3
EDITOR’S NOTE
5
STAFF PAGE
7
FEM FROM THE PAST
9
THE WAVES OF FEMINISM
Amy Trivers
Vivian Giang, Adella Gorgen
17
#FEMINISM TRENDING
25
CAN A RELATIONSHIP BE TRULY EQUAL?
29
MY DADDY’S NAME IS DONOR
37
STAFF ART
51
TOXIC FRIENSHIPS
55
THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
61
GENDER IN THE WORKPLACE
67
I SEE, THEREFORE I AM
73
CREDITS
Daniela Attia
Taylor Milam
Cory Bratby-Rudd
Noopur Goel, Sara Haas, Erica Vincenzi
Shannon Richards
Angelina Murphy
Eidah Hilo
Dana Yu
EDITOR’S NOTE photo by noopur goel
As I move into the present and feel the weight of my insecurities, silence, and shame lift off of my body, I stand tall where I once refused to be seen. I reclaim my body and my voice, choosing to acknowledge the pain in order to accept the healing. These are the shapes of my past and my present. A picture of a person learning to live unafraid.
FEM Staff Amy Trivers
Daniela Attia
Mary Kate Morrow
Angelina Murphy
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Editor
Managing Editor
Managing Editor
Dana Yu
Noopur Goel
Sara Haas
Erica Vincenzi
Copy Editor
Art | Design Director
Art | Design Staff
Art | Design Staff
Eidah Hilo
Kayla Karimi
Breanna Khorrami
Lorenia Salgado
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Shannon Richards
Taylor Milam
Lea Chang
Ceejay Lee
Managing Editor
Content Editor
Copy Editor
Copy Editor
Cori Bratby-Rudd
Rebeca Flores
Vivian Giang
Adella Gorgen
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Nicholas Wiss Staff Writer
2013-2014
fem from the past Spring 1999
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Spring/Summer 2012
est. 1973
The waves of Feminism by: Adella Gorgen and Vivian Giang
Art+Design: Noopur Goel
The Waves of Feminism From the radicalism of the suffragists to the the badassery of riot grrrl culture, women have consistently fought for equality and recognition. “The description of feminism
the temperance and abolition
and smashing windows. In both
in waves can be useful, a way
movements. While women
countries, suffragettes were
to define the contours of a
played a large role in both
often imprisoned and went on
specific movement at a specific
movements, they were not
hunger strikes.
moment, and to recognise a
allowed full participation. This
new raft of women rising against
prompted many women to look
one of the main organizers of
sexism. But it is also sometimes
for a way to have their own
the Seneca Falls Convention in
considered controversial, for a
voices heard.
1848, along with Lucretia Mott
few reasons. One is that these
GOALS:
and Susan B. Anthony. Together,
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was
waves don’t necessarily apply
Women’s suffrage
they are considered the first
worldwide–movements arise
Legal rights and protection
American feminists.
in response to, and address,
for women
specific cultural conditions–
PEOPLE:
although they can overlap.” (Cochrane)
Alice Paul, along with Lucy Burns, founded the National
The suffragettes were part of
Women’s Party and picketed the
the female suffrage movement
White House during World War I
in the United States, and
before being thrown in jail. While
especially the United Kingdom.
in prison, Paul and her fellow
The first-wave of feminism
They often used increasingly
suffragists staged hunger strikes
took place during the late 1800s
radical tactics in order to gain
that, along with media attention,
and early 1900s. In the United
attention for the cause, such as
encouraged public sympathy for
States, it was closely tied to
chaining themselves to fences
the women’s
FIRST WAVE
10
suffrage movement.
of Chinese, Africans, Germans
Nazi ideology.
Margaret Sanger opened
and Irish, with their low ideas
the first birth control clinic in
of womanhood, to make laws
SECOND WAVE
the United States in 1916 and
for you and your daughters...
For the most part, the
was also the founder of the
awake to the danger of your
feminist movement slowed
American Birth Control League,
present position and demand
down during the Great
which later became
that woman, too, shall be
Depression, World War II and
Planned Parenthood.
represented in the government!”
the early years of the Cold
CRITICISMS:
First-wave feminism was also
War. Feminism picked up again
limited to women of middle-
during the early 1960s, and the
primarily criticized for excluding
class or higher, as lower-class
beginning of the second-wave
women of color. Elizabeth Cady
women worked and did not
is often associated with the
Stanton, for example, argued
have the time to be involved in
publication of Betty Friedan’s
that (privileged) American
various movements.
The Feminine Mystique in 1963.
First-wave feminists were
women needed to have
Margaret Sanger,
GOALS:
government representation
specifically, is criticized for
Sexual freedom
to protect from foreigners’
promoting eugenics to “limit
Reproductive rights
ideas. Specifically, “American
and discourage the over-fertility
Societal inequalities due
women of wealth, education,
of the mentally and physically
virtue and refinement, if you
defective,” although she
do not wish the lower orders
distanced herself from
11
to gender Increased job opportunities for women
PEOPLE: Simone de Beavoir was a French existentialist philosopher
feminism, especially second-
be elected on a platform that
wave feminism.
encouraged women’s liberation.
Margaret Thatcher was the
Her famous campaign slogan
and feminist who published
first and only woman to hold the
read, “This woman’s place is
The Second Sex in 1949. In
position of Prime Minister of
in the House—the House of
the text, de Beavoir attempted
the UK.
Representatives.” She rose
to understand human history
Betty Friedan was a feminist
to prominence in the 1960s,
from a feminist perspective and
and author of The Feminine
speaking out against the
argued that men oppressed
Mystique, a book inspired by
Vietnam War, poverty, racism
women by presenting them as
her discovery that many of her
and sexism.
an “other.” The book influenced
classmates were dissatisfied
CRITICISMS:
Betty Friedan’s The
with their lives as housewives.
Feminine Mystique. bell hooks is an African-
In this, she criticized
Like the first wave, the second wave of feminism was
the extremely influential
also criticized for being almost
American author who has
psychologist Sigmund Freud
exclusively white women. While
focused on how race, gender
who wrote that women were
there were feminists of color,
and capitalism work together
childlike and jealous of men.
such as the Asian Sisters and
to perpetuate oppression.
Bella Abzug was a member
the Hijas de Cuauhtémoc, most
She continues to write to this
of the United States House
of the prominent, well-known
day and is one of the most
of Representatives during the
and influential second-wave
prominent black voices in
1970s and the first woman to
feminists were white women.
12
According to author Kira Cochrane, there was additional
the third-wave.
PEOPLE: Rebecca Walker, the
misrepresentation within
THIRD WAVE
daughter of Alice Walker
white feminism, as well, since
Although the exact beginnings
(The Color Purple), was the
working-class women were
of the third-wave are open
first person to use the term
excluded. This was a main point
to debate, most mark it as
“third-wave” in an article
brought up against Friedan
beginning in the early 1990s
entitled “Becoming the Third
and The Feminine Mystique,
and attribute Susan Faludi
Wave,” written in critique of
since many believed that it
and her 1991 book, Backlash:
the Supreme Court Justice
focused on privileged white
The Undeclared War Against
Clarence Thomas. Thomas was
women and their experiences
Women, as the beginning of
accused of sexually harassing
as housewives, excluding those
the rise.
Anita Hill, an attorney he
who worked outside the home
GOALS:
supervised, and received zero
or were single parents. Cochrane also argues that since most of the activism focused on legislation and legal change, the second-wave failed to fully delve into the social constructions of inequality, an issue that was picked up by
Reproductive rights (against restrictions on Roe v. Wade) Combatting gender violence and rape
backlash from the incident. Walker cited the issue as proof that inequality still existed, declaring, “I am not a post-
Reclaiming derogatory terms and misogynistic language Capitalism and its economic implications for women
13
feminist feminist. I am the Third Wave. Amy Richards is a cofounder of the Third Wave
Foundation, along with Walker.
of community that we need in
political movement. As author
She is most known for co-
order to figure out how bullshit
Kira Cochrane explains in her
authoring the book, Manifesta:
like racism, able-bodieism [sic],
book All the Rebel Women,
Young Women, Feminism
ageism, speciesism, classism,
such commercialization
and the Future, with Jennifer
thinism, sexism, anti-semitism
“reduc[ed] feminism to a
Baumgardner. Richards’s main
and heterosexism figure in
marketing slogan, a branding
area of focus is feminism and
our own lives.” (For more
device, denuding it of any
motherhood and what it means
information and a detailed
politics.”
to be a mother in the modern
analysis of riot grrrl culture, refer
CRITICISMS:
age (Cochrane).
to documentary the Punk Singer
Riot grrrl was an underground feminist punk
on Kathleen Hanna.) These boldly riotous women
The main point of criticism directed against the third-wave is its lack of a cohesive goal.
rock movement that started
stood in stark opposition to the
The first-wave was defined by
in Olympia, Washington in
commodified and packaged
the suffrage and the second for
the early ‘90s. It went on to
groups that were being
workforce equality. The third-
include the punk bands Bikini
stylized by the entertainment
wave, however, lacks a fixed
Kill, Bratmobile, Huggy Bear
industry, such as the Spice
purpose. Many wrongly attribute
and L7. The riot grrrl manifesto
Girls. Although advocating “girl
this to the argument that we
stated that it was necessary to
power,” they made the slogan
live in a “post-feminist” decade
discover new work to “help us
and the cause a commercial
and are beyond the need for a
gain the strength and sense
trademark rather than a serious
feminist movement.
11 14
A tangent set of critiques
organized through networks
example, the twitter movement
was the fact that feminism,
like Facebook or Twitter,
#BringBackOurGirls broke
although globalized, still
the internet has become a
the news of 257 Nigerian
remained a fairly Westernized
forefront within the movement.
girls kidnapped from their
concept. For example, many
As Kira Cochrane explains
school before it received wide
Western marches against
in the Guardian, the Internet
coverage on prominent
religious or ethnic practices (i.e.
is allowing for younger and
news stations.
the nude protests by Femen
younger voices to join the wave
against the hijab) lack of a full
and globalizing feminism to new
a surge of male presence, as
understanding of such practices
heights. Girls as young as 14
gender roles are deconstructed
and remain biased.
are running social justice and
on both fronts: the patriarchal
feminist blogs and organizing
standards of femininity along
feminist clubs or school-based
with those exacted
organizations in their
upon masculinity.
FOURTH WAVE There has been talk about the rise of a fourth-wave of feminism (2008 onward). While
local communities. Intersectionality theory
This new wave has also seen
Collaborating with other movements such as student
many brush it off as a fad,
has also taken on a bigger
campaigns against fees or
others believe a new and starkly
prominence, although it was
the Occupy movement, these
different wave of feminists
first theorized by UCLA law
women are activists fighting a
are rising with distinct social
professor Kimberle Crenshaw in
multi-fronted war. Having grown
circumstances, defined
1993. Women of different races
up in a so-called post-feminist
by technology.
and cultures and members of
era, they are angry that they
the LGBT* community have
are not treated equally and are
the landscape of women’s
been prominent voices in
raising up a new storm to
issues dramatically with online
the movement, and with the
fight back.
feminism shifting the political
advent of the Internet, global
argument. With such popular
news pertaining to women’s
blogs as feministing and
issues travels rapidly, often
hundreds of other movements
outrunning the local media. For
The internet has changed
15
The Global Struggle for Women’s Rights 1792 The practice of sati is banned in India (mainly practiced in warriror aristocracy).
1848 Sojourner Truth gives her speech, “Ain’t I A Woman?”
1893 Emily Davison dies after throwing herself under the king’s horse during a race to promote women’s suffrage in the UK.
1920 The Equal Pay Act is passed in the UK.
1973 Congress passes the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
1992 Marital rape is declared illegal in the U.K.
1994 The Vagina Monologues is published.
2004 First Slut Walk takes place in Toronto.
2011 Woman wins China’s first gender discrimination case.
Mary Wollestonecraft publishes A Vindication of the Rights of Women.
1829 Seneca Falls Convention in New York meets to discuss women’s rights and the abolition of slavery, and produces the Declaration of Rights and Sentiments.
1851 New Zealand becomes the first country to grant women’s suffrage.
1913 The United States passes the 19th Amendment which grants women the right to vote.
1970 The US Supreme Court decides in Roe v. Wade to limit abortion restriction laws.
1978 The “Year of the Woman”: Four women enter the U.S. Senate.
1994 The Violence Against Women Act becomes law in the U.S.
1999 March for Women’s Lives is held in Washington D.C. in support of reproductive rights.
2011 Woman wins China’s first gender discrimination case.
2013
#Feminism #TwitterFeminism #NotYourAsianSidekick #FemFuture #BeyonceThinkPieces #MyFeminismLooksLike #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen #FastTailedGirls #Fem2 #Beyonce #WomensRights #ReproductiveRights #BodyPositive #WhyINeedFeminism #GenderRoles #GenderVariant #Sexism #RapeCulture #Misogyny #NewWaveFeminism #ConsentIsSexy #SexualHarassment #ImNotHereForYourEntertainment #Respect #StreetHarassment #CatsAgainstCatcalls #FeministAsFuck #WageEquality #LGBTQIARights #BeautyStandards #Bodies #MensRights #WomensHistoryMonth #EqualityForAll #SupportYourSisters #NotJustYourCis-Ters #Empowerment #SpeakOut #Transphobia #Homophobia #BreakingBoundaries #WoCExcellence #Fat-Shaming #StrongFemaleCharacters #Representation #MistyCopeland #AngelaDavis #Airbrushing #JanetMock #LaverneCox #Education #FeminismMeans #BelieveAchieve #SamanthaPower #GirlsCan #Accomplish #LoveYourSelfie #WhiteWomanPrivelege #CheckYourPrivelege #LoveEachother #QueeringGender #Transgender #Intersectionality #IResolveToGain #WeCanDoIt #7000InSolidarity #KeepAbortionLegalAndSafe #FightRacism #Contraceptives #GetMoreWomenInCongress #FamilyFeminism #FeministXmas #BlackFemMusic #SmashThePatriarchy #Together #NotAskingForIt
#FEMINISM TRENDING BY: DANIELA ATTIA
Art+Design: Sara Haas
#Feminism Trending Thanks to some A-list celebrities and mass media, feminism is transforming from a hush-hush subculture, into a trendy phenomenon. But what are the implications of this cultural shift? scared of anything.” Newcomer
themselves to be feminists.
Lorde have more in common
Lorde even revealed, “I’m
Women’s magazines avoided
than being pop star goddesses
speaking for a bunch of girls
promoting feminist ideals to
who blessed us regular
when I say that the idea
the public. Some notable past
earthlings with best-selling
that feminism is completely
headlines from one of the most
albums in 2013. And no it is not
natural and shouldn’t even
popular women’s magazine,
just that they are all women,
be something that people find
Cosmopolitan, include: “10
which is actually another thing
mildly surprising, it’s just a part
Sex Cravings All Guys Have”,
they coincidentally share, but
of being a girl in 2013.”
“Colors That Make A Man’s
Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, and
something more enthralling.
Needless to say, celebrities
Heart Race”, “What Men Crave
All of these ladies are all self-
are not shying away from
proclaimed feminists.
labeling themselves the “f-word” are an abundance of other
In July.” I assure you that there
these days. However, this has
examples that demonstrate
recently referred to herself
not always been so widespread
Cosmo’s last priority was
as a “Modern-day feminist” to
in popular culture.
promoting self-empowering
Queen B, aka Beyonce,
British Vogue. Ex-Disney tween
Not too long ago, “feminist”
Miley Cyrus told BBC Radio1
was considered a “dirty word”
Newsbeat, “I feel like I’m one of
by the mainstream. We rarely
the biggest feminists in the world ever saw celebrities, let alone because I tell women not to be
pop icons, publically announce
18
messages for women. Fast forward a few years, and there have been some major changes. Publications are taking notice to the shift in
how celebrities are presenting
claim reaffirms any doubts that
hush-hush subculture, into a
themselves and have quickly
Cosmo is taking their empire
trendy phenomenon. Although
jumped on the bandwagon of
into a completely new direction.
it is revolutionary that feminism
rebranding their image to come
But Cosmo is not the only
is finally becoming something
across as more
that we can talk
“feminist friendly.” Cosmo has begun
Needless to say, celebrities are not shying
away from labeling themselves the “f-word”
to focus on new
these days. However, this has not always
topics, such as
been so widespread in popular culture.
pay equality
about in the mainstream media, there are a myriad of implications that result from this
and gendered mistreatment,
publication that has recently
cultural shift, both beneficial and
that were not previously
changed gears. Elle, another
problematic.
discussed within the magazine.
popular magazine geared
Washington Post reported,
towards women, featured a
“Recent issues have also
campaign that focused on
contained articles about fair
“rebranding feminism.” Elle
compensation, domestic
UK teamed up with various
violence and gun control.
feminist groups and advertising
in popular culture can spread
One recent issue included
agencies in order to reframe
into other realms of the mass
a 12-page, vividly illustrated
the concept of feminism for
media. The advertisement
description of 12 reliable
the modern woman. The eight
industry is one area that can
methods of contraception.”
page spread, “Make Them Pay”,
especially benefit from a change
emphasized various societal
in how women are represented
of topics were completely left
gender discrepancies, such as
within it. Typically, women were
out of Cosmo. But Cosmo
wage inequality.
commonly represented as
Traditionally, these types
Editor-In-Chief Joanna Coles
With the help of some
Advantages of Pop Culture #Feminism The promotion of feminism
sexual objects, who seductively
was recently quoted saying
A-listers and popular
eat burgers and go about
that Cosmo is a “deeply
magazines, we are witnessing
daily activities, or as
feminist magazine.” Coles’
feminism transform from a
subjects of ridicule.
19
However, recently there
was quoted saying, “GoldieBlox
The abundance of feminist
have been some turning points
is intended to inspire girls
publications that currently exist
within advertising regarding
the way Legos and Erector
could be partially due to the
how females are represented.
sets have inspired boys, for
newfound popularization of
Earlier this year, Getty
over 100 years, to develop
feminism within pop culture.
Images launched the “Lean
an early interest and skill set
Today there are feminist
In Collection”, which aims to
in engineering.” This tactic of
media sources for all kinds of
emphasize modern portrayals
breaking down gender barriers
feminists. Teen feminist? Rookie
of female leadership in stock
within ads is particularly
Mag. Pop culture obsessed
photos. Images of young female
important because it challenges
feminist? Jezebel. There are
athletes and working mothers
the strict gender roles children
even thousands of Tumblrs
are just a few of the portraits included
dedicated to all
With the help of some A-listers and popular
in the project. Getty Images’ director
magazines, we are witnessing feminism
transform from a hush-hush subculture, into a
of visual trends,
trendy phenomenon.
Pam Grossman
kinds of feminist spheres. Queer feminists and feminists of color can find solidarity
told Buzzfeed, “…By showing
become socialized into at such
through these sites, participating
people powerful images of
young ages.The expectations
in feminism that doesn’t
women, we thought maybe we
with these roles have the
conform to a heteronormative
could actually change
potential to significantly
or white narrative. Tumblr
the world.”
impact them later in their
also gives users the ability to
adult years when making
learn more about feminism,
recently released a commercial
critical life decisions––such as
as searching the “feminism
that urges young girls to ditch
career paths. If outside forces
+____” tag can lead them to
their princess toys and develop
consistently influence someone
new understandings of feminist
an interest in engineering with
to develop interests in a particular
ideology and experience. The
the company’s construction kit
field, it is likely that they will feel
attention feminism is gaining
product. CEO of GoldieBlox
obligated to pursue it.
through newer publications is
Additionally, GoldieBlox
20
intrinsic to the spread of feminist pop culture, there are greater
spectrum of information and
issues to a wider set
opportunities for more girls to
should not replace academic
of audiences.
learn about the movement.
and sociological discourse.
It is especially important to note that many young girls do not live in liberal-minded places like Los Angeles or
Disadvantages of Pop Culture #Feminism
New York, and even those that do may not feel comfortable
These magazines can work as a starting point to introduce women to feminist ideals, but it should only be the first step in one’s discovery of
Although the increasing
feminist theories.
with or accepted by feminism.
popularity of feminism in pop
In big cities, many girls have
culture has some extremely
mainstream culture does feature
the option to access local
significant benefits, not
feminism, it often misrepresents
bookstores filled with feminist
everything about this trend
what feminism actually stands
literature, music venues
is admirable. For one, when
for, causing audiences to form
featuring femalefronted bands, and in some cases, the influence of
Correspondingly, when
The attention feminism is gaining through
newer publications is intrinsic to the spread of feminist issues to a wider set of audiences.
flawed perceptions. Beyoncé recently caused a stir when she released
progressive thinking parents.
magazines like Cosmopolitan
her song, “Flawless,” which
But although there are different
or Elle feature highlights of
included a monologue by
outlets for feminism in more
feminist topics, it is necessary
feminist writer Chimamanda
urban communities, a lack of
to remember that neither of
Ngozi Adichie. She says,
privilege and accessibility to
these publications are scholarly
such dialogue has continued
experts on gender studies.
themselves, to make
to exclude people of color and
When they are showcasing
themselves smaller. We say to
minorities from the movement.
a feminist issue, it is only a
girls – you can have ambition,
Therefore, as feminism has
blurb of the entire discussion.
but not too much. You should
become more mainstream and
These publications are not
aim to be successful but not too
a topic of discussion within
giving their audience the full
successful otherwise you will
22
“We teach girls to shrink
threaten the man...
Therefore, individuals should
...We teach girls that they
that she does not support pay
be wary of modeling their
equality, abortion rights,and
cannot be sexual beings in the
personal outlooks based off of
actually despises any issues
way that boys are. Feminist:
celebrity opinion and trends.
relevant to feminists around the
A person who believes in the
Right now, in the year 2013,
world? (Forgive me Bey for this
economic, social and political
it seems pretty dope to be a
tragic hypothetical situation
equality of the sexes.”
feminist. There are streetwear
I’m creating…)
Blogs immediately began
brands like Dimepiece that
BUT, the point is one
to refer to this song as “the
challenge traditional roles,
celebrity’s opinion should not
feminist anthem.” However,
music festivals like Burger-
have any influence on yours.
Beyoncé repeatedly sings “Bow down bitches” throughout the entire song.
It is also important to remember that although
there are different outlets for feminism in more urban communities, a lack of privilege and
accessibility to such dialogue has continued to
She is essentially
exclude people of color and minorities
sending conflicting
from the movement.
You should be declaring yourself a feminist simply because that is what YOU believe in. Not because it is the trendy thing
messages throughout and
A-Go-Go that are devoted to
to do. Feminists have been
demonstrates a lack of
a female-fronted lineup, and
fighting for years, and continue
awareness of the hierarchical
hell, even Beyoncé attempted
to do so, in order to shed light
power structures she is
to include feminist ideals
on the devastating inequalities
perpetuating by referring to
in her song “Flawless” by
females are experiencing in
women as “bitches.” This
including a monologue by writer
their daily lives. Feminism is
depiction of feminism in
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
anything but a trend…. it is a
pop culture results in the
But what happens if Beyoncé
fucking way of life.
contradictory themes of
suddenly decides that she is
empowering women while
no longer feeling this whole
reinforcing a hierarchy
feminist thing? What if one day
among women.
she announces to Rolling Stone
23
Can A relationship be truly equal ? by: taylor milam
Art+Design: Erica Vincenzi
Can a Romantic Relationship be Truly Equal? Gender equality is all the rage. Men and women supposedly have it and the workforce wants it. But in romantic relationships, equality continues to be a subject of debate. The millennial generation
Last year, The Times ran the
does that mean for heterosexual
is said to be the generation
provocatively titled article, “Do
romantic relationships?
of opportunity and equality.
Women Really Want Equality?”
Young millennial women are
The article’s author, Kay
a recent study entitled, “Equality
entering a working world
Hymowitz, states that according
in the Home,” reported that
in which opportunities are
to Pew Research Center, the
couples that share housework
supposedly equal and business
majority of women working
are more likely to break up than
Thomas Henson, co-author of
savvy females are the norm. In fact, according to
those who don’t.
If women are choosing to prioritize family life
over career, what exactly does that mean for
The New Agenda,
heterosexual romantic relationships?
women are not only equally represented in the workforce, but more women own and operate businesses than ever before. Although not perfect, the career landscape has definitely changed for the better, but what if gendered roles and desires continue to remain the same?
full-time would prefer to work part-time or not at all, while only 19% of men feel the same. The study also found that women consistently placed higher emphasis on flexible hours and work/life balance than their male counterparts. If women are choosing to prioritize family life over career, what exactly
26
The study may seem like a major setback to the movement
towards gender equality, but the findings actually convey something else altogether: romantic relationships have changed. Modern heterosexual partnerships, in which both the male and female partner value equality and non-gendered interactions, have progressive
views of relationships
detract from happiness, than
a healthy, equal relationship
in general.
what exactly is a modern
actually looks like. UCLA juniors
relationship supposed to
Alejandra Acosta and Roberto
look like?
Reyna might have the answer.
In other words, if a relationship is not working, millennial couples
Alejandra and
are more likely to see
Roberto met in
walking away as an
a Spanish class
empowered decision.
on campus and
Although the studies’
their relationship
initial findings may
quickly progressed.
be misleading, what
Because of
the study shows
Roberto’s Latino
is that romantic
heritage and the
relationships are
resulting cultural
altered. Men and women are creating their own “rules” and are refusing to conform to an outdated model of gender roles or an artificially “balanced” split of household duties. Henson explains, “The more you organize your relationship, the more you work out diaries and schedules, the more it becomes a business relationship than an intimate, loving spontaneous one.” But if gendered roles are undesirable and contractual agreements
It turns out that we’re not the only ones concerned with the changing face of romantic partnerships. Both Women’s Health and Cosmopolitan recently ran articles that detailed how to achieve equality in relationships. The top tips included, “No one has a monopoly on decision making” and “Paying (or not paying) isn’t a power move.” The advice is sound, but millennial women are still left wondering what
27
pressure to be “machismo,” or hypermasculine, moving away from gendered expectations was initially a work in progress. But through dialogue, honesty and vulnerability with one another, they reached a place in their relationship in which gender roles are largely irrelevant. Roberto explains, “With [Alejandra] I learned that it’s okay to be weak sometimes. I’ve gotten more in touch with my emotional side, my sensitive
side.” Alejandra agrees, “There are no gender roles. We both
and expectations.
and Roberto, a healthy
In regards to the future,
relationship is a partnership in
do things that men and women
Alejandra explains, “We both
which two people are working
[stereotypically] like
want to be teachers and the
together — working to support
to do, but not because we feel
fact that we both want the
and acknowledge
we have to.”
same career path is completely
each other, on their
Alejandra touches upon
coincidental. We work so hard
own terms and in their own way.
an important point. Gendered
at practicing being individuals
When asked if there is
expectations are limiting and
together. We do our own thing
anything else about their
unfair. But it’s equally unfair to
and respect the other person.”
relationship that is important
label stereotypically “female”
Roberto agrees, “We want to
to its success Roberto smiles
or “male” activities as off-limits.
be together for a long time. And
before answering, “We are each
Whether you’re a woman who
ultimately, we each want to do
other’s best friends. We could
takes pride in a clean
just sit here and
home and enjoys
talk for hours and
cleaning or a man who
not even realize
likes working on his
we’re in a romantic
tan while mowing the
relationship.
lawn, there is nothing
Which I think is
wrong with partaking
a first for us and
in typical gendered
it’s nice.”
activities as long as
“This is the first
the desire to partake
relationship where
genuinely comes from within.
our own thing, but
I feel like we are both
Roberto shares this opinion,
stick together.”
equal contributors,”
agreeing that both individually
The truth about equality in
Alejandra adds.
and as a couple, they must
regards to relationships is that
resist traditional gendered
there is no “how-to” guide.
“There is such a momentum for
constraints on behavior
Instead, as shown by Alejandra
endless happiness.”
28
Roberto nods in agreement,
My Daddy’s Name is DOnor by: COri Bratby - rudd
Art+Design: Erica Vincenzi
My Daddy’s Name is Donor The only negative that comes from having two moms is other people’s prejudice. We need to stop discrimination against queer families. Double the love, double the fun! as apple pie. After all, most
neighbor telling me that I was
weird I was too young to
of the families I knew were
“so lucky” and that she wished
understand it was a compliment.
made up of an assortment of
she had two daddies like I had
Now, every time I hear the
single mothers and fathers,
two mommies.
word I imagine people are
lesbian and straight families
As I got older the questions
actually commenting on my
and all with varying amounts
became more complex. At the
incredible amounts of creativity
of children. To me, family was
age of ten, I was an expert at
and uniquity. Growing up in
different for everyone. Nuclear
explaining the art of artificial
The first time I was called
Santa Cruz, I was socialized to think
insemination. Most
It was never the children or their slightly
that being “normal”
annoying questions that bothered me.
was just a boring cliche, and anything weird was a statement of originality and ingenuity. Thank goodness I grew up in Santa Cruz. I didn’t realize my parents were lesbians until the day I had to explain my family structure to a fellow classmate. Two moms seemed as American
families were not my norm. At first the kids at school just wanted an explanation. “Wait so you have two mommies instead of a daddy?” they would ask. I would always be honest and then we would move on with our day. Some kids even got jealous. I remember my
30
of the kids, being newly acquainted with the birds
and the bees, were simply confused about how I had come into existence. I would briefly describe sperm donation until my friends got bored and changed the subject to what we were going to eat for lunch. It was never the children or their slightly annoying questions
that bothered me. What did
I assumed they simply forgot
school I had already
affect me were the adults and
the rest, so I would constantly
experienced
the bigotry they forced me
remind them that last name was
a decent amount of
to experience.
Bratby-Rudd, not just Rudd or
discrimination, and it honestly
just Bratby. It wasn’t until
did not come as much of
that my grandmother disowned
I was older that I realized it was
a surprise when my aunt and
my birth mother, Lori, when she
not forgetfulness that led these
uncle refused to let my moms
came out as a lesbian. Though
family members to exclude
and I stay at their house.
I don’t remember being told
my grandma
Because my
silently returned
grandpa was
into our lives, the
on his death
event was never
bed, my moms
discussed.
and I wanted to
It was just
visit before he
a natural part of
passed. Unable
our family’s very
to afford
avoidant form of
a hotel, we
functioning. “Be
asked some
careful what you
family members
say around Grandma” was
a segment of my identity; rather
if we could stay with them. They
a common suggestion for
it was heterosexism and their
refused, citing the fact that
dealing with a family member
refusal to accept the fact that
my parents were lesbians and
who did not seem
I had more than one mom.
unmarried which was against
to understand.
Over time I learned, like the
their religion. The next time
famous poet Warsan Shire, that
I saw my grandpa we were
I started to notice when some
“my name doesn’t allow me to
burying him.
of my relatives would leave off
trust anyone that cannot [or will
the hyphenated portion of my
not] pronounce it right.”
shaped me and will continue to
last name. I knew my name.
By the time I got to middle
affect me for the rest of my life.
At about the same time,
31
Discrimination like this has
When I was a sophomore,
as he simultaneously tried to
friends were more important
I applied to participate in an
ask for my number. He was in
than true ones.
exchange program through
for a rude awakening.
Once I got to college and
our local Rotary club and was
When I was applying to
I heard my roommates refer to
denied entrance because no
college, some of my relatives
people who they did not like as
one would host me.
“faggots”, I lectured
In high school, my
them and attempted
classmates started
to explain how that
using the phrase
word insults me and
“that’s so gay” to
my family.
criticize anything they
I could spend
deemed “uncool.”
hours listing
I tried to laugh the
frustrating
comment off and make
experiences with
it into some sort of
homophobia and
joke about how “that
hetersexism, but
was a compliment in
I think the above is
my household,” but
enough to illustrate
nonetheless it still hurt.
the aggravating
The summer before
conversations and
I went to college
encounters that
I met a mutual friend
queer families are
who informed me that
forced to experience
“lesbians should never
with people who just
be allowed to have children”.
suggested that I hide my identity
cannot seem
He had no idea that my parents
and my parents’ sexuality in
to understand.
were lesbians and subsequently
order to gain acceptance from
continued to explain the
classmates. They seemed to be
I was constantly barraged by
damages of LGBTQ parenting
under the impression that fake
messages from the mass media
32
As I was growing up,
and from my very own relatives
a family (e.g. hearing people
with spreading homophobia
about the negative effects of
say that LGBTQ peoples should
and hate.
LGBTQ parenting. I was afraid
not have children) that affected
to discuss the injustice in my life
me. It seems obvious to me
that I have written about are
out of a misguided concern that
now that we cannot assert
not intended to support anti-
my experiences would legitimize that all oppressed groups stop anti-gay propaganda. I used to pretend that
Thus, my experiences
gay propaganda. Rather, I’m
I am tired of arguing that we are human. I am tired of people ignoring the fact that we bleed red blood too,
and I’m tired of people treating my family and me like
I had never
we are not worthy, like we are nothing.
citing the discrimination I have faced because I am tired. I
experienced any hardship in an
having children out of fear
am tired of arguing that we are
attempt to avoid “rocking
they will experience prejudice.
human.
the boat.”
Declarations of discrimination
I was under the false
I am tired of people ignoring
such as this only reproduce the
the fact that we bleed red blood
impression that silence would
very experiences of injustice
too, and I’m tired of people
protect me, but I eventually
that children in queer families
treating my family and me like
realized that I cannot pretend
will experience. Thus, I implore
we are not worthy, like– we are
the world is perfect and then
all those who have questioned
nothing.
expect it to change.
the legitimacy of LGBTQ
The prejudice I have
Though I have experienced
parenting to actually consider
some painful discrimination,
experienced is not okay. Some
the effect their questions have
those moments of hate shaped
of the things that I went through
on children in queer families.
my drive to keep fighting for
as a kid were harmful. That
I would assert that the people
justice. I have seen prejudice
being said, my parents had
who make these statements
with my own eyes, but
nothing to do with these hurtful
which devalue families such
I have also seen hope and
experiences. It was the societal
as my own care less about my
the possibility for people to
responses to their sexuality and
experience with discrimination
change. My grandmother went
discrimination against us as
and are much more concerned
from disowning her daughter
33
to openly supporting gay
the strength to keep sharing my
women, and I am not ashamed
marriage. My aunt and uncle,
story, it is in these moments
of that. I had role models who
who previously did not let my
that I find hope.
followed their dreams and
family stay at their house,
But as I am reading through
hearts regardless of what
recently welcomed me into their
this article, I’ve realized that
society tried to mold them into
home. Later, I was able to find
I have not actually said much
being. I was taught to always be
another exchange program,
about what it is like to be
myself; that no one knows what
and I stayed with a family who
raised by lesbians. Though
is best for me but me. My moms
embraced my moms. This
I have detailed some of the
were by no means perfect. No
past year, one of the girls who
more intense aspects of
one is. They did however raise
I called out for using the word
discrimination in my life,
me with intention, and
“faggot� subsequently attended
I want to emphasize the fact
I appreciate everything they
a LGBTQ club meeting on
that I would not change my
have done for me. In my life
campus. It is in the moments of
upbringing for anything in the
I have learned that gender does
transition and change that I find
world. I was raised by loving
not define a family, love does.
34
Below I have listed various questions I am often asked and the responses I will now refer people to: 1) “How were you born?”
anonymous sperm donor, and
questions that I would only
Though I will answer this
my birth mother was artificially
tolerate coming from a close
question, I first want to add that
inseminated.
friend. I’m not sure if kids who
most people are never asked
2) “Did your parents try to
are adopted have gotten asked
how they were born. I am not
force you to be a lesbian?”
the same question, but I know
some sort of alien creature, so,
To be honest, it is really
that for myself I prefer to decline
easy answer: a sperm and an
sad how often I get asked
answering.
egg collided in utero.
this question. NO. My parents
4) “Which one is like the
know what it is like to repress
dad?”
I know countless straight couples who have used artificial
their sexuality. They would
insemination, sperm donors,
never want to force me to be
5) The gasp and the blank
in-vitro fertilization and
someone I am not.
stare:
hormones in order to get
3) “Have you ever thought
pregnant. Do not assume
about contacting your
Didn’t we learn in kindergarten
that heterosexual sex is the
sperm donor?”
that families come in all shapes
only way to make babies. My parents choose to find an
This is another one of those intrusive personal
35
Neither, that’s the point.
It’s not that abnormal people.
and sizes?
In my life I have learned that gender does not define a family, love does. 36
staff art
Look Up Noopur Goel
Mature: watch it here Sara Haas
Untitled Erica Vincenzi
HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS: CUTTING OUT TOXIC PEOPLE
BY SHANNON RICHARDS Art+Design: Sara Haas
52
Now that you know your friendship is toxic, what steps can you take to remove yourself from the situation? If you suddenly stop talking to your friend, it may lead to unresolved feelings. These feelings may manifest in either party, causing more tension than before. When someone mentions your friend’s name, you may think “Why did they treat me so badly?” or “Did I do something wrong?”
causing fantasies of how things
could have happened to emerge. In order to truly end the relationship, this route in not the best option.
53
If your friend is flaky, they might not notice when you stop making time for them. You can easily drift apart, but you still will not have closure which can linger and negatively affect you. Flaky friends will still contact you randomly, but they are easier to deal with than someone who is aggressive. Even though this is another easy way out, it is still not the best option.
The best choice of action is to talk it out. While this might be the most difficult option, in the end you won’t feel regret for not trying to save the relationship. Explain to them how their treatment makes you feel and why you think their actions are harmful. By using “I” statements, you can avoid placing blame and instead establish a neutral territory where dialogue can occur. If you really want to save the friendship this one-on-one talk could help your friend reevaluate how they treat you. Even if you have no interest in continuing to be their friend, voicing your opinions will help you move on in a positive way.
Remember, you deserve people who treat you well and respect you. 54
THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT BY ANGELINA MURPHY Art+Design: Sara Haas
Art+Design: Sara Haas
The Equal Rights Amendment In 1923, the Equal Rights Amendment was drafted to ensure equal rights regardless of sex. 90 years later, women are still not protected under Federal law. “Equality of rights under
rights. Shockingly, 72% of
opposition campaign formed
the law shall not be denied or
those surveyed thought that the
against the ERA, led by
abridged by the United States or
Constitution makes it clear that
conservative lawyer Phyllis
any state on account of sex.”
males and females have
Schlafly. Schlafly was known
equal rights.
for opening her speeches with
Although this law seems obvious and straightforward, it
But this is not the case.
statements such as, “I’d like to
never passed under
Alice Paul first drafted the
thank my husband for letting me
Federal law.
ERA in 1923, and over 90 years
That’s right, it’s year 2014 and the Equal Rights Amendment never passed. Although a majority of
later, with countless attempts to
be here tonight.” Other tactics of the right-
That’s right, it’s year 2014 and the Equal Rights
Amendment never passed. Although a majority of states have ratified the law, there are still
fifteen states that have not, and women are still
states have
not protected under the Constitution.
ratified the law,
wing included hanging “Don’t Draft Me” signs on baby girls, stating there would be no privacy rights and
there are still fifteen states that
ratify the law, the amendment
that abortion rights would be
have not, and women are still
still has not been adopted.
upheld alongside the promotion
not protected under
This raises many questions.
of homosexual marriages.
the Constitution.
The main one being: Why?
However, all of these claims are
Opponents of this
completely untrue. (Although, it
According to a survey conducted by the ERA
amendment invested countless
would be preferred if abortion
Campaign Network at Princeton,
tiime and money to discredit it
rights and gay marriage were
96% of men and women believe
and instill fear into voters.
passed into Federal law as
the sexes should have equal
In 1980, a largely recognized
56
well…)
Pro-ERA activists would
Rights Amendment?
petition, rally, fundraise and
the courtroom: “We need the
According to the collaborative
ERA to clarify the law for the
even go on hunger strikes to try
efforts of the Alice Paul Institute
lower courts, whose decisions
and get this law passed.
and the National Council of
still reflect confusion and
But despite the tireless efforts,
Women’s Organizations, “The
inconsistency about how to
the amendment was
Equal Rights Amendment is
deal with sex discrimination
continuously defeated.
needed in order to prevent
claims. If the ERA were in the
a rollback of women’s rights
Constitution, it would in many
still possible—how can we still
by conservative/reactionary
cases influence the tone of
deny the rights of an entire sex?
political votes, and to promote
legal reasoning and decisions
laws and court decisions that
regarding women’s equal
is not at the forefront of our
fairly take into account womens
rights, producing over time a
minds is because so many
as well as men’s experiences.”
cumulative positive effect.”
Today, I wonder how this is
The main reason this debate
people are unaware of the lack
In other words, ERA is
But moreover than the
of equality in our Constitution.
especially necessary to
immediate legal implications
As the survey above suggested,
explicitly ensure the equal rights
of the law, we need the ERA
many people think that the ERA
and protections of Americans,
because we deserve recognized
has already passed.
despite their sex.
equal rights.
And perhaps you’re now
This would make it much
The fact that women are
wondering why this matters.
easier to eliminate sex
still not granted equality under
Who cares about the Equal
discrimination, particularly in
Federal law should scare and
The ERA Over Time When Abigail Adams writes to her husband John to ask for the protection of women’s freedoms, John Adams replies, “I cannot help but laugh. Depend upon it, we know better than to repeal our masculine systems.”
The first women’s rights convention held and Declaration of Sentiments is created.
Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton form the National Woman Suffrage Association and try to gain voting rights for women.
States start to adopt an amendment to grant women the right to vote. (Colorado was the first)
Alice Paul and Lucy Burns work toward passing a federal amendment to give women the right to vote.
1776
1848
1869
1893
1913
outrage you. We are secondclass citizens in our own country. How can we support a land that does not support us? We can no longer stand idly by while we are continuously denied our humanity.
Left: Phyllis Schafly, opponent of the ERA | Right: Alice Paul, drafter of the ERA
We’ve been waiting over
Equal Rights Amendment and
90 years to be granted
the three-state solution
the same rights as men.
Get involved with
Take a stand: Check out this article for more information on the present-day
The 19th Amendment is added to the Constitution.
1920
Alice Paul drafted the Equal Rights Amendment.
1923
United 4 Equality Volunteer with your local
And stay up to date with all things ERA The time is now. We’ve waited too long.
NOW chapter
ERA was reintroduced into every Congressional session between this time, but only reached the floor of Senate of the House once in 1946.
1923 -1970
ERA is passed by Congress and sent to states for ratification.
1972
Amendment dies for not being ratified by minimum of 38 states.
1983
ERA has been reintroduced into each session of Congress but is still not in the Constitution.
1985Present
STATES THAT HAVE N
Nevada Utah
Oklah
NOT RATIFIED THE ERA
homa
Illinois Virginia
Missouri
North Carolina South Carolina
Arkansas Mississippi
Alabama
Georgia
Louisiana Florida
Gender in the workplace by: eidah hilo
( he )
( she )
Art+Design: Erica Vincenzi
Gender In the Workplace When you wait for your nurse to enter the room, you probably expect a woman to walk through the door. Here’s why that’s problematic. They limit the way we view
women have come a long way
hospitalized for a week and
each other’s potential. These
and are legally able to work jobs
upon telling people how
assumptions also create a
historically dominated by men,
amazing my nurse was,
subconscious hierarchy in
things are equal. However, that
I was continually asked what
which we assume the person
is certainly not the case.
This past summer, I was
it was about HER
These assumptions are problematic and
that made her so
harmful. They limit the way we view each
special. Similarly, when I explained that my surgeon
other’s potential. These assumptions also
create a subconscious hierarchy in which we
had made a mistake
assume the person who has more power,
during my surgery,
prestige, or authority is always male.
According to the United Nations, “women perform 66% of the world’s work, produce 50% of the food, but earn 10% of the
I was always asked what HE
who has more power, prestige
income, and own 1% of
did wrong. In other words,
or authority is always male.
the property.”
without even realizing it, people
When it comes to the
According to the U.S. Census
assign gendered pronouns to
workplace, gender equality is
Bureau, women made up 47.4%
certain occupations assuming
more of an ideal than a reality.
of the labor force in 2012.
that nurses are typically female
There is often a misconception
Despite the fact that women
and surgeons are typically male.
that sexism in the workplace
compose half of the workforce
is non-existent today. People
and more women attend higher
assume that just because
education than their male
These assumptions are problematic and harmful.
62
counterparts, their median
expected to stay at home,
income was $37,791 compared
raise children, cook, and clean
to men’s median income,
the house while men went out
which was $49,398. Put simply,
into the workforce and earned
women earn 77 cents to every
money to support the family.
dollar a man earns. The disparity is even larger
However, within our modern society, gender roles are being
for women of color. Black
redefined. With more women
women earn 70 cents and
attending college and obtaining
Latina women make 61 cents
degrees than ever before, many
to a man’s dollar. They are
women are ridding themselves
also twice as likely as white
of patriarchal heteronormative
females to work lower-wage
expectations and seeking their
jobs. Compared to white
own path to empowerment.
women, women of color are
Despite the progress, there
more likely to live in poverty, be
are still remnants of a gender-
unemployed and/or have
based hierarchy in
a lower median income.
the workplace.
Though there is still work to be done, one must first be aware of the long history of
MEDICAL FIELD For example, look at a
Only 4.4% of orthopedic surgeons, 6.5% of neurosurgeons, and 15.4% of general surgeons are female. What’s even more troubling?
struggle, disadvantage and
hospital. While the majority of
Women make up only 13.2% of
oppression women have
nurses are female, male nurses
plastic surgeons, a field whose
faced in order to hold certain
make up just under 10% of the
patients are 90% female.
occupations.
nursing field. On the flipside, the
Some would argue that
Patriarchal gender roles
ratio of male to female doctors
women’s median incomes are
largely contribute to women’s
is also problematic because the
less than men’s because they
inability to access high-paying
majority are male, especially in
choose to enter occupations
jobs. In the past, women were
the surgical field.
that pay less, opting to be
63
a nurse over a surgeon.
quickly promoted than women,
stated, “Research indicates
However, even when a male
even in jobs dominated by
that stereotypes about what
enters a female-dominated
women. If a field is dominated
a prototypical man is match
occupation, his chances of
by women, men are seen as
with stereotypes about what
getting promoted are higher. While men face a glass escalator, women face a glass ceiling. Even within jobs
Even when a male enters a female-
dominated occupation, his chances of getting promoted are higher. While men face a glass escalator, women face a glass ceiling. Even within jobs that are female-dominated, men
that are femaledominated, men are at an advantage. A glass ceiling refers to a point in a woman’s career where she can no longer be promoted, yet her male counterparts still continue to be promoted. The glass escalator suggests that men are more likely and more
are at an advantage.
a rarity, and more attention is drawn to them, making them more likely to be noticed and promoted. Caren Goldberg, an assistant professor at American University researched the glass escalator phenomenon and
a prototypical manager is. Because of the stereotype matching, men more readily fulfill our notions of what a manager should
look like. And when you’re in a female-dominated profession, there are fewer people that have the ability to match it.” This explains why you see such a small percentage of men in the nursing field, but a higher proportion of men in hospital management, or more authoritative, positions.
EDUCATION This hierarchy is not limited to the medical field. In education, most teachers 12th grade and under are female (84%). Yet at the college and university level,
64
most professors, and especially
UCLA’s very own faculty
black servers only make 60%.
professors with tenure, are
represents this discrepancy.
This is largely due to the
male. Women make up, on
The UCLA Faculty Diversity and
fact that within a restaurant
average, only 38% of the faculty
Development Office reports that
setting, women usually work the
within doctoral degree programs
professors with tenure at UCLA
lower wage jobs like waitress
at institutions like UCLA.
are almost three-fourths male.
or hostess while men work in
UCLA even has gender equity
management or
undergraduate experience
committees to address and fix
head-chef positions.
at UCLA, I have mostly had
these discrepancies.
During my entire
male professors. In elementary school, middle school and high school, my teachers were
FOODSERVICE
These jobs don’t pay well and are highly dependent upon tips. Waitresses are three times as
In restaurants, 71% of waiters likely to live below the poverty
predominantly female. Yet,
are female, yet approximately
line and twice as likely to need
being a professor in this society
65% of restaurant owners
food stamps.
is seen as more respectful and
are male.
powerful than being a teacher. Professors are seen as scholars whereas teachers are put off to the side, as
Sexual harassment is
UCLA’s very own faculty represents this
discrepancy. The UCLA Faculty Diversity and Development Office reports that
professors with tenure at UCLA are almost
kinds of “helpers.” Professors also get paid
three fourths male.
Again, you notice a hierarchy
rampant in the foodservice industry. There are even restaurants entirely based upon the sexualization
and objectification of women
much more than a teacher
in place where a man is most
(i.e. Hooters). What’s worse
would ever hope. The U.S.
likely in the position of power
is that sexual harassment
Bureau of Labor Statistics
and a woman is in the position
charges from the restaurant
reports that professors, on
of servitude.
industry make up 37% of the
average, make about $68,970
According to Jezebel, female
total charges filed, which is 5
per year while teachers make
servers make 68% of what their
times the rate for the general
$53,090 per year.
male counterparts make, while
workforce. And these statistics
65
don’t include the hundreds,
on their occupation because
to certain occupations. We must
if not thousands, of sexual
you live your entire life being
also be aware of the gender
harassment incidents that don’t
trained to think of a certain
segregation that still takes
even get reported.
occupation as gendered.
place in which certain fields
This is all in addition to
As a child, this becomes
are currently male or female-
terrible work conditions on
clear when you try to pick out
dominated. We must work
the job, insufficient benefits
a Halloween costume. Girls
towards integrating all genders
(especially health care), less
are pressured to choose the
into different occupations so
opportunities for paid leaves,
pretty, flirty and “girly” costumes
that we can eradicate
and less scheduling flexibility.
(princesses) while boys are
this hierarchy.
ASSIGNING GENDER PRONOUNS
pushed towards the powerful
It is my strongest belief
and strong costumes (doctor,
that education is the key
superheros, etc.). Sadly, I can’t
towards equalizing gender,
even remember a time when
class, race and sexuality-
any girls in my elementary
based inequities. Through
that we tend to assign feminine
school dressed up as doctors,
increasing access to higher
and masculine pronouns
yet there were plenty
education for underrepresented
to people based off their
girl nurses.
communities, we lift society
What’s more problematic is
occupation. If someone talks to
In any case, women are
as a whole. Only when we are
you about a nurse they had, you
usually in positions of servitude
all aware of our social location
automatically, without thinking,
and inferiority. Whether they
and the mechanisms that
refer to the nurse as a “she” and
are serving a customer in
seek to oppress us based on
don’t even realize it.
a restaurant or serving
our identities can we work to
a patient, they are often at the
deconstruct them.
Try to think back to a time where you might have
bottom ranks of the gender
mistakenly assigned pronouns
hierarchy in the workplace.
without thinking twice. Chances
It is incredibly important to be
are, you automatically assumed
cognizant of problematically
the gender of the person based
assigning gendered pronouns
66
I See, Therefore I Am By: Dana Yu
Art+Design: Erica Vincenzi
I See, Therefore I Am Movies and television shows act as indicators for society. This does not bode well for 2014. This chain of influence is
literally to the amusement of
growing up, she watched
no accident. While the media
characters and viewers alike.
Nichelle Nicols in her role as
attempts to simultaneously
Unspecified Asian person
Lt. Uhura on the original Star
create and erase identities,
comically switches his
Trek. Jemison later went on
women and people of
l’s for r’s and speaks in
to become the first African
color often find themselves
accented, broken English; laugh
American woman in space,
misrepresented, under-
track plays every time main
citing Uhura as one of the
represented or even erased
character doesn’t understand
reasons she had even thought
within popular culture. Movies
and misinterprets what
When Mae Jemison was
about being involved in space
Movies and television shows act as indicators
exploration in the
for society.
he’s saying. When we as viewers see this,
first place. Jemison wasn’t the
and television shows act as
we internalize this image and,
only one affected by Uhura’s
indicators for society: What
more importantly, the reaction to
character; Whoopi Goldberg
is good, what is bad, what is
it. Art may imitate life, but often,
was inspired to become an
right, what is wrong—they all
life can do the same.
actress because of Nicols’ role
are introduced and solidified
and, in a fitting procession of
through media outlets like
men were typically given large,
events, Lupita Nyong’o stated
movies and television. Blonde
highly-independent roles while
that she was inspired to act
girl doesn’t get witty dialogue
women were delegated to
after seeing Goldberg’s role in
between two characters and
the damsels in distress. This
The Color Purple.
takes figurative language
was mimicked in real life:
68
For example, in the 1950s,
the ‘50s were notorious for
Prize for her mathematical
movements happening in the
the overarching presence of
model of the structure of nuclear
decades’ periphery.
traditional gender roles and
shells. During this decade,
ubiquitous whiteness of its
the movies Bonnie and Clyde
movement, one might assume
mainstream media. Although
and The Sound of Music
that things would have
Dorothy Dandridge did receive
were released to great critical
continued their upward climb.
an Oscar nomination for best
acclaim. Similarly, the ‘70s
However, in mainstream
actress in 1954, the rest of
portrayed women with greater
media outlets like movies and
After 60 years of social
the nominees were white. The ‘60s saw the beginnings of
television, women
In 2012, girls aged 13-20 were more likely to be dressed hypersexually or partially
naked on screen than those in the 21-39
feminist movements.
and especially people of color find it difficult to take meaningful roles.
In 1963, Betty Freidan wrote
and greater independence and
The Feminine Mystique, and
prerogative. Sitcom comedies
that same year, an American
like The Mary Tyler Moore Show
physicist named Maria
focused on strong female leads,
underrepresented in Hollywood.
Goepper-Mayer won a Nobel
perhaps an echo of the social
Angelina Jolie, the highest
ACTRESSES Women are notoriously
paid actress in Hollywood, is paid the same per movie as Denzel Washington and Liam Neeson–two of the lowest paid male Hollywood stars. In the top 100 movies of 2012, women received 28.4 percent of speaking roles. The actual percentage of women in the United States during that year, measured by the World Bank,
69
was 50.8 percent. Of the 28.4
girls because it contributes
naked. This only serves to
percent of women with speaking
to the idea that it’s “okay” to
solidify racial stereotypes, and
roles, “34.8 percent were Asian,
oversexualize young women
for this particular example,
34.6 percent were
the fetishization of
black, 33.9 percent were Hispanic, 28.8
Representation means having minority
characters who have positive traits, who
percent were white
have their own goals and dreams
and 16.1 percent
women of color. This is a lingering problem in media: representation
were of some other ethnicity.”
and to make them an object of
doesn’t just mean having
That means only 8.63 percent
sexual desire when they may
a single minority character.
of Asian women, 8.58 percent
not be ready to consent to
Representation means having
of black women, 8.4 percent of
sexual activity.
minority characters who have
Hispanic women, 7.14 percent
This phenomenon is even
positive traits, who have
of white women, and 3.99
worse for women of color.
their own goals and dreams.
percent of women of other
41.1 percent (almost half) of
As much as it might shock
ethnicities were represented
Hispanic female characters
Hollywood, minorities are
with speaking roles in the top
were “provocatively dressed,”
people outside their race
100 movies of 2012.
while 39.3 percent were partially or ethnicity.
Additionally, when women are in movies, their characters are often tropes, token minor characters or, even worse, only there for “eye-candy.” In 2012, girls aged 13-20 were more likely to be dressed hypersexually or partially naked on screen than those in the 21-39 age bracket. This is damaging for young
70
MOVIE MAKERS As dismal as it is for women in front of the camera, it is even worse behind it. Only 16
stories to tell, but there is little
at the time influenced the tropes
precedent in movie-making that
and trends that media followed.
shows they will be able to
The importance of good
share them.
representation is undeniable,
It is clear that trends in
no matter which idea you
percent of the writers, directors,
the movies of each decade
subscribe to, when there’s such
producers, executive producers,
reflect the presence of women
a strong link between how the
editors, and cinematographers
in society during that time.
media portrays women and how
of top-grossing films in 2013
Although it is difficult to say
society views them.
were women. In 2012, men
whether trends affected the
outnumbered women 5 to
presence or vice versa, this
2012 still reflect a lack of
1, and within the span of five
relationship is important: it
women and people of color in
years (2007-2012), only 5.84
means either media reflected
all aspects of movie-making
percent of directors were African
the way women were viewed in
is cringeworthy, considering
American. Women and people
society at the time, or the way
statistics of earlier years.
of color have talents to use and
women were viewed in society
It’s 2014. Try harder, Hollywood.
71
The fact that statistics from
“If I get to see myself on screen, then I know that I exist.” - Gabby Sidibe
FEM: History | 13
Credits Front and Back Cover Design:
Noopur Goel
Photography:
Erica Vicenzi, Sara Haas, Noopur Goel
Table of Contents Design: Sara Haas
Editor’s Note Art + Design:
Noopur Goel
Staff Page Art + Design: Sara Haas
Staff Art Design:
Noopur Goel
Credits Page Design:
Sara Haas
Amy Trivers Art:
Can A Romantic Relationship be Equal? cover photograph Three Waves of Feminism cover photograph
Erica Vincenzi Art + Design: Can a Romantic Relationship be Truly “Equal”? My Daddy’s Name is Donor: Memoir of a Gaybe I See, Therefore I Am
Sara Haas Art + Design: #Feminism Trending Toxic Friendships Equal Rights Amendment Art: My Daddy’s Name is Donor: cover artwork
Stock Images Phyllis Schafly: c.berlet+publiceye.org Alice Walker: MDCarchives Wave image: Anders_hh
Noopur Goel Art + Design: The Three Waves of Feminism