I do to prevent it?' The doctor retorted. 'You want to have your cake and eat it too. do you? . . . Tell Jake to sleep on the roof.'" This story brought a haunting realization to many people: if contraception was not offered, women's health may be in danger in some cases and pregnancy may lead to accidental self injury. If abortion was not offered to the public, women may come to extreme cases to take it into their own hands such as Mrs. Sachs did. She believed limiting the family size would prevent poverty and unhealthy families if the children were unwanted. (Wardell, Dorothy) 

      There are still many arguments about abortion and contraception today. Many pro-life

Photo: ucsb.edu

activists believe that abortion is murder and unconstitutional because even though the embryo is in the womb, it is still considered another human. Aside from this, abortions may be emotionally damaging to women as many report depression after the abortion. Since women are given the ability to produce children, many believe that abortions abuse this blessing and is injuring womanhood more than the lack of choice would. There have been a total of 45 million legal abortions from 1973 to 2005, proposing the question of whether abortions are becoming abused among lack of responsibility. (Wagner, Rich) Pro-choice activists support Sanger's opinion that women should have the right to make choices for their own bodies, and that abortion if given at the right time period, is not murder as the baby is not far in formation yet. However, a study in Canada concluded that 1,270 babies died after botched abortions, and 491 babies were born alive after failed abortions, although the study did not detail if the babies' health was affected. (Ertelt, Steven) The topic of abortion will never be decided on as many have strong opinions. Aside from this, there has been an immense amount of protesting, harassment of women, and vandalizing of clinics where law passing was necessary to protect patients. Some believe that adoption can relieve this issue, while others believe that abortion will lower overpopulation, poverty, and poor family relation rates.

Photo: hobbylobby.com

      Although contraception is more accepted than abortion in society in most cases, many religions still refrain from the use and support as they believe that conception is a natural process that should not be stopped or that sexual relation should only occur between two people who want a child. A recent and popular case involved the store Hobby Lobby. The store owners are religious people who do not believe in abortion or contraception. Although Obama signed legislation to eliminate government financial support of abortions which is now left to the parents, the store owners did not want the healthcare provided through their business to support abortion and contraception for the employees. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that employers will not be required to provide healthcare for practices of this sort if they are against their religious beliefs. (Dockterman, Eliana)

Sources:

Dockterman, Eliana. "5 Things Women Need To Know About The Hobby Lobby Ruling." Time.Com (2014): 1. Business Source Premier. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

Ertelt, Steven. "1,270 Babies Born Alive After Failed Abortions in the U.S." LifeNews.com. N.p., 5 Apr. 2013. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

Rich Wagner, Alex K. Geraldine. "Abortion Debate." Salem Press Encyclopedia (2013): Research Starters. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

Wardell, Dorothy. "Margaret Sanger: Birth Control's Successful Revolutionary." American Journal Of Public Health 70.7 (1980): 736. Business Source Premier. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

       

Sexual Abuse Towards Women: A Plague; Will it Ever End?

      Sexual Abuse has plagued women forever. Freudian beliefs portrayed women as "human-like

Sigmund Freud
Photo: Hertruename.com

dolls" put on the Earth to birth children, cook and clean for men, and to pleasure them.  Freud believed that since female sexual pleasure was not required to conceive offspring through reproduction, it was not important to fulfill. Growing up, Freud was pampered by his mother who believed that it was her duty to slave over men. In his eyes, women were almost childlike, as if men had to direct them like children or pets. Due to this influence growing up, Freud created these societal values that explained women as less than human beings that existed solely for the convenience of men. Unfortunately, these beliefs became very popular as others did not believe that Freud could ever be incorrect due to his intelligence and contribution to psychology. It is very possible that sexual abuse stemmed from beliefs as these. Men may feel the power to sexually abuse because of portrayed superiority, while women were there to pleasure men and bear their children anyway. (Hertruename.com) 

Lashing was a threat to slaves who
discussed sexual assault or rape.
Photo: Wikipedia

      Although all ethnicity, cultures, and skin colors have suffered from sexual abuse, African American women may suffer the most from the past in slavery to today in low-income areas. Slavery allowed slaveholders to "own" the slaves, depriving them of all rights. Black females truly faced dualism in discrimination as first they were deprived of independence and freedom, but also the ability to be sexually abused. Since no laws pertained to slave women, being raped was not illegal as they were just considered property. However, if the woman became pregnant, she may have been forced to work for an extra couple years as punishment and care for her child. Masters forced slave women and men to reproduce constantly no matter if they were inbreeding to produce more hands for the plantations. Victims had to act submissive because if they were caught discussing the matter, punishment could include the selling of that individual, lashings, or even death. Today called splitting or disassociation, keeping quiet was and is passed down through generations. Aside from rape and forced sex, slave women were publicly groped and molested while being sold at auctions, with no ability to stop the action. (Blacksurvivors.org) 

      Although slavery is now illegal, sexual abuse is a struggle all women still face today as a

Eye opening movie "Precious" shows lives of lower class
women who face incestuous sex abuse. 

whole. Unfortunately, sex slavery still occurs throughout the world. Sexual abuse is most documented in areas of low income with majority of the population being comprised of African Americans. One in four women report being sexually abused as children, 3.3 million of the victims being black women. Incestuous abuse of African Americans is three times more likely to occur than to white women or other ethnicity, and also includes physical violence and verbal threats. In 2005 alone, 83,810 cases of sexual abuse were reported. (Blacksurvivors.org) 

Photo: wxxinews.org

      College students are also at high risk for sexual abuse. The University of Montana is considered "America's rape capital" after 80 rapes were reported in a three year period and continuous violence attacks occurred on campus. This public outcry began in 2011 during finals when a female student reported being drugged and raped by the school football team. However, this title is misleading because the rates correspond with many other colleges across the United States. According to a recent study that assessed 3,000 women, one in four will be or have been sexually assaulted. According to the Obama administration, 55 United States colleges are under federal scrutiny for poorly handled sexual-assault cases. (Eliza, Grey) Obviously, all types of women are affected, not only in the United States, but also around the world.

Sources:

"African Americans and Sexual Abuse." Black Survivors. Black Sexual Abuse Survivors, n.d. Web.

Gray, Eliza. "The College Town Of Missoula, Mont., Saw At Least 80 Reported Rapes Over Three Years, Earning It The Name America's Rape Capital. But The Nickname Has It Wrong. Missoula Isn't Special; It Is Fairly Average. The Truth Is, For Young Women, America's... (Cover Story)." Time 183.20 (2014): 20-27. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

"The Sexual Solipsism of Sigmund Freud." RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

      

Femininity and Womanism: The Lethal Pressures of Such a Demanding Image

      It is very well noted in history and today the demanding image women take upon themselves to satisfy society. Created by the lack of independence and equal rights, women in the past were considered helpless, only providing care to the house, the bearing of children, and the pleasing of male figures. They were forced to wear specific clothing which varied by area, time period, or culture, while men had a much less-strict image to fulfill. If women were not to perfect this image, mostly given to her my man and other pressures, she was discriminated against and considered to be lesser than others, or even some cases, a law-breaker. 

      Although all women were pressured into a feminine image, it is important to recognize different

Native American women who
were not considered attractive or
feminine were not accepted in society.
Photo: firstpeople.us

cultures and ethnic groups when studying women. One prominent culture that provides highlighted images of women is the Indians in American cultures. Although there was original conflict with the Indians when land was divided among the new settlers, the native American woman was held as an American symbol of liberty and motherhood, full of strength, but also a nurturing personality. Native American women, like Pocahontas, were told in stories of bravery of saving others and leading warships, although these stories were never proven to be true; they provided a sense of generosity. (Green, Rayna)

      Sexuality was also a growing aspect in the Indian Woman's perceived image. The physical features of these women became the natural beauty that America stove for to have as an elegant and attractive figure for representation. Indian women attire became to be known as seductively attractive and sleek, so the figures were often used to boost businesses such as jewelry. As a symbolic figure, a mother, and a true tribe member to her relatives, a Native American women was pressured to please different extremities of sexuality. She was assumed to be a nurturing mother figure, a dedicated wife to an Indian man, but also a symbol of lust for white men. (Green, Rayna)

      Another negative, but recognizable aspect detailed in a woman's image is whether she is "pretty" or "ugly." The Native Americans were one of the first who had detailed accounts of classification of this. The unfavorable sister, coined the name of Squaw, became the name of ugly. The name "Squaw" was given to any woman who did not fit the classification of attractiveness, child bearing, and man attracting. Some men married then became dishonorable because their wives turned int "Squaw" as they got older and less eye-pleasing. Squaw were considered outcasts in society and served to be at the bottom of a very discriminating pecking order. (Green, Rayna)

Young women face a feminine and "pretty" image.
Photo: pinterest.com

      Women today, especially young girls and teenagers, face many demanding pressures to fit the feminine image very similar to the one of the Native Americans and past women. Although women have more rights and freedom, there is still a general image for women to fit made of societal stereotypes that women are weak, smaller, pretty, fragile, and maybe even stay at home moms or cleaners. Unlike past decades in history, girls today face an countless number of pressures from media. Models usually have very similar appearances which lessens self-confident in girls who strive to fit features of an "attractive" female. This is where high rates of self-consciousness and depression play a part in image. Extreme cases, but not rare, can lead to eating disorders or some type of mutilation to the body to "perfect" it even if the tactics are extremely unhealthy, dangerous, or fake. However, there are smaller ways that females live up to the beautiful figure shown on television multiple times a day, which is the influence on clothes and make-up obsessions. Aside from just a physical appearance, females are pressured to sexually please men, which brings about pre-mature sexual contact, teen pregnancy, self-esteem issues, and so much more. The visual image forces women to change themselves to sexually please men. Similar to the Native Americans, instinctual aspects of image are included such as the bearing of children. Conclusively, the strict and sometimes demeaning image of women will continue, and so will the negative effects. (Stanhope, Clare)

Sources:

Green, Rayna. "The Pocahontas Perplex: The Image of Indian Women in American Culture." The Massachusetts Review 1975: 698. JSTOR Journals. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

Stanhope, Clare. "Beauty And The Beast - Can Life Drawing Support Female Students In Challenging Gendered Media Imagery?." International Journal Of Art & Design Education 32.3 (2013): 352-361. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

The Ledbetter Act: Example of Recent Discrimination

Lilly Ledbetter
Photo: blog.al.com

      The Lily Ledbetter Act and the story behind it is an excellent example of recent discrimination and how our modern government handled it. Lilly Ledbetter worked for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as an area manager for most of her career between 1979 and 1998. She was not aware for many years that her salary was 15 to 40% less than men in the same position. In 1998, she was denied a pay raise and afterwards received a anonymous note detailing the salaries of men in the same positions. (Rose, Nina Q)

      She filed a lawsuit during the same year, but it did not fit under Title IIV of Civil Rights Act of 1964 which stated that the charge must be filed within 180 days of an offense or 300 days if the person first initiated proceedings with an enforcement agency. The jury awarded her 3.8 million dollars until it was capped at $360,000. After being appealed, the jury's award was reversed by the Eleventh Circuit of Appeals. Ledbetter then filed a writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court where her action was excluded as untimely. To do this, the court had to distort Title IIV's procedure, and Justice Samuel A. Alito wrote the majority opinion of a 5-4 decision. The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 was introduced on January 8th by Senator Barbara A. Mikulski and fifty-two co-sponsors. According to the Journal of Government Information Practice and Perspective: "the LLFPA specified that for pay discrimination claims, an unlawful employment practice occurs: [such as a discriminatory compensation decision that affects wages, benefits, or other compensation]." It prohibits the discrimination of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability. The Act was the first law that President Obama signed on January 29th. (Rose, Nina Q)

According to Whitehouse.gov, by age 65, the average
woman will have lost $431,000 because of the gender
earning gap.

      Although the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was signed into law in 2009, President Obama revisited the subject during his 2014 State of the Union Address. He stated, "Today, women make up about half our workforce,” he said. “But they still make 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. That is wrong, and in 2014, it’s an embarrassment. A woman deserves equal pay for equal work. … It’s time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a ‘Mad Men’ episode." He closed by saying, "This year, let’s all come together – Congress, the White House, and businesses from Wall Street to Main Street – to give every woman the opportunity she deserves. Because I firmly believe when women succeed, America succeeds." (Whitehouse.gov)

Sources: 

Rose, Nina Q. "Lilly Ledbetter." Dttp: A Quarterly Journal Of Government Information Practice & Perspective 39.4 (2011):                      21-25. Library Literature & Information Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

Shiu, Patricia. "Mad Men, Working Women, and Fair Pay." The White House Blog. The White House, 30 Jan. 2014. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

Women's Pay in the Past and Present

Female Nurses Without Pay
Photo: sciencemuseum.org.uk 

      If women were accepted and hired into the workplace, they did not have much of a chance to earn a decent living. Before 1750, lawsuits were brought to courts without specialized legal training where men and women would act as "attorneys in fact." As soon as lawyers became a paid profession, women were eliminated from the career. Nursing and teaching were job fields that offered the most women positions, but the lowest pay and low status. Nursing was actually considered as an extension of unpaid services of a midwife when women still dominated that field. (Women's International Center) 

Women demand Equal Rights in Protest
Photo: umck.edu

      Petitions and strikes did not work well in women's favor. Although a few unions began to form in support of women, male employers started to hold action against them calling it disrespectful and made the overall statement: "Give women an inch and they will take an ell" (Anthony, Susan B.) In 1868, collar laundry women began a trades union. Although their average pay increased from $6 to $8 to $11 to $21 per week, their income was a fraction of male workers and the employers. 1,000 women took the initiative to strike in May of 1869 for three long months. The women and unions ran out of money and were laughed at by their employers claiming that "not a single paper advocated their cause" in their opinion. Employers bribed news papers, an assumption of $10,000, to headline the newspaper: "If Women Are Not Satisfied, They Better Get Married." At the time, men won most work strikes and news papers did not dare to take bribes in their case. During the same time of 1868, the National Labor Union began pushing for equal pay between genders. In another case in the East, female teachers petitioned for better pay. The School Board actually decreased their salaries by $25 dollars a month, while the male salaries would be increased as their value was higher because of their right to vote. (Anthony, Susan B.) In 1903, the Women's Trade Union was established to unionize women and fight for better wages and working conditions.

According to off the sidelines.org, in 2012, white women made 77 cents off
of every dollar a man made, African American women made 69 cents, and
Latina women made only 58 cents.

   The gender gap has lessened throughout history in America although it is still present, however, this problem still remains a world-wide issue. According to Congressional Digest, by 2010, women made up 47% of the workforce and surpassed men in higher education levels. In manager and higher positions, women made 81 cents of every dollar men made. Even though in the category of lesser education, women earned less money for the same labor. Women earned an average of $14, while men earned an average of $19. According to Closethegap.co.uk, the global gender pay gap is 15.1%, with Korea having the worst of 37.5% and Slovenia having one of the least gaps of 3.5%. The United States ranks 16 with a gap of 17.8%. Although the gap has decreased greatly in many scenarios, and even some with women making more than men, the majority consensus declares that women still make a lot less than men overall. (Movehub.com)

Sources:

"The #1 Resource for Moving Abroad." Global Gender Pay Gap Map. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

Close The Gap Working Paper 9. "What Is The Gender Pay Gap?" GENDER PAY GAP STATISTICS (n.d.): n. pag. Close the Gap. Web.

"Equal Pay - Off The Sidelines." Off The Sidelines. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

"Gender Pay." Congressional Digest 93.5 (2014): 8-10. Academic Search Complete. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

"Susan B. Anthony." - Women's Political Communication Archives. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

"WIC - Women's History in America." WIC - Women's History in America. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2014.