On the other hand, maybe I don't have to do a damn thing.
Regarding my daughter's high school's ASB refusing to allow a Feminist Club - student advocates have formed a Facebook page and will be presenting the following in appeal:
Good morning and thank you for letting us take this opportunity to speak about a subject we find extremely important. Our names are (redacted). We are here today to repeal ASB’s decision to deny Feminist Club. According to the information provided to us by ASB, this club was turned down based on two assumptions: that the club is not inclusive and that its name has a negative connotation.
First off, we would like to clear up any possible understandings about Feminism as a movement and its goals. The definition of “feminism”, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities” or “organized activity in support of women's rights and interests”. However, this definition is considered by many, including ourselves, to be too simplistic, overlooking the fact that many women are disadvantaged by racism, class, sexuality and other oppressive institutions. This definition was broadened by bell hooks, an American feminist and author in the 1960’s and 70’s, to state that feminism is "a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression". We use this to set goals that will include everyone, regardless of whether or not they identify as a woman. Thus, this definition implies that to end sexism, other oppressive institutions must also be abolished. Another issue that must be addressed is the negative connotation of the label “feminism”. Popular culture and the media tend to portray members of this movement as angry, man-hating radicals who burn bras. These descriptions are popularized by misconceptions surrounding the word ‘feminism’ in itself - the word gives off the idea that feminism is all about taking the patriarchy down to create a matriarchal system. On the contrary, it’s about making the genders equal. Women do not hate men. Furthermore, feminists believe men to be capable of holding values of equality to help make our goals possible. The aim for this club is to create a comfortable, open place on our school’s campus for students of all backgrounds to create a forum for discussion. We will center our meetings around topics to inspire free thought and hopefully bring people to share their ideas and beliefs on the focus area. We also plan to raise awareness of sexism and inequality within our lives, homes, workplace and world by informing students with facts. To do so we will examine current global events as well as topics closer to home. Also, we plan on taking fundraising for organizations that benefit the cause and on volunteering at organizations that support young women, children and those oppressed by the institution of sexism.
In closing, we would like to reiterate the fact that feminism is for everyone. This includes people of all genders, sexualities, races, social classes, and cultures. We believe that many people on this campus will directly benefit from this club. Several students and teachers alike agree that feminism is beneficial to all. Our objective is to construct rather than divide, to contribute, rather than detract. Thank you for your time."
That was written by a pair of juniors. More often than not, this generation impresses me so freaking much.
F-locked.
Good morning and thank you for letting us take this opportunity to speak about a subject we find extremely important. Our names are (redacted). We are here today to repeal ASB’s decision to deny Feminist Club. According to the information provided to us by ASB, this club was turned down based on two assumptions: that the club is not inclusive and that its name has a negative connotation.
First off, we would like to clear up any possible understandings about Feminism as a movement and its goals. The definition of “feminism”, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities” or “organized activity in support of women's rights and interests”. However, this definition is considered by many, including ourselves, to be too simplistic, overlooking the fact that many women are disadvantaged by racism, class, sexuality and other oppressive institutions. This definition was broadened by bell hooks, an American feminist and author in the 1960’s and 70’s, to state that feminism is "a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression". We use this to set goals that will include everyone, regardless of whether or not they identify as a woman. Thus, this definition implies that to end sexism, other oppressive institutions must also be abolished. Another issue that must be addressed is the negative connotation of the label “feminism”. Popular culture and the media tend to portray members of this movement as angry, man-hating radicals who burn bras. These descriptions are popularized by misconceptions surrounding the word ‘feminism’ in itself - the word gives off the idea that feminism is all about taking the patriarchy down to create a matriarchal system. On the contrary, it’s about making the genders equal. Women do not hate men. Furthermore, feminists believe men to be capable of holding values of equality to help make our goals possible. The aim for this club is to create a comfortable, open place on our school’s campus for students of all backgrounds to create a forum for discussion. We will center our meetings around topics to inspire free thought and hopefully bring people to share their ideas and beliefs on the focus area. We also plan to raise awareness of sexism and inequality within our lives, homes, workplace and world by informing students with facts. To do so we will examine current global events as well as topics closer to home. Also, we plan on taking fundraising for organizations that benefit the cause and on volunteering at organizations that support young women, children and those oppressed by the institution of sexism.
In closing, we would like to reiterate the fact that feminism is for everyone. This includes people of all genders, sexualities, races, social classes, and cultures. We believe that many people on this campus will directly benefit from this club. Several students and teachers alike agree that feminism is beneficial to all. Our objective is to construct rather than divide, to contribute, rather than detract. Thank you for your time."
That was written by a pair of juniors. More often than not, this generation impresses me so freaking much.
F-locked.