My earliest exposure to feminism and feminists was
when I was at my last college. It was when the restroom situation was just
starting. Everyone was freaking out and not happy with the new rules. Since
they did not like the fact you could go into any restroom that you choose. Eventually the school put in an all gender
restroom. A lot of the other students then were not complaining about the
situation as much as before.
With some additional researching, along with the
first few classes and the first chapter of the book. I came to understand why
the previous school decided to put in an all gender restroom. At first when it
was announced I completely did not understand why the school decided to do
that.
For lingering questions or points of concern. I am not sure what this class will all cover. But I look forward to what will happen in this class. This will be my first experience in any class that is GSW course. .
I think it is very interesting that you brought up the whole bathroom debate. When I first heard about this, I honestly didn't understand what the big deal was. If a male wanted to define himself as a female and use a women's bathroom, then go for it. Now that I have taken a gender studies class before, I definitely do see why this was such a big debate. There is a lot of potential for other individuals to become extremely uncomfortable under these circumstances, and there is also the possibility of pedaphiles taking advantage of this. In the end, I do strongly agree with gender-neutral bathrooms and the good cause that they are for. Looking back at how feminism ties into this. I do think it would help women feel more safe with gender neutral bathrooms cause of all of the different bad things that could happen if we didn't provide that option. Lastly, my first experience with a GSW class was last year and I loved it! It was definitely interesting getting to learn about topics that aren't the "same old same old" stuff that we learn every single year in high school.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the bathroom debate being an interesting point to make! I read a memoir of a transgender women's journey called Redefining Realness by Janet Mock. This book was very insightful when it came to the idea of gender identity and equality. Prostitution, sex reassignment surgery, and ridicule all faced when learning her true identity over time. This book makes questions like the bathroom debate being an important topic to be discussed. Who is uncomfortable is this situation? Not just the women who make it their business what the sexual identity is of the other person, but the other person who is forced to use the bathroom not fit to their identity. Can it be as simple as adding unisex or "family" restrooms?
ReplyDeleteIt's a tricky thing to balance both safety and comfort. As a woman myself I can understand the initial fear about the misuse of letting trans females use female restrooms, because of the fear that I've been taught to have towards anyone biologically male. Guys are really intimidating for me.
DeleteThanks for sharing the example from your previous school. Did the school explain its actions to the public and those at the school? That's such an important component with any kind of change.
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