1. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Explain why or why not.
2. Of all the readings in class, what one would you recommend for
a young woman to read? Why?
3. Did the Women and Society class change your
thoughts about what it means to be a feminist or a woman? If so, how?
[SAMPLE
ANSWER] Prior to this class, I didn’t think about birth control or sex
education as being something restricted by law. This was the topic that made me
see how feminist ideas can make a better world for women as well as men. I
didn't realize that the right of single women to obtain birth control did not becomelaw until 1972. Reflecting on this fact, I better understood
the story of Margaret Sanger's crusade for birth control. It is unimaginable to
me that simply speaking about birth control
was breaking the law. It seemed clear to me that she was being treated like a
criminal for producing her pamphlets on birth control. The struggle continues
to this day because there are still men in the United States Congress who use
slut-shaming as a reason to vote against no-cost contraception. New research,
spurred by this recent controversy, suggests that, "no-cost contraception did not result in 'riskier'
sexual behavior (defined by the researchers as 'sex with multiple partners')but did reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions." This issue alone has
made me understand the importance of being politically active by contacting
legislators and voting for candidates who share my views. Voting for and
supporting men and women who see the political landscape through a feminist
lens is one way that women can influence lawmakers to pass laws that protect
women’s rights. This class has made me realize the importance of being
politically aware of laws being passed in Congress as well as cases being tried
in the Supreme
Court.
Based
on her essay “Marriage and Love,” what do you think Emma Goldman would say
about the recent movement to legalize gay marriage?
Caitlin
Moran shares her struggles with body image and identity in How to Be a
Woman. Show evidence that Beyonce would or would not agree with her.
What
feminist outside-of-class event changed the way you think about feminism?
Describe the event and explain your thoughts before and after attending the
event.
Find
an example of advertising that exploits women's insecurities about their body.
What are some ways you can fight this kind of sexism?
We
have read Caitlin Moran's advice about having children or not having children.
Quoting from Moran's book, what does she see as being the most difficult
challenges for women who want a career as well as a family? Comment on whether
these readings have influenced your own thoughts about your future.
Explain
how a second wave feminist would look at Hugh Hefner's Playboy empire
differently from a third wave feminist. Find some specific visual examples to
help make your point.
