Cultural Snapshot

  

Sexism is commonly present in the workplace, in the media, in the home, in the schools, and pretty much everywhere in society. While I acknowledge that there is discrimination against men, I'm currently focusing on discrimination against women. There are different ways to fight back against sexism, and one "group" that fights for women's rights have been termed feminists. Feminist has come to often carry a negative connotation, as communicated with the first few images. The images use male and female derogative stereotypes to discredit feminists as pursuing a worthy cause of gender equality. Recurring jokes are that women belong only in the kitchen and that women who tear down men and want equality are not logically sound. In addition to being irrational, feminists are portrayed as unattractive he-women who don't conform to societal standards of how to look, act, and dress.

These messages affect how women are viewed and treated in the classroom because they reinforce the idea that women should act a certain way; if they don't act how they are expected to, they won't or shouldn't be accepted. If women don't look a certain way or are too outspoken or claim that something is sexist, then they can be viewed as a "feminist" in the incorrect, negative understanding of the term. It is important for teachers to examine how cultural groups are represented in the media, curriculum, and policy because teachers play a critical role in educating students to think differently than simply accepting what has always been the norm. This also applies to how teachers manage their classrooms; will they reinforce the dominant culture? Will they treat students incorrectly? Will they make offensive jokes that single out different cultures or groups? Teachers need to understand how cultural groups are being portrayed so to understand how their students may view each cultural group. If the students only hear one story, that is the only view that they will have.

This “single story” of feminism affects all students. People who view feminism through this single story who do not identify as feminist will feel uncomfortable when feminist opinions are brought up. I think that they will typically conform to gender stereotypes and roles and put down those that don’t conform. “Powerful” or “Bossy” or “Strong” women will be seen as unattractive and undesirable, and women who exemplify those attributes will be seen as or feel undesirable. For students who identify as feminist, male or female, this single story largely misrepresents the issues that feminism combats and it would be upsetting to hear it or experience the enforcement of this single story. Feminist students might feel uncomfortable speaking up or identifying as such, or lash out in the opposite direction and get angry and loud.

In concerns with school policy and curriculum, anti-feminist mentalities would encourage a greater selection of male students for leadership positions in clubs and sports. In the extreme sense, there would be rules about how only a male could fill specific positions. Women who would be assertive and do well in the positions would not be voted in because it is difficult to see women in positions of authority; it’s annoying according to the single story of feminism. Anti-feminist or “neutral” teachers and administrators would promote a curriculum of texts written mostly by men that purport the same mentality. As a future educator, I need to advocate policies that incorporate equal opportunity for both men and women, and create or teach a curriculum in a way that challenges the single story of feminism.