Feminism

TOPIC OF THE BLOG:-

This blog is a part of a thinking activity given by Dilip Barad Sir from The English Department, MKBU, Bhavnagar. Check out Dilip Barad sir's Blog Site (Click Here) for more information and knowledge about works and writers. In this blog I am going to discuss Feminism and also try to imply it in other works.

WHAT IS FEMINISM?

"Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it. She stands up for all Women."

- Maya Angelou

Feminism is the idea that men and women should have equal rights in society, at work, and in politics. While it started mostly in Western countries, feminism is now seen all around the world. There are many groups and organizations working to make sure women have the same opportunities and rights as men. These groups focus on issues like fair pay, equal treatment, and women's well-being. (Brunell)

To know contemporary ideas on Feminism read my blog on Talks by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Click here).

Let's see Waves of Feminism according to Chat GPT:-

FIRST WAVE (Late 19th to Early 20th Century):-

GOALS:- Primarily focused on women's suffrage, legal rights, and issues related to property ownership.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:- The first wave culminated in women gaining the right to vote in many Western countries. Activists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton played crucial roles in this movement.

SECOND WAVE (1960s to 1980s):-

GOALS:- Expanded beyond legal rights to address cultural and societal issues. Advocated for reproductive rights, workplace equality, and challenging traditional gender roles.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:- Significant strides were made in securing reproductive rights (e.g., access to birth control), and the movement challenged stereotypes and discrimination in the workplace. Key figures include Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and Simone de Beauvoir.

THIRD WAVE (1990s to 21st Century):-

GOALS:- Emphasizes individual empowerment, diversity, and intersectionality. Acknowledges that women's experiences vary based on factors like race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:- Recognition of diverse feminist perspectives, increased awareness of global women's issues, and a focus on inclusivity. Notable figures include bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

FOURTH WAVE (Emerging in the 21st Century):-

GOALS:- Continues the work of the third wave with an increased focus on technology and online activism. Addresses issues such as cyber harassment and challenges to gender norms.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:- Social media and online platforms play a significant role in mobilizing and connecting feminists globally. Activism around issues like #MeToo, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights continue to gain momentum.

Each wave builds upon the achievements and challenges of the previous ones, creating a dynamic and evolving movement committed to achieving gender equality in all aspects of life.

"PHENOMENAL WOMAN" BY MAYA ANGELOU:-

"Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou is a strong poem that talks about a confident and captivating person. The poem says that the person's inner beauty and charm are more important than what society usually thinks is attractive. It's all about saying that real beauty comes from the inside.

BODY POSITIVITY AND SELF-LOVE:

A Person who faces this kind of fat shaming in their life knows the true value or can say insecurity of the body. For them this poem may prove motivational or celebrated.

"I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me."

The poem challenges societal norms by celebrating the speaker's physicality and rejecting conventional notions of beauty.

Feminism, in this context, can be applied by appreciating the poem's emphasis on self-love and acceptance, promoting the idea that women should feel confident and comfortable in their own bodies, regardless of societal expectations.

"I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees."

These lines from the poem reflect the speaker's self-confidence and how she embraces her uniqueness, challenging societal norms and celebrating her individuality. They convey a sense of self-love and positive self-perception, encouraging a perception of beauty beyond external standards.

EMPOWERMENT:-

"The glow in my eyes,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet."

These lines show that the person speaking feels strong, calm, and sure of themselves. They give a strong feeling of being powerful, going against what people might expect, and saying that the speaker is valuable and strong. The whole poem celebrates the special qualities that make the speaker feel amazing, sending a message that women should feel strong and valuable.

SISTERHOOD:-

"Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud."

These lines suggest that because the speaker is confident and admired, it feels like other women might understand and share similar experiences. Even though the main point is about the speaker's own strength, it also gives a feeling of women supporting and understanding each other.

QUEEN (2013):-

Queen is a 2013 Hindi movie directed by Vikas Bahl starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkumar Rao.

Plot:- Rani Mehra, a 24-year-old woman from Delhi, gets a shock when her fiancé Vijay decides not to marry her. He thinks their lifestyles don't match. Upset but wanting to take control, Rani asks her parents to let her go on her pre-planned honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam alone. In Paris, she meets Vijayalakshmi and has adventures, gaining confidence. In Amsterdam, she makes friends with three guys and learns about different cultures. When Vijay tries to win her back, she stands up for herself and decides to continue her journey of self-discovery. Returning to Delhi, Rani surprises everyone by thanking Vijay for the opportunity to explore herself and confidently walks away from the past.

Let's see how we can apply Feminism in the movie. 

INDEPENDENCE AND SELF DISCOVERY:-

As we can see in this scene, after all these Chaos when he says no to marry her she decides to go on honeymoon alone. Rani's decision to go on her pre-booked honeymoon alone is the first step towards her independence. Despite her initial shock and sadness, she takes charge of her situation. This is like an opportunity for Rani to step out of her comfort zone and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

BREAKING THE FEAR:-

Not only movie scenes but Songs also reflect the happiness of living independently. In this song we can also find that Rani, influenced by her newfound freedom in Paris, tries on a revealing outfit and sends a selfie to Vijay by mistake. Rani's exploration of her own identity and a departure from the conservative expectations placed on her.

CHOICE TO END THE RELATIONSHIP:-

Rani decides to meet Vijay to discuss their future, but his judgmental attitude prompts her to end the relationship. This decision showcases Rani's growth, asserting her independence by choosing her own path rather than succumbing to societal pressures.

LIKE A GIRL (Campaign, #LikeAGirl, Advertisement)

In this video, shooting of a commercial is going on and some girls are asked to act like a girl, like how they behave when they walk or talk or Run.

Like there are questions which is asked to Young people:-

• What does it look like to run like a girl?
• What does it look like to fight like a girl?
• What does is look like to throw like a girl?

Now these same questions are asked to the people who are around 10 or 12 and they run normally, fight normally from their full strength. 

This video shows us what is meant by being a girl, it's not about being a girl is bad or good. Like they are insulting or humiliating someone. 

The #LikeAGirl campaign seeks to transform the negative stereotype that doing something "like a girl" is weak. It promotes a positive redefinition, encouraging girls to see their actions as strong and empowering. The campaign challenges stereotypes, emphasizing that girls can excel in any field and should not be judged based on gender. Using various media platforms, it aims to influence cultural attitudes and create a more inclusive society. By encouraging confidence in girls' abilities and challenging outdated expectations, #LikeAGirl promotes a message of self-assurance and determination.

• Feminism is not just about individuals seeking independence and equal rights for themselves; it's a broader movement that aims to support all females. It's not selfish but rather focuses on helping those who may not have a voice. Feminism stands for supporting females who cannot speak up for their rights, as well as championing those who bravely stand up for themselves. It's a collective effort to ensure that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, has the opportunity to be heard, respected, and treated fairly. Feminism is about unity, where those with a voice speak up not just for their own rights but also for the rights of others who may face challenges in doing so. It's a powerful movement that seeks to create a world where every woman can live with dignity, equality, and the freedom to express herself. (My Point of View)

WORKS CITED:-

Brunell, Laura and Burkett, Elinor. "feminism". Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/feminism.

Open AI. "Chat GPT-3.5". 

Words:- 1548

NOTE:- I took help from the Chat GPT for certain points and mostly to make my blog Grammar error free and If you have any questions or doubts comment it down or contact me on my Social Media.