Introduction to feminism

Everyday Sexism

Watch the Everyday Sexism TED talk from Laura Bates (linked above) and answer the following questions:

1) Why did Laura Bates start the Everyday Sexism project?

-She started it because of the sexual assault she went through on a daily basis that was seen as normal even though it wasn't. She wanted to support other women that also went through similar situations,  whom were to afraid to speak up because it was seen as normal thing that they should "quietly" deal with.

2) How does the Everyday Sexism project link to the concept of post-feminism? Is feminism still required in western societies?

-Although the society says that we are in a state of post-feminism it still exists because if it didn't women wouldn't be afraid of being sexually harassed and assaulted everywhere they are, weather it is at work or on a night out. Therefore, feminism is still required in the western society

3) Why was new technology essential to the success of the Everyday Sexism project?

-If new tech wasn't there for this project then Laura wouldn't have found so many people to tell their stories with sexism and then the Everyday Sexism Project wouldn't have reached so many people and changed their views about women, and how for example if a women gets raped it isn't because of the clothes she was wearing but instead because of a mans dirty mind. We, as a society shouldn't blame women for the sexual harassment or assault they face.

4) Will there be a point in the future when the Everyday Sexism project is not required? What is YOUR view on the future of feminism?

-I think that maybe there is a possibility that we will have a future where sexism doesn't exist, but this is based on the men arounds us and weather they are willing to be better people and not sexualise women and if they will teach their children the right things. 

Media Magazine: The fourth wave?

Read the article: The Fourth Wave? Feminism in the Digital Age in MM55 (p64). You'll find the article in our Media Magazine archive here.

1) Summarise the questions in the first two sub-headings: What is networked feminism? Why is it a problem?

-Network feminism is about the four different waves of feminism that society has gone through in the past. However, it also tells us the backlash that feminist have faced because of each of the stages in the wave and how if we do not solve the problem in each stages of the wave it creates problems.

2) What are the four waves of feminism? Do you agree that we are in a fourth wave of ‘networked feminism’? 

-The ‘first wave of feminism’ began in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, with a main focus on suffrage. The ‘second wave’ began in the 1960s, campaigning for the growth of equal rights and leading to the Equal Pay Act of 1970, amongst other equality laws. Since the late 1990s, we are believed to have entered the ‘third wave’ (often identified as post-feminism). The new fourth wave of feminism is also known as ‘networked feminism’. it aims to tackle social equality issues found both on, and using, modern technology.

3) Focus on the examples in the article. Write a short summary of EACH of the following: Everyday Sexism, HeForShe, FCKH8 campaign, This Girl Can.

-HeForShe-Emma Watson’s campaign focuses on male support for gender equality, highlighting the fact that feminism is not about promoting matriarchy, but solidarity.

-FCKH8 campaign-The movement focuses on the modern representation of girls and the huge social inequalities they face, whilst featuring young girls ‘F-Bombing’ to highlight society’s imbalance when it comes to offences.

-Everyday Sexism-The project was started by Laura Bates back in 2012 as a website which posted examples of sexism that users faced every day.

-This Girl Can-first fitness campaign for women which doesn’t shame or exclude them, by sharing photos, videos and quotes of women without the usual sexual exploitation of a women’s fitness advert and without body shaming.

4) What is your opinion with regards to feminism and new/digital media? Do you agree with the concept of a 'fourth wave' of feminism post-2010 or are recent developments like the Everyday Sexism project merely an extension of the third wave of feminism from the 1990s?

-Feminism, in my opinion, isn't about revenge or taking pleasure in bringing down men. It's about women claiming their rights without asking. Gender inequality has been around for years, with men holding power. Media and social platforms let women express themselves. I support the ongoing waves, like the Everyday Sexism project, giving women a voice and freedom from stereotypes. These efforts should be continuous to address the longstanding suffering of women in our society.