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| The iconic image above defines the spectrum of feminism during WWII |
Feminism: A controversial word that is commonly avoided on the grounds of its common day social connotation. Especially in relation to men, affiliation with the word can seem, from some perspectives, as emasculating- but that understanding is far from today’s truth of the word. As Emma Watson simply points out, “if you believe in equality, and stand for equality, than you’re a feminist”. Being a topic I am very passionate about, choosing a feminist lens to analyze Beloved with will bring the most passion and enthusiasm to my analysis. In previous years I have viewed texts, such as MacBeth, through this lens and have written some of my best essays through it. Power dynamics between male and female roles have always interested me, but even more so, what really attracts me to the subject is how historical periods have defined, and redefined again and again, what the word means based on the context of the time period. From the right to choose who you want to marry, to the right to work outside of the house, to the right to vote, to the right to equal pay for equal work, gender equality's strifes and achievements are constantly changing- evolving what “feminism” means through the centuries. With this project, I’m curious to learn in depth about a 19th century understanding of the word.
I'm very glad that so many people are taking on the feminist lens, as there are definitely many places to analyse through the feminist lens in this book. I find it interesting how there is a certain intersectionality between disparities of gender, social class, race, etc. For example, there is a difference in how African American women are treated at this time in comparison to white women.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading more from you!