Tuesday Draft Questions
1. It seems like the Teen Vogue article criticizes "white feminism" in the U.S., but doesn't point to much evidence. In the article, Eli Vásquez says: “The point is to work on different issues simultaneously and with an analysis that goes beyond the uniform ‘we’re victims of rape culture’ and to a place of bodily autonomy, freedom of aesthetic expression, and having a critique about how we move in and take up public spaces" (Amor 2). I'm sure what I know about feminism in the U.S. is limited, but it seems like in the women's marches which they say aren't enough, the fight against rape culture is present as well as fighting for bodily autonomy (right for a woman to control her own body), fighting for freedom of aesthetic expression (LGBTQ+ activists are included as well), and fighting for equal pay and representation (which I interpret move in and take up public spaces as). It's great to hear about how diverse and multi-faceted a feminist movement they have in Ecuador, but do you guys think it's a productive and useful critique of feminism in the U.S.? They don't propose what should change about the U.S. movements, what do you guys propose?
2. In "Dissidence and Communitarian Feminism", Novak brings up how Bolivia is viewed by Western parameters. She cites those parameters and how their reality is parallel rather than lesser: "“civilized,” “developed,” and “beautiful” are we? Our peoples have existed since before 1492, and we arrange our experience of time from the standpoint of a parallel present and not a subordinated present" (Novak 2). I think this is a really important point, much of the ideology of colonialism is that other peoples are subordinate and need Western technology and progress and governing. How do you think indigenous movements as mentioned in the brainstorm readings and those fighting against the issues cited in dissidence and communitarian feminism can best tackle this fundamental issue?
3. In Carvajal's piece, she discusses her group's contemplation of choosing a word other than feminist to describe them. She says the term "feminist" is Eurocentric but it's unclear why. Feminism means "the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes", and it seems to me that aligning yourselves with other women around the world fighting for liberation regardless of inherent group differences is a good idea. It can bring cohesion, build cross-cultural communities, and give their movement more allies. I get not imitating the actions and culture of oppressors and previous colonizers, but sometimes it seems efforts are wasted on discussing terms, especially this particular term. Do you guys think discussing a new term for feminism is productive or counterproductive to the movement?
2. In "Dissidence and Communitarian Feminism", Novak brings up how Bolivia is viewed by Western parameters. She cites those parameters and how their reality is parallel rather than lesser: "“civilized,” “developed,” and “beautiful” are we? Our peoples have existed since before 1492, and we arrange our experience of time from the standpoint of a parallel present and not a subordinated present" (Novak 2). I think this is a really important point, much of the ideology of colonialism is that other peoples are subordinate and need Western technology and progress and governing. How do you think indigenous movements as mentioned in the brainstorm readings and those fighting against the issues cited in dissidence and communitarian feminism can best tackle this fundamental issue?
3. In Carvajal's piece, she discusses her group's contemplation of choosing a word other than feminist to describe them. She says the term "feminist" is Eurocentric but it's unclear why. Feminism means "the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes", and it seems to me that aligning yourselves with other women around the world fighting for liberation regardless of inherent group differences is a good idea. It can bring cohesion, build cross-cultural communities, and give their movement more allies. I get not imitating the actions and culture of oppressors and previous colonizers, but sometimes it seems efforts are wasted on discussing terms, especially this particular term. Do you guys think discussing a new term for feminism is productive or counterproductive to the movement?
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