Feminist Philosophy pt1

Lauren DeGori (10)

Philosophy 1030

Final Installment 1

Feminist Philosophy

            As early as the 18^th-century, women have been on the rise to get out of their strict gender roles. “Republican Motherhood” was a term used for women who were trying to get an education and become something more than just a house wife before, during and especially after the Revolution. Women wanted to become more apart of civilization, they were tired of being pushed aside and being told they are to do nothing but raise children and feed others. The strict gender roles of the time are uncanny to use now, as men and women who have seen the rise of women over time.

            Let us think about some female philosophers themselves. Betty Friedan, born in 1921 and died in 2006, was a Women’s Right Activist who wrote the book “Feminine Mystique.” However, before the publication of her book, she was the definition of the traditional gender role for women. She did not want to live in the word where the gender roles would remain the same for the rest of her life time. Her publication of the book in 1963 was mind blowing to the world around her. It really made American’s think about women’s “responsibilities” in the society before them, how women were no longer trying to get an upper education, how women were getting married in their later teens or early twenties, and having children at ages where they wouldn’t be able to take care of the child. This work showed that women, too, are allowed to develop their own full identities, that working in a kitchen and raising children around them does not allow them to find themselves and pursue this self-fulfillment aspect of life. Gloria Steinem, was born in 1934 and is still a feminist advocate today in our society. Her feminist roots started long before she was born with her grandmother being a president of a local Women’s Suffrage Association. Steinem started her own National Women’s Political Caucus with Betty Friedan and others, after her book was released and that was became widespread before they knew it. She also was a part of magazines that dealt with feminist perspective. She is still extremely active in society with multiple new associations like “Voters for Choice” and “Women Against Pornography.” But with her latest publication her memoir “My Life on the Road” in 2015. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013 and is looked as a modern feminist icon.

            Moving onward to other Feminist Movements, from the past and to the present. The Reed v. Reed case of 1971 was about a recently divorced couple who lost their son to suicide. Their son did not have a will and they were fighting for his land. This case went to the Supreme Court after Mr. Reed was given the land because “males must be preferred to females,” by Idaho state law. The result of this case was that giving the land to Mr. Reed over Ms. Reed strictly due to his sex was discrimination and a violation of the 14^th amendment. At the time, the 14^th Amendment was the amendment defines a United States citizen and that protects “certain” rights of the people. Although this isn’t necessarily a movement, it is a huge step in feminism. This was recognizing that discrimination is a violation of our rights as people. Even after this case, it still took the Equal Rights Amendment over a century to realize that the 14^th amendment protected women. We cannot continue to take centuries to change laws or be unsure of laws to protect our people. If we fast forward to modern women’s rights, in 2012, there was a widespread campaign called “Free the Nipple.” This isn’t just a feminist movement, it is also a gender equality movement. Women’s bodies are always seen to be inappropriate or are in need of censorship in any environment. God forbid a woman wears a bra and underwear on her balcony, everyone stares with glare and parents shield the eyes of their children, but a man can wear shorts and no shirt, and they are perceived as “sexy” and “godly.” This movement was not a way for women to be showing their bodies to the public. This movement was not for women to “flaunt” themselves to everyone and their mothers. Ultimately, it was a way to push back, to show society and those who are yet to come that women’s bodies are not shameful. Women’s bodies are not to be tucked away because of societal norms. Women come as they are and they should not have to hide or shield themselves because of the world around them.

Betty Friedan 

Gloria Steinem

In my next post, I will elaborate more on Feminist Icons that have truly changed the way of women's rights and involvement in society over time. 

WE Can!

Sources:

Gloria Steinem & Gloria Steinmen

Betty Friedan & Betty Friedan

Comments:

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