1. The Real Definition of Feminism
Who knew that Feminism isn’t just about women? I did not. I expected feminism to be women fighting for women. Feminism is not just about getting women to be mens’ equals, but to me, it is about breaking stereotypes and the belief that women and men are inherently different and therefore not capable of the same things. Even more so, feminism is about freedom, the freedom for each of us to individually make up our own definition of feminism as according to our own lives and beliefs.
2. There are so many different kinds of feminism
Which can entirely be attributed to the fact that everyone has the ability to make up their own definition of feminism. I have learned about things from racial feminisms to environmental feminisms and how you can find feminisms in every situation.
3. Everything is Political
I have heard this a billion times in my classes but it is true. Racial politics, class, stereotypical biases, delegation and ownership of power, all of these things are embedded into everyday life. Take for example BIC’s pen for Her, a pink pen made for her. The color pink attributed to be a feminine color, the idea that men cannot use a pink pen and women can only use pink pens. The idea of big companies using gender to increase revenue. Commercials using celebrity endorsements on TV, gearing toward people who can afford to watch TV and therefore buy specific pens. Everything is Political.
4. Sex, Gender, and Sexuality are not the same
To put it simply, though you can discuss for hours, sex refers to biology, gender refers to how one identifies themselves, and sexuality refers to whom one is or is not sexually attracted to.
5. Gender Studies is for everyone.
Do not hold back from fully enjoying a Gender studies class because you are afraid you may offend someone. It is all about learning and soon you find that others are just as afraid too and everyone is completely understanding. Also, as would be expected most of the classes are predominantly female, which is why many schools have started changing the name from Women’s Studies to Gender Studies. However, I have found that the males in these classes are usually very outspoken and are loved by professors and classmates the same because they bring a different dimension to the class. Ive also found to love and appreciate my classmates that identify differently than I do, because that is what I came to learn about.
