I like this photograph because it not only touches on a few of the topics we covered but goes a little further into the discussions we had the class period before. A few class periods ago we talked about how feminism is not strictly just for women, but men can be just as passionate about this particular subject. This picture is just one example of the many men displayed when you search "feminism" on pinterest. Based on the reading, we also learned that we all contribute to the problem of sexism as it continues today in society.
Gender, from the article, "The Social Structure of Gender," written by Judith Lorber, we learned that gender is "constantly created and re-created out of human interaction, our of social life, and is the texture and order of that social life" (Lorber, p. 65). I think this quote can directly relate to the idea of sexism. As he states on his poster in the image above, "Sexism is learned," I think that in society today that sexism is indeed learned through the means we discussed in class on Wednesday. Through our social interactions, by what we observe, and by how we are raised. We continuously learn sexist acts, intentionally or not, and do not question them and then carry them with us into adulthood. I also think this poster goes hand-in-hand with our discussion because it goes further to talk about how "manhood shouldn't depend on putting others down," (ie. oppressing others). I think that people tend to go along with the social norm because it gets "built into sense of worth and identity" (Lorber, 68).
I really like this photo as well! I'm glad you found it, and you bring up a lot of excellent points that tie it into both the readings and our class discussions. It's important for us to witness moments like this— seeing a man on a public street hold a sign that directly challenges our construct of "manhood" is powerful. It makes the message accessible and removes it from a lot of the rhetoric, vagueness, and bias that always surround topics that question the social order. The exact same words could be written on a billboard, or spoken by a well-known activist, or simply written by a woman, and each would have a different effect and potency with the audience.
ReplyDeleteHaving taken Language and Identity: Gender last semester, we spent a lot of time talking about how the current rigidity and imbalance between gender norms is damaging to everyone who operates within that system. We talked about how, as a society, the traits that we've declared to be the measures of masculinity (strength, physical power, dominance, violence) inhibit their individual development and self-exploration, can stunt or warp their social interactions, and ultimately how they learn to pass those same damaging ideals on to the next generation.
Basically, this picture is really important to me because it shows my kind of feminism. If I place priority on the female voice, it is because few want to listen even though she has fought impossibly hard to even be given the chance to speak. But that's a single (very important!) facet of feminism, and other genders speaking out about why feminism/gender equality are important is another hugely vital component to the movement if it hopes to endorse inclusive equality.