February 4, 2009:  What is Feminism?

This week we tried to dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding the word “feminism.”  Many people hear the word “feminist” and immediately picture an angry, misguided, overemotional nutcase—a woman burning bras and marching in the street.  While we may be angry, and do dabble in some bra-burning if the mood strikes, we have good reason!  People who believe sexism is dead (“because women and men enjoy the same rights”) are overlooking its extreme pervasiveness and the detrimental effects it has on our society.  It’s like saying that, because Barak Obama was elected president, racism has magically disappeared.  Just because women can vote, doesn’t mean we have autonomy:  our sexuality is still regulated and controlled by society.

We also discussed reasons people choose to steer clear of identifying as a feminist.  Many, for good reason, still see feminism as a white, middle-class initiative that does not apply to or fight for the rights of all women.  This is a serious issue that feminists need to address.  We do not live in a vacuum and it is imperative that we recognize and address all identities and their perspectives.  Others choose not to identify themselves as feminists because of the stigma and burden attached to the word.   They feel that, if they call themselves feminists, they must fit into a cookie-cutter identity:  they must be politically active, explain themselves and their politics to everyone with whom they come into contact, and believe in specific script of values.  (Though, guess what—even feminists have trouble agreeing on certain issues, particularly pornography and using words like “bitch” and “cunt.”)  People can certainly hold feminist ideals without labeling themselves feminists, and we respect this choice and these individuals.  And yes—to clear up one big misconception:  men and trans people can be feminists, too!

February 11, 2009:  Birth Control & Family Planning

February 18, 2009:  **SHOW CANCELED**

February 25, 2009:  (Self) Empowering Women

This week we examined different organizations, both locally and globally, that are working to empower women.  Check out these great websites below to learn more about what action women are taking and how YOU can help:

    • Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA)
      • This grassroots organization, centered in Ahmedabad, India, coordinates and promotes programs to give poor, self-employed women full employment rights and autonomy.  SEWA is composed of a group of women working low-paying jobs who have banded together to create and inspire social change through labor rights and women's rights.  Some of their programs include the SEWA Bank, which provides loans for women entrepreneurs, health care (education and treatment plans), childcare, work security insurance, legal services, etc.
    • Planned Parenthood
      • I'm sure many of you are familiar with this organization!  With centers across America, Planned Parenthood provides STD testing, pregnancy testing, family planning services, abortion counseling, birth control (including emergency contraception), etc.  This is a great resource for Geneseo students (though Lauderdale Health Center also provides many of these services).  The closest locations are in Rochester (114 University Avenue) and Batavia (222 W Main St.).  Both are about 25 miles away.
      • This group is also very politically involved, leading an influencial fight for reproductive rights.  Some recent action includes sueing over the legislation former President Bush signed before leaving office, which "will allow individual health care providers to deny patients vital health care information and services based on their own personal biases, without the patient even knowing" (Birth Control and Family Planning Issues).
      • GENESEO STUDENTS:  Voices of Planned Parenthood (VOXX) has a section at Geneseo!  Contact Gabriella Cascone (gbc2) or Clare Campbell (cec11) for more information or to be added to the mailing list.
    • Global List of Women's Organizations
      • This wonderful resource provides contact information for women's groups all over the world!  The list for New York is very extensive and comprehensive.
March 4, 2008--Public Space and Entitlement

This week we discussed the effects of access and entitlement to public space, as well as the denial of such access.  Denying "othered" identities a place in the public sphere delegitimizes these groups and renders their perspectives and issues invisible.  On the other end of the spectrum, however, those who possess entitlement to public space can be corrupted by this power.  We focused our show on instances of prejudice, discrimination, and abuse that manifest themselves through access to public space.  One recent case in which individuals are being forced out and restricted from physical space is in Bangalore, India.  Here, women who are out in the "public sphere"--typically in bars or in the streets drinking and/or wearing jeans--are being verbally and physically assaulted by men who are threatened by their autonomy and "masculine" behavior.  Here's a link to the article on UltraViolet.  While these attacks are certainly appauling, it is important to remember that such power relations also occur in the United States.  For example, recently the NYPD has been framing gay men by sending in a young, attractive undercover cop to proposition them for (consensual) sex and, if they take interest, tell the gay man that he wants to pay him for his "services."  Oftentimes before the man has a chance to answer, a group of cops surround the man to make an arrest (read more here).  Once again forcing gay men out of the public sphere, these police officers are essentially telling society that it is acceptable and, in fact, admirable to reserve and reclaim public space for heterosexuals and to punish those individuals who tred into this "sacred" space.

Summary will be updated soon!