Philosophy and Feminism

Thesis Statement

Feminism is mostly acknowledged as an ideology, but it is incorporating these ideologies into one's lifestyle that will facilitate a change

Introduction

Feminism is equality. Feminism is women and men on an identical playing field. Feminism, to me, is the right and the fight for women to be equal to men.. One does not just think feminism, one is feminism. I believe that through feminism, through women acknowledging the issues, putting in the effort to ignite change, and uniting as one regardless of race or class, there may actually be a chance for this revolution to occur.

Discussion Philosophy and feminism

In a world dominated by men there is a strong need for women to come together and to fight to have the same rights that men have. Feminism is a unified front of women. This unity should be considered more of a philosophy than a literal occurrence. Women need to keep in mind that in regards to our biology and our experiences as being defined 'women' we are no different. This is important. Although we can all be considered 'women' we are also classified by other descriptors such as our socio-economic status or our race. As women, though, none of this matters. Women must unite...regardless. As an ideology, Audre Lorde said it best in her article, The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House: "It is learning how to take our differences and make them strengths (1984, p. 23)." Lorde later went on to say, "The failure...to recognize difference as a crucial strength is a failure to reach beyond the first patriarchal lesson. In our world, divide and conquer must become define and empower (1984, p. 23)." "Our world" refers to the world of women. Women experience a lifestyle unlike that of men. In order to survive, coalitions must be formed, issues must be approached and only then can change occur. This unity should occur regardless of any other classification we may fall in to. Patricia Hill Collins discusses in her article, Some Group Matters, the idea of intersectionality; "the ability of social phenomena such as race, class, and gender to mutually construct one another (1998, p.68)." She notes that, "Individuals can assemble associations by coming together as already formed persons (p. 67)." Basically, all of the many classifications we can place ourselves in to help to shape the people we are. These unique experiences, if brought to the table to unite one of those classifications (i.e. women) can help support the cause being worked toward. This idea of feminism is more of an ideology or a way of thinking. Although actions should follow, the initial feminist act needs to be in the form of a mindset.

Inequality between the sexes begins at an early age. Parents, should they choose to raise their children in a way where gender stereotyping barely exists, need to start their teachings at an early age. Children are not born with innate knowledge. Children learn through experience and parents facilitate that learning whether they ...